In 2006 when Dan and Jacqui Heavens purchased their wine trail event ticket, they had no idea 14 years later they would own a winery. It was during that event that they discovered Glorie Farm Winery. They kept coming back.
When Jacqui saw that Glorie Farm Winery was for sale, she jokingly sent it to her husband Dan. That “joke” soon led the two to purchase the winery from Doug and MaryEllen Glorie.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Dan and Jacqui recently and talk about the winery and what they plan for the future.
Just after our interview where they briefly mentioned the change, they changed the name of the winery to Quartz Rock Vineyard at Nightingale Farm.
While the name has changed, they will be keeping the legacy going of what the Glorie’s began.
Listen to the podcast and learn about Dan and Jacqui Heavens and their plans for the winery.
You don’t realize how much you miss a place until Covid restricted you from visiting. I love the Hudson Valley and it will always be my home. My first time out visiting in September since the pandemic hit I found myself at Robibero Winery.
Robibero holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been with them from the beginning. The relationship began years ago, sitting on my back deck discussing the winery. I’ve been their cheerleader from day one. I’ve watched them plant grapes on the property that originally didn’t have any. Now fast forward and one of my babies is grown up and expanding. They have made some wonderful additions like the fire pit, pizza oven, planted more grapes and now building a new production facility.
I spent the afternoon with Tiffany Robibero and Kristop Brown their winemaker (who I’ve also seen blossom into one of the regions best winemakers) catching up and tasting some really nice wines.
Before we got into the wines, they showed me the new construction project going on just outside the building. WOW! Harry was at it and so thrilled to share with me what is going to be “the most beautiful barrel room you can imagine.” Downstairs is 5000 square feet. “Brick or stone on the inside, water flowing through the walls, barrels on both sides and a concrete egg on the end. A big mural on the other large wall. Way in the back a corresponding room where deliveries will be handled. They will have 15 tanks and Kristop will have a nice lab. Upstairs is 2500 square feet. It will be a great space for special events. Perhaps Tiffany might get an office up there. We’ll have to wait and see. Also new will be a nice crush pad and new press.
You can just see the excitement in Harry, Tiffany and Kristop’s face with the new addition. I can’t wait to see the finished project!
Now upstairs to taste some wine! What I like and respect is the names of the wines all mean something personal to the Robibero Family. Drinking their wines, you learn a little about them.
We started with the 2018 Cabernet Franc. This is estate Cabernet Franc planted in 2015. In 2017 they harvested 4 barrels worth and it was blended into Tough and Stray. In 2018 they got yielded enough for 6 barrels / 102 cases and this year the vineyard is fully producing and they expect to get 10 barrels. The wine had nice fruit, cherry, cranberry but what I loved best was that black pepper spice on the finish.
We headed to the barrel room to taste the 2020 Cabernet Franc. This wine was pretty tannic and won’t be ready for some time. The grapes were 22 brix when picked and the growing season was nice and even. Not to hot with warm days and cool nights in the fall that drove up the fruit. Kristop believes as the vines are maturing so is the fruit. There was a lot of raspberry on this. It will be interesting to see the finished product.
Next selections were the Rose wines. Two very different wines with different personalities.
2020 Reserve Rose - This is a very special Rose as there were only two barrels made, That equates to 48 cases. This rose was put in neutral oak barrels. The color is magenta, it is a bit oaky, it’s medium-bodied with an oiliness to the palate. The palate is sexy. This is a nice food wine.
2020 New Yorkie Rose - This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc 50/50. The grapes were picked early, with higher acid lower sugar from Long Island. You can taste the salinity along with notes of strawberry and red berry. It’s light body, fresh and a fun Rose.
2019 Merlot - bottled 2 months ago and the grapes came from Long Island grapes. Usually they use the Merlot to blend in other wines but they decided to bottle it straight. (probably because it was so good!) Once again you can taste the salinity from growing so close to the water. Aged for 12 months in French oak, notes of plum and dark cherry.
