Four Albany Favorites Create Albany Craft Beverage Trail

If you suggested 10 years ago that small, “craft” beverages would be all beer and spirit lovers would be talking about today, you may have gotten some funny looks. However, last year alone craft beer sales were up 17.6% and accounted for 22% of the market (source). Of course, beer is just one small portion of the craft beverage scene today, especially in Albany. 

Recently, the craft beverage players in Albany, NY grouped together to form the Albany Craft Beverage Trail. All located along Broadway and only about 1 mile from each other, C.H. Evans Brewing Company, Albany Distilling Co., Nine Pin Cider Works, and Druthers Brewing Co. have teamed up to promote the facilities of craft and farm-based beverage producers in the County of Albany, New York.

These four Albany favorites are celebrating the collaboration with their inaugural event on October 3 from 12-5 PM – Drink Albany! Join the festivities at Quackenbush Square in downtown Albany to learn more about Albany’s craft beverage producers and to try samples from each. There will also be live music and over 30 vendors and food trucks to ensure that everyone has a fun-filled afternoon.

To stay up to date with what’s going on with the Albany Craft Beverage Trail, follow them on Facebook and Twitter! 

BACO-NALIA at the Hudson-Chatham Winery

Did you know that the Hudson Valley is the oldest wine making and grape growing regions in America? More than 100 years before the first vines were planted in present-day California, the French Huguenots had planted vines in the Hudson Valley near New Paltz, starting a wine-making legacy that still continues today.

Today, the friendly folks at the Hudson Chatham Winery continue that tradition on their rolling acres in Ghent, just a quick drive from Albany. Voted best local winery in the Capital Region by Capital Region Living Magazine, and recipient of many accolades and awards for their wines, Hudson-Chatham Winery is truly a destination for those seeking an authentic Hudson Valley wine experience.

Next weekend, on Saturday, October 18, the winery will be hosting a special BACO-NALIA event, in which all five Baco varieties will be released including: 2013 Estate Baco Noir (from their very own vineyard); 2013 Reserve Baco Noir, Casscles Vineyard; 2013 Middlehope Baco Noir (from their winemaker's vines he planted as a teenager); 2013 Baco Noir Old Vines; and 2013 Field Stone Baco Noir Old Vines (made by aging the wine with stones from the vineyard).

The release will be kicked off with a vertical tasting of all five wines in their tasting room from 1-3 pm. Lite fare will be served with the sit-down tasting. $40 per person.

Following, at 6:30 p.m., a Private Dinner will be served where each course, catered by  Blima's, is paired with one of the Bacos. That's a five-course meal with foods as varied as savory cakes to short ribs of beef and much more! $75 per person.

Space is limited and reservations are required for these special events. Email info@hudsonchathamwinery.com or call 518-392-9463.

Of course, the tasting room is open from 12 noon - 5 pm where visitors may sample all of the Baco varieties or choose from their regular list of delectable wines.

Hudson-Chatham Winery is part of the Hudson Berkshire Beverage Trail.

Spirit of Albany: New World Bistro Bar

In 2009 new life came to Delaware Avenue when restaurant New World Bistro Bar opened, helmed by accomplished Hudson Valley chef, Ric Orlando.

The menu introduced restaurant patrons to global fusion cuisine, in a buttoned-down, unfussy manner, and in a bigger sense created a new diction in the way enterprising foodies in the Capital Region ate. The restaurant is also consistently lauded for its impassioned commitment to local and sustainable food sourcing.

For the Spirit of Albany campaign, mix master and bar-keep, Sarah- Jane Mc Laughlin, wields an ambitious cocktail named after the punch-line of a joke, the “That’s All Benny.”

The jalapeno, coupled with the lime and fortified by vodka and apple liqueur, made for a beverage that requires an adventurous palate to imbibe. My appetizer – the Asian Guacamole - displayed an assertive fruitiness in the yuzu-ginger dressing, coupled with the cooling and refreshing cucumber and the buttery heft of the avocado.

The Asian Guacamole

At New World Bistro Bar one has time to notice – and in this case, admire – instances in the gastro-pub where coherency shines through with authentic ease. The physical space is one such example. Unlike lesser restaurants, New World Bistro took a cue from the street on which it’s perched and allowed some of the eclectic edge of Delaware Avenue to inform its dining space. The warm colors, exposed brick and unpretentious space deservedly continues to enhance the value proposition of this establishment; global cuisine and local pride.

