Hudson River AVA

With a long winemaking history and America’s oldest continuously operating winery, the Hudson River Region has some big swagger.

It is historically significant to the nation and a treasure trove of innovation to the grape-growing industry in the late 1800s, with producers creating new hybrids that are still important today, such as Seyval Blanc and Baco Noir. These cold-hardy, disease-resistant vines were often the only way to grow and make wine in New York’s cool climate.

Today, with the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean sweeping up the river valley bringing warm and humid air, the Hudson River Region also focuses on Vitis vinifera varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and even Cabernet Franc. In fact, there’s a Cabernet Franc Coalition dedicated to boosting the reputation and quality of this well-known grape.

Within an hour from downtown Manhattan (if the traffic is moving your way), you can sample these and many more wines in this historic region.

Quick Facts:

• New York’s first AVA.
• Established June 4th, 1982.
• 59 Wineries as of 2022.
• Vines were first planted here in the late 1600s by French Huguenots.
• Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling are the most planted Vitis vinifera varieties.
• 440 acres under vine.