2020 Sienna - named after Tiffany’s daughter is 85% Stainless Steel Chardonnay with 15% Riesling. The Riesling gives the blend the acidity. It’s a beautiful blend. Nice and light with stone fruit shining through
2020 Sienna Reserve - Once again this is a special selection with 1 barrel made. It’s the same blend as the Sienna 85% Stainless Steel Chardonnay and 15% Riesling but in oaked. It went through malolactic fermentation was blended together and oaked together in second used French oak. The nose so different from the above Sienna. The Riesling really shines on the nose with hints of stone fruit. The wine is soft, oaky but not overpowering oak. It’s delightful to sit and watch the sunset.
Enjoy a short video of all the sights and tastes of the visit.
It's spring time in the Hudson Valley and that means the Shawangunk Wine Trail is getting ready for their first event of the season ~ Pasta Primo Vino Saturday & Sunday April 14 & 15.
This event is a great way to introduce yourself to the wineries of the Hudson Valley. A one day ticket is $23.76 but for an additional $5 and change $28.27 you can get the two day ticket. Regardless of the ticket, you have the opportunity to visit all 12 wineries on the Shawangunk Wine Trail, receive a small tapas of pasta at each winery along with wine tastings.
The weather being what it's been, it should be a nice weekend for winetasting. If you live locally and want to purchase your tickets to the event click here. Tickets at the door are $30. If you are traveling from out of town, Exclusive Wine Vacations is offering a weekend package starting at $399 and includes 2 nights lodging, 2 - 2 day tickets to the Pasta Primo Vino. Transportation is not included and you must purchase by Tuesday April 10, 2012.
After being open for 18 months Robibero Family Vineyards has joined the Shawangunk Wine Trail. Robibero is located in the former Rivendell Winery on the northern end of the trail in New Paltz. They are a great addition to the wine trail!
When traveling the Shawangunk Wine Trail whether it is during events or just a day out winetasting, here are the list and locations of the 12 wineries.
Northern End (New Paltz ) Robibero Family Vineyards, Whitecliff Vineyards, Adair Vineyards
Upper Middle (Pine Bush) Baldwin Vineyards, Brimstone Hill Vineyards
Lower Middle (Washingtonville/Highland Mills) Brotherhood Winery, Palaia Vineyards
Southern End (Warwick) Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, Applewood Winery
Eastern Spur (Marlboro) Benmarl Winery, Stoutridge Vineyards, Glorie Farm Winery
It's spring and the Shawangunk Wine Trail has it's annual event - Pasta Primo Vino April 16 & 17. This is a great event to introduce yourself to the wineries of the Shawangunk Wine Trail.
As you travel the wine trail each winery will have a pasta sampling paired with the wines. You will find the following pairings:
Adair Vineyards - Southwestern Pasta Bean Salad
Applewood Winery - Spring Pasta Salad with Fresh Vegetables & a Lemon Vinaigrette
Baldwin Vineyards - Baked Rigatoni with Ricotta & Fresh Basil
Benmarl Vineyards - Gnocci in a Sage & Butter Sauce
Brimstone Hill Vineyards - French Pasta Provencal
Brotherhood Winery - Orzo with Mushrooms
Glorie Farm Winery - Sassy Peanut Pasta
Palaia Winery - Pasta Ai Quattro Formaggi with Italian Semolina Bread
Stoutridge Vineyards - TBA
Warwick Winery & Distillery - Pasta & Homemade Sweet Italian Sausage & Shaved Fennel
Whitecliff Vineyards - Cacia de Pepe, a Roman Specialty Cheese & Black Pepper
The event cost is $25.34 and begins at 10am each day and ends at 6pm. You can purchase tickets on the Shawangunk Wine Trail's website.
I am singing Christmas carols and decorating my tree , thanks to Brotherhood Winery getting my Christmas spirit charged up. Tonight I went with two of my crazy girlfriends(only ones kidless)to their Tree Lighting, we enjoyed a bottle of Riesling inside the beautiful warm tasting room. We giggled and enjoyed the art work on the walls, look carefully their are hearts in the stones….
The tree lighting was beautiful with festive tunes and we all sang along. Santa was there to help and after the lighting there were movies for the kids in the main house.