Editor's note: We asked some of Albany’s best mixologists to create original cocktail recipes that embody the spirit of Albany, and we compiled those recipes into our 2014 Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide. In this exciting blog series local foodie Brigid Washington, a Culinary Institute of America grad and local restaurant consultant, explores each restaurant – it’s menu, it’s atmosphere, and of course, it’s custom cocktail – and provides her perspective on how it all comes together to create part of Albany’s creative culinary scene! (The ACCVB does not, in any way, condone drinking and driving so please designate a driver as we did for this series.)

Apples and Wine Signal Autumn's Arrival

Capital Region Apple & Wine Festival

One thing I’ve learned in my few years in destination marketing is that people travel on their stomachs. Some of the most successful destinations take a regional food, incorporate it into a festival, and voilà! People flock! Autumn brings many people to the Albany area for this simple reason: we have foliage, food, and festivals.

One of such festivals takes place this weekend at the Altamont Fairgrounds. The Capital Region Apple & Wine Festival will be the perfect complement to a weekend that is supposed to be mostly sunny and about 70 degrees. Enjoy a craft and quilt show, car show, food vendors, cooking demonstrations and wine tastings all day while music drifts through the fairgrounds. Tickets are a reasonable $8 for adults and can be purchased at the gate or in advance at Price Chopper locations through September 12. Parking is free, and more information can be found on their website.

Another event you wine lovers will want to add to your calendar is Hudson-Chatham Winery’s BACO-NALIA event on October 18th. If you’ve ever tasted their Baco Noir wine, you understand that it’s some pretty incredible stuff; just read the reviews on their new website here. Well, it’s very exciting to announce that they’ll be releasing some additional Baco Noirs in their tasting room that day: their first Estate Baco Noir (BN) made with grapes from the winery; the '13 BN Reserve Casscles Vineyard; the '13 BN Middle Hope Vineyard; and the '12 Field Stone BN. They join the already released '13 BN Old Vines.

Then, at 1 pm, they'll be doing a first-ever vertical tasting of the Baco Noir Old Vines. This is the chance to taste multiple vintages of this wonderful wine. The cost is a worthwhile $35 per person ($30 for their Case Club Members) and includes wines and food.

To cap the day, at 6 pm, they’re celebrating with a private wine dinner featuring only the Bacos. It'll be a true wine-and-dine celebration of Hudson-Chatham Bacos past and present, paired with a 5-course meal. This event costs $75 per person ($65 for Case Club Members). Email Hudson-Chatham winery about reservations to these events here.

For information on other events and festivals in the area, be sure to check out our events calendar!

Spirit of Albany spills into the Times Union

Today's Times Union newspaper features an article on our Spirit of Albany promotion. The Spirit of Albany began last year to promote the talent of our local mixologists and to encourage visitors to try new restaurants while learning something about Albany along the way, as the cocktails must include an element that represents our destination.

Twenty two original cocktail recipes have been created over the past two years - and they are all delicious! I'm only guessing, but I think the journalist had a great time writing this article. Jealous? Don't be! Request a free recipe guide here and then plan your journey around Albany. Remember to be safe and designate a driver, though!

Read the full Times Union article here.

Hudson-Chatham Winery Announces Summer Events!

We know you'll like this: Hudson-Chatham Winery recently announced a number of summer events that are perfect for weekends and weeknights alike! Take a look at the events below and make plans for your visit to the winery, located just southeast of Albany.

Wine Slushies Day
Saturday, June 7. 12-5
IceDelites will be making wine slushies from all-natural mixes and Hudson-Chatham wines. The perfect kick-off to summer. 12 to 5 pm

Wine & Cigars Night
Saturday, June 14. 5:30-7:30 pm (after regular winery hours)
The folks from Habana Cigar Shoppe in East Greenbush will be at the winery rolling cigars and sharing their expertise while guests smoke and taste wines and enjoy sliders and snacks. Reservations required. $25/person ($20 for our Case Club members). RSVP to info@hudsonchathamwinery.com.

Outdoor Movie Night
Saturday, July 12. 8 pm (after regular winery hours)
Join us as we show the highly entertaining wine-themed movie, Bottle Shock with Chris Pine. A fun movie based on a true story! Enjoy the movie under the stars! ($10 for movie and 1 glass of wine)

Clam Bake
Saturday, July 19. 1-4 open (winery open 12-5)
Clams, salads, corn, chicken, and dessert - all paired with your favorite Hudson-Chatham wines! More details to come.

7th Annual Sangria Festival
Saturday, August 9. 11-6
Our annual fiesta, complete with different sangrias, yummy foods, crafts, tarot card readings, henna tattoos, and flamenco guitar music by the renowned Maria Zemantauski & Jose Miralles!!

