Drink
Places to visit drink in the Hudson Valley
Arrowood Farms
Arrowood Farms is a notable destination in Accord, NY, operating as a farm-based brewery and distillery that emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing. The farm occupies 48 acres of vibrant Hudson Valley landscape, where guests can enjoy craft beer and spirits rooted in biodynamic farming principles. Co-founders Blake Arrowood and Jacob Meglio have established a unique ecosystem that integrates agriculture with brewing processes, enhancing each product with the terroir of its origins.
This brewery distinguishes itself through its comprehensive, eco-friendly approach. Ducks and sheep play a critical role in the field, where they naturally fertilize and control pests around the hops plants. Integrating these farming techniques not only nurtures ingredients but also enriches the flavor profiles of the beverages produced. Arrowood Farms is the first in New York State to cultivate its own certified organic hops and grains, underscoring its commitment to quality and environmental stewardship.
Arrowood Farms offers visitors a distinct sense of place and taste right from the source. Their tasting room, prominently located within the farm's center, provides a rustic yet refined setting for sampling beers that are brewed on-site. The kitchen, acclaimed locally, serves an array of dishes utilizing the farm's own pork products, honey, and eggs, further elevating the experience. Frequent live music events add to the vibrant community atmosphere, drawing locals and visitors alike throughout the year.
Parking: Plenty of space in the on-site parking lot
Vibe: Rustic and community-centric
What to try: Seasonal craft beers brewed with organic farm-grown hops
Who it's for: Beer enthusiasts, sustainable agriculture supporters, and weekend explorers
Hours note: Open on Saturdays from 12 PM to 9 PM, with live music featured
Blue Duck Brewing
Blue Duck Brewing in Kingston, NY, offers a compelling fusion of local craft beer and diner favorites within the historic O&W Building. Founded by father-son duo Rich and Ryan Gillette, this new establishment stands out with its dedication to brewing traditional German-style beers using New York-grown ingredients. Housed in a state-of-the-art 15-barrel brewhouse, Blue Duck provides a diverse selection on its 13 tap lines, featuring house brews, collaborative creations, draft cocktails, and regional ciders.
The spacious brewpub occupies the former Kingston Daily Freeman building, now referred to as the O&W Building due to its proximity to the rail trail. The venue includes indoor and outdoor seating, highlighted by a large patio accessed via expansive overhead doors – a nod to the building’s transformation aimed at attracting Kingston’s vibrant cycling community. This modern adaptation seamlessly blends with the architectural charm of the Freeman’s past, honoring the legacy of one of Kingston’s longstanding edifices.
What sets Blue Duck Brewing apart is their partnership with the well-loved Phoenicia Diner, introducing the Phoenicia Diner Canteen to complement their beverage offerings. This collaboration means a menu that melds diner classics with pub comfort food; think smash burgers, a range of pancakes for brunch enthusiasts, beer-battered onion rings, and their signature Reuben sandwiches. Diners can indulge in these comfort foods alongside their brews, embodying a concept that appeals to both casual imbibers and food enthusiasts alike.
Additionally, locals appreciate Blue Duck for its community-driven ethos. Ryan Gillette, the brewmaster, boasts a rich background in brewing, having trained both stateside and abroad, and his passion for the craft is reflected in every pint. His journey from a teenage chemistry enthusiast in Hurley to a professional brewer with experience at renowned breweries like New Belgium and Trillium underscores the expertise infused into Blue Duck’s operations.
Parking: Parking available in a 100-space lot, ideal for visitors
Vibe: Casual and welcoming, perfect for both everyday gatherings and special events
What to try: Weekend brunch pancakes and the classic smash burger
Who it's for: Craft beer aficionados, families, and those seeking a unique dining experience
Hours note: Closed Wednesdays; open daily from midday, till 8pm on Sundays, and later on weekends
Brunette
In the bustling heart of Kingston’s historic Rondout district, Brunette stands out as a wine bar committed to authenticity and a personal touch. Located on Broadway, the venue greets visitors with its distinctive blush-colored façade and vintage charm. The aesthetic extends inward to a white marble bar and carefully curated vintage decor, making Brunette an inviting spot for locals and visitors alike who are seeking a meaningful wine experience. When Brunette first opened its doors in 2015, it brought a unique vibe to the waterfront neighborhood, replacing the industrial feel with something more delicate yet unpretentious.