Of course where there is Santa there will be cookies and hot cocoa for all…. Great memories and an awesome time with good friends…. I highly suggest you mark this event on your calendar as it is all free except the wine and definitely fun for the entire family.
This weekend is the Bounty of the Hudson Wine Festival. This year it is being held at Warwick Valley Winery in Warwick NY. New this year - each of the Shawangunk Wine Trail wineries will be paired with a restaurant that will be preparing samples to pair with their wine. The restaurants will also be selling food as I understand it. Here are the restaurant - winery pairings: Chumleys BBQ paired with Adair Vineyards; Jean Claudes Bakery paired with Applewood Winery; Bellvale Creamery paired with Baldwin Vineyards; Nobel Pies paired with Brimstone Hill Vineyards; Chef Shaun paired with Brotherhood Winery; Lady Finger Bake Shoppe paired with Glorie Farm Winery; Storm King Eatery paired with Palaia Vineyard; Sprout Creek paired with Stoutridge Vineyards; Landmark Inn (one day) Iron Forge Inn (one day) paired with Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery; Cafe Mio paired with Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery.
This is the only festival featuring only Hudson Valley Wines in one place. Save $5 on your wine taster tickets by using code HVWG (only good on advance ticket sales). This will be the last time I will be able to offer you specials for Shawangunk Wine Trail events. So please take advantage of it.
There will be chef demonstrations this year by Chef Janet of the French Culinary Institute and music by E'lisa Jones on Saturday and Tim O'Donohou and the TMU Band on Sunday.
Other attending wineries are Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Pazdar Winery, Robibero Winery, Cereghino Smith Winery, Clinton Vineyards, Hudson-Chatham Winery and Cascade Winery.
Here are pictures from last years Bounty that was held at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery.
Sunday I'm in Benmarl Winery and their 2008 Riesling was just off their bottling line. Straight from bottling line to glass. I did give it a taste and purchased a bottle to bring home and have a real good taste.
I uncorked the bottle 3 days later. I might not have given it enough time to rest, but I was anxious.
On the nose I got pineapple with soft peach, apricot and hints of citrus in the background. The taste was soft and crisp with a little acidity and lime. Not much other fruit. However on the finish there was hints of apricot, with green apple on a long finish.
The 2010 Wine & Beer Festival will take place on Saturday, June 26, 2010 from 1pm to 6pm at Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, NY. The event will feature Brotherhood’s famous collection of wines and Yuengling’s amazing assortment of beers along with many other favorite fine craft breweries and some really cool rock and blues bands.
The 2010 Wine & Beer Festival will take place on Saturday, June 26, 2010 from 1pm to 6pm at Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, NY. The event will feature Brotherhood’s famous collection of wines and Yuengling’s amazing assortment of beers along with many other favorite fine craft breweries and some really cool rock and blues bands.
Established in 1839, Brotherhood Winery, officially the Oldest Winery in America, has been creating an amazing variety of wines and champagnes for over 170 years and is home to the oldest and largest underground wine cellars in the country.
Founded in 1829, Yuengling Brewing Company, officially the Oldest Brewery in America, is a family owned company in Pottsville, PA now in its sixth generation spanning over 180 years of continuous operation.
It will be a great day of wine, beer and BBQ. Tickets for the event are $60 per person and include food, entertainment and unlimited beer and wine sampling. Tickets are available on the Brotherhood Winery website.
This weekend the Shawangunk Wine Trail hosts their annual "Around the World in 80 Miles" event. Each of the 11 wineries on the wine trail transform themselves to another country, decorate the winery and serve a tapas dish from that country paired with their wines.
The event begins at 10am each day and the wineries close at 6pm. That gives you plenty of time to travel the trail. Ticket prices are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. You can purchase ticket on the Shawangunk Wine Trail website until 6pm Thursday.
Here is the list of wineries and what country they will become for the weekend. The wineries that informed me what Tapas they are serving are listed as well.