Other announcements from the winery:
We are now open Wednesdays through Sundays, 12 to 5 pm.
Back in Stock: Ghent Blush, Lindenwald White, Blanc de Blanc
Happy Hour Fridays start on June 6, when the winery remains open from 5 to 7 pm.
Sangria Sundays start on July 6, when we concoct a sangria to enjoy by the pitcher or the glass.

Hudson-Chatham Winery is part of the Hudson-Berkshire Beverage Trail. Other members of the trail include Brookview Station Winery at Goold Orchards, Harvest Spirits Distillery, Chatham Brewing, and others. Check out the trail website here for more details.

Craft Brew Alliance Beer Pairing Dinner at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

On Thursday, May 22nd, from 6 pm-9 pm, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen will be hosting a Craft Brew Alliance Beer Pairing dinner. If you haven't been to The Hollow, this is a perfect opportunity to see the many improvements that have been made to the historic space and sample some excellent food and paired brews.

Those interested in attending can pre-purchase tickets at the bar - and get an extra pint of one of the featured beers on the house! Call in your reservation today to (518) 426-8550 or email specialevents@thehollowalbany.com. 3 pints + 3 courses, just $40!

Here's the menu...

1st course:
Roasted + Grilled Spring Vegetables with Widmer Hefe Viniagrette
Beer Pairing: Widmer Hefe

Interior of The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
Photo credit: Times Union

2nd course:
Kona Castaway IPA-glazed Mahi-Mahi, Sautéed Chicken or Veggie Protein Filet, Grilled Tropical Fruit Salsa + served on Spring Risotto Cake.
Beer Pairing: Kona Castaway IPA

3rd course:
House-Made Macaroons with a Dark Chocolate Kona Koko Brown Sauce
Beer Pairing: Kona Koko Brown Ale

Guests that attend the dinner will also receive special pricing on subsequent pints of the Kona and Widmer featured beers for the rest of the evening.

Make your reservations today, as this event is sure to be a sell-out!

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.

Nine Pin Cider Opens; New Amber Rum at Albany Distilling

There’s been quite a buzz brewing in Albany with the recent opening of New York State’s first licensed farm cidery, Nine Pin Cider Works. On Friday, the owners hosted a ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate the launch of this new facility and four varieties, including one made with blueberries and another using apples exclusively from apples grown on the owner’s property.

The four varieties of apple cider served at the Nine Pin Open House
Photo from Nine Pin's Facebook page.

One of the questions I heard throughout the open house: where did the name Nine Pin come from? The answer, from their website (and also printed on their bottles): “1770. A revolutionary spirit echoes through the Hudson Valley. But Rip Van Winkle, beloved ne’er-do-well, meanders through the Catskill mountains. He follows the distant rolling thunder, finding not a storm, but the ghosts of Henry Hudson’s sailors playing ninepins, the Dutch form of bowling. After partaking in the game and in a keg of hard cider, Rip Van Winkle falls asleep, waking years later to find he’s skipped the entire Revolution.”

You can't see it, but a copy of Rip Wan Winkle is in the background. It all makes sense now.
Photo from Nine Pin's Facebook page.

With the mystery solved, guests were free to mingle about the facility enjoying each other’s company and snacks to complement the cider. It seemed less like a ribbon cutting event and more like a gathering of friendly folks who enjoy local, quality products.

Nine Pin is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 – 9 pm, Saturdays from 1 – 9 pm, and by appointment.

The new Quackenbush Still House Albany Amber Rum.
You can almost taste the smooth vanilla and caramel now, can't you?
Photo from Albany Distilling's Facebook page.

If you’re in the area and feel up for a second distillery tour, feel free to stop by the Albany Distilling Company to sample their new Quackenbush Still House Albany Amber Rum. The guys (and their friendly cat, Cooper) decided to take their original Quackenbush Still House Rum recipe and age it for nine months in the oak barrels they used to age their Ironweed Bourbon. The result is an incredibly different, yet equally delicious, product as their un-aged version. From their Facebook page: “…it picked up the delicate vanilla and caramel from the oak and added a touch of smokiness to the long, creamy, butterscotch finish.”

The Albany Distilling Company is open Tuesdays from 4-8pm, Saturdays from 12 – 8 pm, and by appointment. It is located at Quackenbush Square next to the C.H. Evans Brewing Company at the Albany Pump Station, a microbrewery and restaurant that serves as a great spot to enjoy a meal after all the tastings!