The real draw for many, however, is the bar’s focus on natural wines. Here, glasses are filled with selections that boast minimal intervention—often sustainable, unfiltered, and without added sulfites. Co-owners Maxwell Botwick and Jessie Harris, who took over the bar in 2020, have maintained this dedication to natural wines while also expanding the bar's culinary offerings. The menu, known for its eclectic small plates, resonates with the local ethos. Featuring highlights like trout roe nachos and seasonal specials prepared with locally sourced ingredients, the menu mirrors the bar's dedication to authenticity and quality.
What makes Brunette particularly special is its ability to balance its wine offerings with an inviting, purposeful atmosphere. The interior is not just a backdrop, but a part of the experience, adorned with fresh flowers courtesy of local florist Hops Petunia and vintage tableware that tells its own stories. Regulars and newcomers alike enjoy the creative blend of wine and space, where each visit feels tailored and thoughtful, right down to the wine list written in a newspaper-style format with creative descriptions that often include song lyrics or weather-inspired wine picks.
Brunette remains a cornerstone of the Kingston community, known for its genuine hospitality that reflects both the personal histories of its owners and the collaborative spirit they champion. Partnering with local artisans and producers enriches the menu and supports the local economy, making Brunette not just a place to drink, but a place where community and creativity meet.
Parking: Street parking is readily available in the Rondout area
Vibe: Casual elegance with a touch of the vintage, set in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
What to try: Trout roe nachos and any rotating natural wine special
Who it's for: Wine enthusiasts, weekend adventurers, couples seeking an intimate night out
Hours note: Open Wednesday through Sunday, evenings only; always check online for the latest updates
C. CASSIS
Among the scenic stretches of Rhinebeck, New York, you'll find C. Cassis, a unique tasting room housed in a repurposed red barn on Salisbury Turnpike. Open since October 2023, this spot invites guests to explore the distinct world of blackcurrant aperitifs, a passion project brought to life by founder Rachael Petach. Her love for blackcurrants began during her farming days in France, and has culminated in a distinctive product lineup that centers around this often-overlooked berry. Adventure-seeking drink enthusiasts will discover a space where the old charm of a dairy barn blends with the fresh, creative vibe of a modern tasting experience.
One of the things that makes C. Cassis stand out is its dedication to demystifying the blackcurrant berry, which was once banned from cultivation in New York. The tasting room offers visitors an insider view of how these berries transform into a vermouth-like aperitif. Guests are guided through a sensory journey with tasting flights that include the signature lightly fermented C. Cassis beverage. In addition to sampling these drinks in their pure form, the creative cocktail menu, curated by mixologist Natasha David, features unique concoctions like the CC Tini, with its bright notes of chamomile and verjus, and the playful Man in Hat.
The culinary offerings do not disappoint, either. Katy Moore, a notable chef known for her work in Brooklyn, crafts a menu that highlights local and fresh ingredients. Dishes such as the Current Camembert made from local creamery cheese, and sandwiches featuring smoked steelhead trout, present flavors that harmonize beautifully with the beverages.
Vibe: Contemporary rustic with historic charm and creative design elements
What to try: Signature tasting set with C. Cassis aperitif and the Man in Hat cocktail
Highlights: Unique blackcurrant farming history and beverage crafting process
Hours note: Open Saturday and Sunday from 11-6
Good to know: Offers limited-edition barrel-aged cassis and a selection of New York spirits
Dassai Blue Sake Brewery
Dassai Blue Sake Brewery stands as a testament to the evolution of traditional sake-making infused with contemporary American influences. This premium sake brewery in Hyde Park, New York, the first of its kind in the United States, is rooted in a family tradition that spans centuries. Born from the legacy of the Sakurai family, who have perfected sake production over generations in Japan, Dassai Blue brings their revered expertise to the rich, natural landscape of the Hudson Valley. The brewery specializes in crafting Junmai Daiginjo sake, using only Yamada Nishiki rice—a variety highly esteemed in the sake world—and the pristine water of the Hudson Valley, resulting in a product that is both authentically Japanese and distinctly American.