Stoutridge Vineyards – USA
Palaia Vineyards – Italy
Whitecliff Winery – China - serving Pork and Vegetable Chinese Dumplings
After a quick exchange of wine trail companions, drop off mom and pick up Ashleigh it was on to the next 5 wineries. At least the switch off gave me some time to sober up after the previous 6 wineries of half glass tastings.
The next stop was Whitecliff which in all honesty is not one of my favorites and actually none of the next 5 are on my top 5 wineries of the valley list (this will change as the day progresses). With the pasta dish they served an ’08 merlot which seemed to be a great pairing. Definitely was impressed by this winery and enjoyed there Red tail a sweeter berry red and I enjoyed their Awosting White as it was dry yet sweet and refreshing definitely perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. Thank goodness they served us actual tasting sizes here.
Adair was hands down Ashleigh’s favorite winery and boy was I glad to make it here as it always seems it is last on my trial list and I never ever make it. The spring orzo pasta left a lot to be desired but it did pair well with the Cayuga white. We enjoyed all the wines we tasted but the Kir Rouge was amazing - a red and blackberry wine blend, perfect for sipping anytime. Not to heavy and perfect for any event, a close second was the Peche the amount of peach flavor in this was surprising but perfect, now where is the fruit salad to go with it. Ok well three more to go and not sure I am going to make it glad Ashleigh is here with a clean palette and clear mind, at this point everything has started to become fuzzy.
All day I kept hearing about Glorie Farms kicked up mac and cheese and boy did I need some food, they paired it with the Seyval Blanc which was amazing. This wine had a vanilla taste with a dry peppery finish, not one I would drink alone but with this dish awesome. The recipe for the mac and cheese is on their website and I suggest it to everyone. I truly did not enjoy any of the wines I tried until they allowed us to try their new Candy ass Red a sweeter red with hints of raspberry, but crisp and smooth. This is definitely a keeper for them.
On the short 2 minute ride to stoutridge I quickly explain to Ashleigh how this winery is a little different and that the wines at first taste are a little different as they are organic and unprocessed. I know this because it has taken me 3 trips to find any wines here that I enjoy, but the history of the land and the process they use makes it a winery not to miss. I only enjoyed the Frontenac probably because of the blackberry taste; at this point it seems anything with a berry type taste is on my good list. Time for our coffee chaser; always look forward to the coffee here, and definitely the pep up we need to make it to Benmarl.
Benmarl the last stop. They only offered one white their trimanette a lot of citrus but very dry. The Dechaunac was def my favorite red of the trail and I did buy 2 bottles because the Cia brother had to taste it. You cannot miss the mix of cherry and vanilla spice in every sip of this wine, just amazing. The CIA brother served this at a dinner he cooked for friends and they were all raving about it. We also got to taste the Baco noir not on the tasting list but definitelywould be great with a steak, smoky, dry smooth delicious. Ashleigh enjoyed the Sangria. We did get to go into the wine cellar at Benmarl and if you ever get the chance it is pretty amazing with bottles of wine dated back to when they opened, and a great ambiance.
Eleven wineries in 8 hours and I am still standing and kind of making sense. I think if the wine trial was spread out over 2 days it would give people a better feel of the true tastes of HV wine, however doing all eleven in one day definitely something to experience. Each winery has it s own amazing ambiance and view of the Hudson Valley. Even if you do not make it to a trail event, pack a picnic lunch and go enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at any of these wineries, you will not be disappointed
May is Riesling Month in New York State and Applewood Winery is celebrating this weekend May 1 & 2 with their annual New York Riesling Experience which begins at 12pm each day.
There will be food and wine pairings, chef demonstrations, recipes, comparative Riesling tastings and live entertainment. Admission is $10 in advance (must be purchased by Friday, April 30) and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased http://thenewyorkrieslingexperience.eventbrite.com/
According to Jonathan Hull - Owner/Winemaker at Applewood "Riesling vines are tough. They thrive in cold climates, on steep hillsides, and in marginal soil. The green-skinned grapes ripen later than many other varieties, and sometimes are left hanging on the vine to produce sweet late harvest wines or even ice wines when the grapes actually freeze on the vines. The aromas in the wine that the Riesling grape produces tend to be pear, apple, jasmine, lime, honey and some spice. The flavors range from bright, fresh citrus to ripe tropical fruit. During the New York Riesling Experience, customers will have the opportunity to taste the many different variety of wines the Riesling grape produces."
