Hudson Berkshire Wine Festival Plans Announced

The 2nd annual Hudson Berkshire Wine Festival will take place May 24-25 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham, NY.

The 2nd Annual Hudson Berkshire Wine and Food Festival will feature the five beverage trail members - including some of our very own from Albany County - plus other regional wineries, distilleries, cideries and craft breweries. There will also be delicious foods for sale and sampling including gourmet cheeses and creameries, baked goods, grass fed meat producers, crafters, artisans and more!

Johnny and Professor Louie

Throughout the weekend there will be special guest appearances and book signings, seminars of wine and food pairings, home brewing, and cheese making by some of the region’s foremost experts. In addition, Celebrity Chef and Culinary Rocker, Johnny Ciao, will appear on stage to prepare several of his inventive California-style dishes on stage before performing on the harmonica with Blues Hall of Fame Inductees Professor Louie and Miss Marie!

Professor Louie has produced some of the music world's biggest names including New York State's very own legendary group The Band. His music is a delicious blend of Americana, and he will be part of Johnny's Culinary All-Star Band. He performs on piano and accordion accompanied by Miss Marie on vocals and percussion. Johnny will also be on hand at his booth on Saturday and Sunday meeting, greeting, sharing stories and signing cookbooks.

Dates and Times:
Saturday, May 24th from 11 am - 6 pm
Sunday, May 25 from 11 am - 5 pm

Tickets:
A Tasting Ticket includes admission, souvenir tasting glass, and all the wine, beer and spirits you care to taste for one price.
One Day Tasting - $25.00
One Day General Admission - $10.00 (Designated Driver/ Non- Beverage Tasting Tickets)

Click on "Purchase Tickets" tab at the website to buy online www.hudsonberkshirewinefestival.com.

Mac & Cheese... and Wine!

Spend this Saturday on the Hudson-Berkshire Beverage Trail sampling amazing craft beverages AND home-cooked macaroni and cheese dishes specially prepared for this event. Purchase a Trail Passport at any one of the five venues on the beverage trail for just $20 ($5 for designated drivers)!

If you can't make it on the trail this weekend, you can always head to Hudson-Chatham Winery on Wednesday, April 30, from 5:30 - 7:30 for a Hump Day Happy Hour with complimentary wine and food. This celebration of mid-week and mid-spring is sponsored by Ameriprise, who are opening an office in Valatie. So come out, have a glass of wine, and chat with friends old and new. Oh, and there will be door prizes, too! A reservation is requested and can be made by calling the winery at 518-392-9463.

Other events to add to your calendar:

Saturday, May 3: Vertical Tasting of Hudson-Chatham Merlot from 1-3 pm
A very special wine - and food - event where we sample our Merlots from 2007 up to what's currently aging in the barrel. A fun and fabulous way to compare and contrast some great vintages! $25/person ($20 for Case Club members). Reservations required.

Saturday, May 17: Private Wine Dinner from 6:30-9:30 pm
We're pairing our wines with an outrageous "Southern"-themed, multiple-course menu prepared by Chef David Robinson, founder of the incredible Culinary Command program. We guarantee good eating - and lots of wine-pairing discoveries for your own summer menus. Limited seating. Reservations required. ($75/person; $65/person for Case Club members.)

Saturday and Sunday, May 24 & 25: 2nd Annual Hudson Berkshire Wine & Food Festival at the Chatham Fairgrounds, featuring a dozen wineries, multiple distilleries, breweries, and cider makers - as well as lots of food - at the gorgeous and conveniently located Chatham Fairgrounds. For more information, go to www.hudsonberkshireexperience.com.