What truly sets Dassai Blue apart is their commitment to innovation without losing sight of tradition. The 55,000-square-foot facility marries age-old processes, such as crafting koji by hand and fermenting in small batches, with modern technological advancements and sustainable practices. Their environmentally conscious approach extends to sourcing rice from sustainable farms both in Japan and the United States, ensuring that each bottle exudes quality and authenticity while also supporting local agriculture. This harmonious blend of old and new is not merely about replication; it's about creating a sake that speaks to a global palate while honoring its storied roots. The brewery's name, "Blue," is inspired by the Japanese saying that refers to the depth of indigo dye, symbolizing their aspiration to achieve a depth of quality that surpasses its origins.
Visitors to Dassai Blue can expect an experience that transcends typical brewery tours. Open daily, the brewery offers guided walkthroughs that provide insight into their unique sake-making process, complemented by tastings that highlight the delicate flavors and complexity of their creations. The serene Hudson Valley setting enhances the experience, inviting guests to sample not only sake but also freshly prepared sushi that perfectly pairs with their offerings.
Vibe: A modern and serene atmosphere with an emphasis on cultural exchange
What to try: Junmai Daiginjo sake paired with freshly prepared sushi
Hours note: Open seven days a week, offering guided tours and tastings daily
Who it's for: Sake enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and anyone interested in sustainable brewing practices
Hillrock Estate Distillery
Hillrock Estate Distillery is an epitome of the Hudson Valley's deep-rooted agricultural history combined with cutting-edge innovation. Nestled in Ancram, New York, this distillery offers a unique experience where traditional spirits-making meets modern sustainability. From its picturesque setting, visitors are greeted by rolling hills that not only define the landscape but also contribute directly to the distillery's grain-to-glass philosophy. Every aspect of the production process is carefully managed and executed on-site, ensuring that each bottle reflects the authenticity and quality tied to the Hudson Valley ethos.
The facility boasts a commitment to excellence with its entire production handled at the estate, showcasing an impressive synergy between agriculture and craftsmanship. What truly makes Hillrock stand out is its use of locally sourced grains, grown right on the estate's grounds, making it a genuine participant in the farm-to-glass movement. The distillery's distinctive approach combines time-honored brewing techniques with an eye toward environmental stewardship, evidenced by its focus on sustainable practices throughout all stages of production.
Visitors to Hillrock can enjoy the invitingly appointed tasting rooms, where a journey through different spirit profiles awaits. The distillery specializes in a range of whiskeys and other spirits that highlight the unique flavors of the region—each crafted with an unwavering dedication to perfection. Whether it's learning about the intricate process of whiskey maturation or understanding the subtleties involved in grain selection, Hillrock offers an educational and sensory experience that informs as much as it delights.
Parking: Ample parking available on-site
Highlights: Estate-grown grains formed into artisanal spirits
What to try: Signature Hillrock Single Malt Whiskey
Who it's for: Spirit enthusiasts and those interested in local agriculture and sustainable practices
Hours note: Tours and tastings are available by appointment; check the website for exact availability
Hudson Brewing Company
Hudson Brewing Company is not just a bar; it’s a revival of a bygone era in a town steeped in history. As Hudson, NY’s first brewery since Prohibition, this establishment occupies a significant place in the city’s cultural tapestry. Located conveniently at 99 South 3rd Street near the Hudson Amtrak station and the riverfront, it serves as an easy stopping point for both locals and visitors exploring the town. The brewery, borne out of Will Thibeault's passion for homebrewing, initially took root in his garage with the first batch of Proprietors Pale Ale, marking the humble beginnings of what is now a acclaimed brewing venture.
The story of Hudson Brewing Company is a tale of resilience and homage to Hudson's colorful past. With a resolute commitment to quality, the brewery uses local New York State malts and hops to craft a variety of beers that reflect the region's rich heritage. Signature offerings such as Wayward Woman and Tainted Lady are cheekily named with nods to the town’s storied characters and events, celebrating Hudson’s provocative history. Visitors to the taproom can enjoy up to 12 beers on tap, including rotating seasonal selections. The brewery’s ambiance, crafted with an industrial chic design, makes use of repurposed materials, reflecting a theme of sustainability and paying tribute to its historical roots.
