America's oldest wine region: historic landmarks and a vinifera revival along the Hudson River, near New York City. Updated for 2026.
The Hudson Valley is the birthplace of American wine, the oldest wine-growing district in the United States, a scenic river region stretching north from the New York City suburbs toward Albany. Spanish and French settlers, and later 19th-century entrepreneurs, planted vines along the Hudson generations ago, and the region is home to America's oldest continuously operating winery (Brotherhood, with a first vintage in 1839) and what is described as the oldest continuously cultivated vineyard in North America (at Benmarl). Designated the Hudson River Region AVA, New York's first, in 1982, the valley pairs that deep history with a dramatic landscape of river bluffs, mountains, and historic towns. Long known for hybrid grapes suited to its humid climate, it has seen a serious vinifera revival, led by estates making increasingly impressive Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and more, all within an easy drive of New York City.
Below are the Hudson Valley wineries we recommend most, from the historic Brotherhood and Benmarl to the flagship Millbrook and acclaimed newcomers. Current as of October 2026.
America's oldest winery
In Washingtonville, Brotherhood is America's oldest continuously operating winery, with roots to the first half of the 19th century (its first commercial vintage was 1839), famed for its vast underground cellars. A historic, atmospheric landmark and the essential stop for understanding Hudson Valley, and American, wine.
Good to know: Tastings and tours; Washingtonville.
Our tip: Tour the vast historic cellars; America's oldest continuously operating winery.
The Hudson Valley flagship
Often called the flagship of the Hudson Valley, this scenic Dutchess County estate helped prove the region could make serious vinifera and remains its most polished and respected producer, a benchmark stop with lovely views over the estate vineyards.
Good to know: Tastings; estate. Millbrook.
Our tip: Taste the estate vinifera with valley views; the Hudson Valley's flagship.
The oldest vineyard in America
Perched above the river in Marlboro, Benmarl farms what is described as the oldest continuously cultivated vineyard in North America and holds New York Farm Winery license number one, a historic, scenic estate with deep roots and sweeping Hudson River views.
Good to know: Tastings; estate. Marlboro.
Our tip: Taste on a historic hillside with river views; the oldest vineyard in America.
A quality-first Hudson estate
One of the Hudson Valley's larger and most respected estates, in Gardiner, Whitecliff grows a wide range of grapes and has earned strong recognition for its wines, a quality-minded, welcoming producer and a leader in the region's modern rise.
Good to know: Tastings; estate. Gardiner.
Our tip: Taste the broad, award-winning range; a quality-first Hudson estate.
A welcoming New Paltz estate
A family-run estate near New Paltz with a lively, welcoming tasting room and mountain views, Robibero makes an approachable range of Hudson Valley wines, an easygoing, popular stop in the scenic Shawangunk foothills.
Good to know: Tastings; estate. New Paltz.
Our tip: Taste the approachable range with mountain views; a welcoming family estate.
A modern, acclaimed newcomer
A modern estate near Milton acclaimed for its serious, estate-grown vinifera (notably Cabernet Franc and Albarino), Fjord has quickly become one of the Hudson Valley's most talked-about quality producers, a forward-looking stop that shows where the region is heading.
Good to know: Tastings; estate. Milton.
Our tip: Taste the Cabernet Franc and Albarino; the Hudson Valley's acclaimed newcomer.
A family estate in Milton
A welcoming family estate in Milton, Nostrano makes estate-grown Hudson Valley wines in a warm, personal setting, a down-to-earth, quality-minded stop that reflects the region's blend of serious winemaking and family hospitality.
Good to know: Tastings; estate. Milton.
Our tip: Taste the estate-grown wines in a warm setting; a personal family estate.
A Seyval and Baco specialist
A characterful winery in the upper Hudson Valley known for its serious work with hybrid grapes (notably Baco Noir) alongside vinifera, Hudson-Chatham is a distinctive, quality-minded stop for drinkers curious about the region's heritage grapes done well.
Good to know: Tastings; winery. Ghent area.
Our tip: Taste the acclaimed Baco Noir; a distinctive upper-Hudson specialist.
The Hudson Valley is the most accessible of New York's wine regions, just one to two hours north of New York City, which makes it an easy day trip or weekend. The wineries are spread on both sides of the river, with clusters around New Paltz, Gardiner, Milton, and Marlboro on the west side (Benmarl, Whitecliff, Robibero, Fjord, Nostrano) and estates like Millbrook on the east, plus the historic Brotherhood near Washingtonville. Base yourself in the New Paltz area (with its Shawangunk Wine Trail) for the easiest loop, plan three or four stops, and pair a historic landmark with an acclaimed modern estate. Visit late spring through fall; autumn is spectacular along the river, and weekends draw crowds from the city, so arrive early.
Do not expect Napa-style scale or uniformity; the Hudson Valley is a historic, varied region where hybrid grapes and vinifera coexist, so taste with an open mind and seek out the serious newer estates (Fjord, Whitecliff). Do not miss the history, Brotherhood and Benmarl are living pieces of American wine heritage. And do not try to cover both sides of the river in one day, pick a cluster and enjoy a relaxed loop.
What is the Hudson Valley known for?
Being the birthplace of American wine, the oldest wine-growing district in the United States. Along the scenic Hudson River north of New York City, it is home to America's oldest continuously operating winery (Brotherhood) and what is described as the oldest continuously cultivated vineyard in North America (at Benmarl). Designated the Hudson River Region AVA in 1982, it is known for its deep history, its heritage hybrid grapes, and a growing, serious vinifera revival.
Which Hudson Valley wineries should I visit?
Standouts include the historic Brotherhood (America's oldest winery) near Washingtonville, the flagship Millbrook, the history-rich Benmarl in Marlboro, the quality-leading Whitecliff in Gardiner, the welcoming Robibero near New Paltz, the acclaimed newcomer Fjord and the family estate Nostrano in Milton, and the hybrid-specialist Hudson-Chatham. Many cluster along the west-side Shawangunk Wine Trail.
How far is the Hudson Valley from New York City?
Very close by wine-region standards, just one to two hours north of New York City by car (or train plus a local ride), which makes it the most accessible of New York's wine regions and an easy day trip or weekend. The wineries are spread on both sides of the river, with a convenient cluster around New Paltz, Gardiner, Milton, and Marlboro on the west side.
What wine is the Hudson Valley known for?
A mix rooted in its history and climate. The region long relied on hybrid grapes (like Seyval Blanc and Baco Noir) suited to its humid conditions, and some producers still do them seriously. But a vinifera revival has brought increasingly impressive Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Chardonnay, and even Albarino from estates like Fjord and Whitecliff, so the Hudson Valley today spans heritage styles and ambitious modern wines.
Is Brotherhood really America's oldest winery?
Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville is widely described as America's oldest continuously operating winery, with roots to the first half of the 19th century and a first commercial vintage in 1839. It survived Prohibition by making sacramental wine and is famous for its vast underground cellars. Along with Benmarl's historic vineyard, it gives the Hudson Valley a direct, living link to the very beginnings of American winemaking.
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