This event is the beginning of a very active event season in the Hudson Valley Wine Country. I will be covering many of the upcoming events. I will be attending the New York Riesling Experience on Sunday. Look for my review later next week. I hope to see some of you there.
Contributor - Chrystal Corsinoaka "The Babysitter"
After a few pushes and some education from the Hudson Valley Wine Goddess and my culinary graduate brother I finally at 27 discovered wine at the 2009 pasta event. Last year was my first experiences with Hudson Valley wine, and wine that wasn’t Sutter Home or the 5.99 Walmart special. I was hooked immediately and a year ago sweet white wines were all I would drink and taste. Fast forward a year later to the 2010 event where it was slightly noticeable my palette for wines is maturing and changing. Prior to the event I had begun to enjoy more red wines and slightly dryer wines as well. This is my experience on the wine trail with my mom, Ashleigh and the 17 year old DD who I babysat for when he was 3.
We started our trek at Palaia, venturned to Applewood, Warwick, Brotherhood, Brimstone, Baldwin, Whitecliff, Adair, Glorie, Stoutridge, Benmarl. For 10:15 AM Palia was hopping with a slightly older crowd. Mom fit right in - the tasting bar was full so we started with their pasta as our breakfast. I was very happy to finally get to taste there mead wine which I enjoyed very much as it wasn’t as thick as Brotherhoods Carol Mead. Had to leave with a bottle as they were giving a 10% discount. The mead and joyful pink were definitely our two favorite picks here but of course maybe the reds were just not right for breakfast. We decided a nice long ride to the Warwick wineries was in order so at least it would be closer to noon for the next tasting. This is where the pouring got to be half glasses rather then the normal tasting size, we were going to be in trouble for sure.
Arriving at Applewood Winery the Rigatoni Provencal was delicious and the pairing with the International Red was perfect. I really enjoyed this red as it was on the sweet side of course. Mom’s favorite was the hard cider mixed with blackberry wine - guess I know what her mothers day gift will be. This is where the event seemed to slow down. There were less and less people at each winery as our day progressed. Many times we were the only people at the winery. As we were leaving Applewood mom came up with the quote of the day (yes after 2 wineries) “I’m not drunk, I’m happy”.
Next stop was one of my usual favorites Warwick Valley. Unfortunately they were out of all of my favorites and the Pinot, Cab Franc, and the Riesling they did have was less then impressive to me. They were all very dry. Even to dry for my mother who usually enjoys the drier wines. Ok thank goodness a 20-30 min ride to regroup - off to Brotherhood. Brotherhood was more crowded than the other two wineries we had left. My type of crowd – they a very happy loud young crowd. Just what I needed to brighten up the dull day. I really enjoy their Riesling as it is a little dry with a sweet finish but isn’t to sweet like some Riesling I have tasted. The Pinot Noir was also very smooth, peppery and smoky and enjoyable a sign of my changing taste. By the time we left Brotherhood mom and I were less than sober and mom was looking a little green. She was definitely still having fun and with 2 more wineries for her before she switched off with Ashleigh it was getting scary.
Mom opted out of going in Brimstone and who could blame her is all I can say. Brimstone is less then impressive. Next and last stop for mom was Baldwin. They were also busy with a few large groups arriving in limos, we walk up to the wine bar and the list has 8 yes 8 tastings, I thought mom was going die when she saw this. They were more then generous with the food portions and the wine. Last year my favorite was Josephs Vintage and this year it was way to sweet for me…instead I enjoyed there Chardonnay dry and smooth, the Port which is perfect for putting on top of ice cream and the new Blueberry Wine-a-Rita was superb. There Merlot smelled like berries but was smoky dry and very bitter, the illusions which I also enjoyed last time was flavorless. At this point my DD is very amused by the shenigans between mom and I it was a great day with her sipping wines and enjoying eachothers company, yet mom needed a nap for sure and I still had 5 wineries to go yikes.