What distinguishes Hudson Brewing Co. from other breweries in the Hudson Valley is its unique nods to the past through thoughtful naming and storytelling. The brews themselves are diverse, ranging from American Pale Ales and IPAs to Irish Reds and stouts. This variety ensures there’s something for everyone’s palate while the dedication to local sourcing enhances the authenticity of each pour. The brewery’s effect goes beyond its beer, as it has become a community hub where people gather, share stories, and contribute to the narrative of Hudson’s resurgence.
Vibe: Industrial chic with an atmosphere celebrating Hudson’s history
What to try: The Proprietors Pale Ale or the seasonal special on tap
Who it's for: History buffs, craft beer enthusiasts, and community-minded individuals
Hours note: Open Tuesday to Sunday with varying hours; closes earlier on Sundays
Parking: Available on nearby streets, close to public transit
Hudson Valley Brewery
Hudson Valley Brewery in Beacon, NY, is where modern craft meets historic charm. Located in a repurposed factory building on East Main Street, this brewery embodies the industrial heritage of Beacon while pushing the boundaries of modern brewing. The brewery's founders, who come from various creative and business backgrounds, have utilized their skills to create a space renowned for both its beers and its welcoming atmosphere. With a focus on craft beers, their offerings range from vibrant sour IPAs to easy-drinking lagers, catering to both craft beer aficionados and newcomers alike.
What sets Hudson Valley Brewery apart is its commitment to experimental brewing and community engagement. Patrons can explore an extensive menu of original brews, including standouts like their 'Silhouette' series, known for its fruit-forward sours bursting with flavor. The 'Pillow Hat' pale ale and 'Feel No Way' lager add diversity to their rotating tap list, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Additionally, food truck collaborations, including regular appearances by Beacon Daily, enhance the experience, often drawing a crowd for their popular fried chicken sandwiches.
Parking: Limited on-street parking available nearby
Vibe: Rustic industrial with a modern flair, fostering community gatherings
What to try: Silhouette series sours and Pillow Hat pale ale
Who it's for: Craft beer enthusiasts, social drinkers, and visitors in the Beacon area
Hours note: Open Thursday to Monday, with varying hours
Isola Wine Bar
Isola Wine Bar, found in the heart of Kinderhook, NY, offers a distinctive blend of European and local flavors in a setting that pays homage to old-world charm. Situated in a historic 1757 building on Hudson Street, this unique establishment combines vintage aesthetics with contemporary comforts. The brainchild of seasoned sommelier Hillary Zio, Isola stands out with its curated selection of wines that highlight coastal and island vineyards from Europe, showcasing regions often overlooked on the world wine stage.
At the core of Isola's offering is a dedication to low-intervention wines, celebrating the purity of natural flavors produced through minimal human interference. Every glass served provides not just a taste, but a narrative steeped in the history and environment of its origin. The diverse menu crafted by Chef Mikayla Summers complements this ethos, featuring European-inspired tapas made with ingredients sourced from the surrounding Hudson Valley. Dishes such as brussels sprouts with pomegranates over coconut yogurt highlight a fresh approach to traditional fare.
What truly distinguishes Isola Wine Bar is its ability to evoke memories of European getaways through both its menu and its interior design. The restaurant’s atmosphere, enhanced by exposed beams and Moroccan tiles designed by Anthony D'Argenzio of Zio and Sons, invites patrons to enjoy a drink in an ambiance reminiscent of a cozy Sardinian trattoria. The venue becomes a cultural bridge, bringing the rustic elegance of European traditions to a rural New York audience.
Parking: Street parking is convenient along Hudson Street
Vibe: An intimate setting with a rustic European feel
What to try: Brussels sprouts with pomegranates over coconut yogurt
Who it's for: Wine enthusiasts in search of a unique dining experience
Hours note: Open Thursday to Sunday, verify times before visiting
Kingston Standard Brewing Co.
