Raise your hand if this long, humid summer in the city has you in desperate need of a getaway. Us, too. Roughly 90 minutes outside of the city, the Shawangunk Wine Trail connects more than a dozen farm wineries in Ulster and Orange Counties. Set against the backdrop of the Shawangunk Mountains and the Hudson River, the 80-mile route has all the makings for a dreamy weekend getaway. Here’s where to stop and what to drink along the Ulster County leg of the Shawangunk Wine Trail.
GARDINER
Whitecliff Vineyard
Red? White? Bubbles? Rosé? Whitecliff Vineyard’s wide selection of wines has something for every type of wine drinker, plus bourbon for those that prefer spirits. One of the trail’s larger vineyards, it grows 20 different kinds of grapes, and while often busy, the friendly staff is incredibly attentive. Plus, you can bring your best dog friend or simply steal a cuddle from the vineyard pup.
8331 Mckinstry Rd., Gardiner; 845.255.4613 or whitecliffwine.com.
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PINE BUSH, NEW YORK
Baldwin Vineyards
Isn’t berry season the best season? This second-generation winery hosts a strawberry, chocolate and wine tasting each weekend throughout the summer and early fall. You’ll taste all the wines paired with strawberry and chocolate desserts while listening to live music.
176 Hardenburgh Rd., Pine Bush; 845.744.2226 or baldwinvineyards.com.
Brimstone Hill Vineyard
It doesn’t look like much when you first pull up, but this 10-acre vineyard is known for wines that tend to be a bit more experimental, including a sparkling wine that will help you savor summer.
61 Brimstone Hill Rd., Pine Bush; 845.744.2231 or brimstonehillwinery.
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MARLBORO, NEW YORK
Benmarl Winery
Set on 37 acres, with breathtaking views of the Hudson River Valley, Benmarl Winery is full of history (it’s one of the oldest farms in New York State), has a dry rosé we could drink all year long and even has a bed and breakfast so you can tuck in for the night after your wine tasting.
156 Highland Ave., Marlboro; 845.236.4265 or benmarl.com.
Glorie Farm Winery
Warning: You’ll find it hard to leave this laid-back winery once you arrive. Glorie Farm began as a fruit farm before expanding into a small winery that produces roughly 2,000 bottles a year. You’ll find a mix of red, white and fruit wines, but they’re perhaps best known for their cabernet franc.
40 Mountain Rd., Marlboro; 845.236.3265 or gloriewine.com.
Stoutridge Vineyard
Whether you love the funky earthiness of natural wines or you’re a natural wine newbie, Stoutridge Vineyard is for you. The friendly staff will explain the natural wine process while giving you a tour of the vineyard before or after your tasting.
10 Ann Kaley Lane, Marlboro; 845.236.7620 or stoutridge.com.
NEW PALTZ, NEW YORK
Robibero Winery
Sample the wines, make s’mores at the fire pit and then fall asleep among the vines at this small vineyard, which transforms into a campsite at night. Advance reservations are recommended for either pulling up your camper or pitching a tent.
714 Albany Post Rd., New Paltz; 845.255.9463 or obiberofamilyvineyards.com.
Pro Tips: Pick up a Hudson Valley Wine Tasting Passport beforehand and you’ll receive one regular wine tasting at each of the member wineries and don’t forget to check out the Shawangunk Wine Trail website for a list of upcoming special events.