These are busy times in Hudson Valley Wine Country. This past weekend was the opening of the Hudson-Berkshire Beverage Trail and now this upcoming weekend is the Shawangunk Wine Trail's Pasta Primo Vino.
Pasta Primo Vino is a great way to introduce yourself to the Shawangunk Wine Trail wineries, celebrate Spring and Bud Break all for one low ticket price of $22 plus tax. That one price allows you tasting at all 11 wineries on the Shawangunk Wine Trail for the day and they will each be offering free samplings of a pasta dish. The event runs from 10am to 6pm - so you have 8 hours to taste at 11 wineries if you choose to visit all of them.
Here is what they will be serving:
Adair Vineyards - Spring Orzo Salad.
Applewood Winery - Rigatoni Provencal
Benmarl Winery – Gnocci with sage & Butter sauce
Brimstone Hill – Pasta Provencal
Glorie Farm Winery – Kicked up Mac & Cheese
Whitecliff Vineyards - Pasta Fagioli
Warwick Valley Winery – Lasagna Bolgnese & Vegetarian Lasagna
Palaia Vineyards - Penne Chicken Pesto Ragazzi
Stoutridge Vineyards – American Cold Pasta Salad
Brotherhood Winery- Orzo Pasta with wild mushrooms, herbs and truffle oil
Baldwin Vineyards - Baked Four Cheese Pasta
I am sure many of the wineries will have some of their new releases available, especially the 2009 whites. I encourage you to purchase you tickets in advance. Advance ticket sales end April 15 at 6pm. Tickets sold at the door will be at a higher cost.
I am looking forward to hear about your experiences on the trail during Pasta Primo Vino. Here is a look at some of my experiences from the event.
I am not much for sweet after dinner wines, but the more I taste and experience, the more I am beginning to like them. I don't know if that's good or bad.
This Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery's 2007 Port is made from 100% Frontenac and the grape brandy was distilled from their Seyval.
Tasting notes one word - Craisin. Yes - a little cranberry, a little dried cherry and a juicy raisin on the finish. That juicy raisin finish is like taking a handful of Sunmaid Raisins and tossing them in your mouth.(like you did when your were a kid) Sweet but not overly sweet was this Port.
It was nice to sit back an relax with this port after a wonderful dinner.
This is a new release from Whitecliff - the 2009 Riesling. Some if it is estate grown and some of it comes from other regions in New York. I'd say it is a good sampling of a New York Riesling with an emphasis on estate grown grapes. A winemakers' note - the grapes were high in acid when harvested.
The wine is rated a high medium dry based on the International Riesling Profile set forth by the International Riesling Foundation. Layman terms - about 1% - 1.5% residual sugar.
I tasted this wine twice - once in the tasting room and once at home with my husband with my purchase. The taste was consistent. The wine had peach on the bouquet with a hint of lime. It had an overall nice balance and mouth feel.
A first the wine had a slight mineral taste on the finish. However, once the wine opened up, there was actually a bit of acid left behind on the after taste on the roof of your palate.
This wine will go very well with Asian dishes or a dish with as light spice.
Join Palaia Vineyards beginning Thursday February 11 as they begin the weekend celebration of Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras.Thursday evening from 7p - 10p special treats for the ladies that include chocolate of course. Pair the chocolate with their Cab Franc or Merot - yummm! Saturday night is the incredible band "Groovy Tuesday" for a valentine's evening of fun from 7-10. And, Sunday the 4 perfectly blended voices of "JADE" from 2:30-5:30.
Friday February 12th is Mardi Gras night with masks and beads at the door and the fabulous Bruce Perone playing from 7-10. I will be thinking of all of you celebrating Mardi Gras at Palaia as I will be New Orleans celebrating and collecting beads for next years party.
Don't forget food is available at Palaia - try their gourmet bread/fruit/cheese and antipasto platters to more substantial fare such as chili, soup and baked clams.