Kingston Standard Brewing Co. in Midtown Kingston is equal parts taproom, pizza hall, and gathering place. Housed in a former transmission shop, the brewery has been reimagined into a welcoming space with white brick walls, industrial lights, and picnic table seating. Guests can sip a rotating list of small-batch ales and lagers—everything from crisp pilsners and dry-hopped saisons to schwarzbier and pale ales—while enjoying oysters, lobster rolls, and hand-rolled sourdough pretzels. A softly tented patio extends the experience outdoors, making it a go-to destination in warmer months for locals looking to unwind with friends.
Founded by brewer Tait Simpson, oyster entrepreneur Kyle Needham, and creative lead Matt Owens, Kingston Standard was designed as a true community watering hole. The brewery reflects the team’s combined passions for fermentation, food, and design, rooted in Kingston’s unique culture and history. With its one-barrel brewhouse, Kingston Standard operates in constant experimentation, inviting patrons to taste new recipes and offer feedback as beers evolve from batch to batch. The menu is intentionally pared down to a few well-crafted dishes, reinforcing the brewery’s commitment to quality, simplicity, and seasonality.
More than just a place to grab a drink, Kingston Standard Brewing Co. embodies the spirit of Kingston: creative, collaborative, and community-focused. In a short time, it has carved out a reputation as a space that balances small-town charm with craft beer innovation. Whether stopping in for a quick pint or spending an afternoon lingering over oysters and saisons, visitors quickly discover why this Hudson Valley spot is the kind of place you never want to leave.
Klocke Estate
A few short miles outside the Hudson shopping district is Klocke Estate, a destination experience like no other. Klocke Estate is a soil-to-glass brandy distillery, farm, and dining destination set on one-hundred and sixty acres of farmland in Claverack, New York, just five miles from Hudson. Through regenerative, sustainable agriculture across sixty acres of vineyards and apple orchards, Klocke Estate services one purpose—to make exquisite brandy.
For guests, Klocke Estate offers distillery tours and a full dining menu. Set at the top of the hill with expansive views of the Catskill Mountains, the Hudson Valley, and its vineyards and orchards, the restaurant at Klocke Estate serves an a la carte menu of seasonal fare with an extensive beverage program that expresses a deep passion for brandy. Klocke Estate the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a culinary adventure. From the first sip of your craft cocktail to the last bite of dessert, every moment at Klocke Estate is designed to make you feel at home. So, gather your friends or make it a romantic date night and discover why this is a must-visit destination in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
Lasting Joy Brewery
Discover where your taste buds do the happy dance at Lasting Joy Brewery, located just outside the village of Tivoli, NY. Here, the brew master has crafted unique beers as joyful as the landscape that surrounds this idyllic property. The Lasting Joy Brewery is the perfect spot for a local meetup or a gathering of friends. In addition a long menu of beers and cocktails, Lasting Joy is often host to some of the areas best food trucks‚ be sure to check their schedule to see what food is being served.
Neverstill Wines
Neverstill Wines in Hudson, NY, is a dynamic tribute to New York’s ever-evolving wine landscape, inspired by the restless flow of the Hudson River—once called “the water that is never still.” The tasting room offers guests a curated journey through the state’s finest wines, including Neverstill’s own Rieslings and Chenin Blanc alongside standout selections from partner vineyards like Fjord. With a focus on showcasing the diversity and depth of New York's wine regions, Neverstill celebrates local craftsmanship in every glass.
Designed by Hudson’s own Amy Ilias, the tasting room exudes a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere, while a rotating gallery curated by Elizabeth Moore highlights the work of local artists, adding an enriching cultural layer to the wine experience. Whether you’re exploring by the glass, bottle, or guided tasting, Neverstill offers a refined, distinctly New York experience in the heart of Hudson.
Return Brewing Flagship Taproom
Located just outside the shopping district in Hudson, Return Brewing Outpost offers a diverse range of beers, from pilsners and IPAs to amber ales and stouts. With a focus on balance, repeatability, and hyper-local ingredients, Return Brewing creates beers worth coming back to. Brewed in partnership with Crossroads Brewing in Catskill, their innovation center, barrel-aging facility, and beer garden in Catskill Creek further showcase their creative approach.
Return Brewing Outpost
Located on Catskill Creek, Return Brewing Outpost offers a diverse range of beers, from classic Tavern styles to locally inspired Garden brews and expertly blended Archive barrel-aged releases. With a focus on balance, repeatability, and hyper-local ingredients, Return Brewing creates beers worth coming back to. Brewed in partnership with Crossroads Brewing in Catskill, their innovation center, barrel-aging facility, and beer garden in Hudson further showcase their creative approach.
Rose Hill Ferments
Rose Hill Ferments in Red Hook, NY, is a cidery and winery devoted to the art of low-intervention fermentation, where sustainability and creativity go hand in hand. Led by head winemaker Matthew Sanford, formerly of Alai Cider in Chile, the team focuses on transforming apples, pears, grapes, plums, cherries, currants, blueberries, and more into expressive, small-batch wines and ciders. Every ferment is crafted with estate-grown, wild-foraged, or locally sourced fruit, handled with care through traditional methods like foot-stomping, whole-fruit fermentation, and native yeast fermentations. The goal is to let each harvest and variety speak for itself, reflecting both the farm’s ethos of zero waste and the distinctive terroir of the Hudson Valley.
From its beginnings in 2018, Rose Hill has embraced experimentation, often blurring the line between wine and cider through co-fermentations and pét-nats that highlight the diversity of its crops. Sanford and assistant winemaker Sam Rogers—who brings experience from France, Germany, Oregon, and California—approach every batch as a new opportunity to explore flavor, texture, and tradition. Signature offerings like the easy-drinking Kitchen Sink cider or Pearly Dewdrops, an ambrosial blend of plums, apples, apricots, peaches, and nectarines, showcase the cidery’s commitment to inventive use of fruit. Their pét-nats, Bird Bath and Lulie, embody the raw and unfiltered spirit of the cellar, earning praise for their bold, natural character.
At its core, Rose Hill Ferments is about making the most of what the land provides. Founded by Bruce and Holly Brittain as part of a shift toward more holistic and biointensive farming practices, the cidery emerged from a desire to turn surplus crops into something meaningful. Today, it has grown into a celebrated destination for those seeking wines and ciders that are as sustainable as they are unique. Visitors can sample the latest releases at the farm’s newly opened taproom or order online, discovering for themselves how Rose Hill continues to expand the boundaries of what fermentation can be.
Rough Cut Brewing
Rough Cut Brewing is the only brewery perched along the Shawangunk Ridge, proudly serving a diverse and ever-evolving lineup of house-brewed beers and a menu packed with comfort-driven, crowd-pleasing fare. Located in Kerhonkson, NY, this casual, community-friendly spot blends small-town hospitality with big flavor—whether you're sipping a smoky cherrywood lager, a crisp Vienna-style Kerhonkson Lager, or digging into crispy Brussels sprouts, house-made mac & cheese, or a double smash burger with hand-cut fries.
With 12 taps pouring everything from NEIPAs to Belgian dubbels, Rough Cut Brewing is a haven for beer lovers and foodies alike. The taproom is laid-back and welcoming, perfect for gathering with friends, enjoying a trivia night, or kicking back with your pup on the outdoor patio. Whether you're a local regular or just passing through, Rough Cut invites you to slow down, grab a pint, and enjoy a true taste of the Hudson Valley—no reservations, no pretense, just great beer and good times.
Saisonnier
Saisonnier is a family-run beer & cheese bar and shop located in Kinderhook, NY. Opened in 2019 by Kasey and Patrick Kenny, Saisonnier is focused on independent craft beer and local artisanal provisions for dine-in or takeaway. With a life long appreciation for the Hudson Valley, Kasey and Patrick enthusiastically support the local bounty of dairies, farms, brewers and artisans in order to purvey local, quality products. Saisonnier is named for the French-speaking seasonal laborers who worked the fields of Wallonia, Belgium since the Middle Ages and for which the style of beer known as Saison obtained its moniker. Saisonnier emphasizes seasonality, terroir, and the farm-to-table concept.
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