Wineries & Breweries: Dont Keep it Bottled Up

Wineries
Practice swirling your wine glass. If you're coming to New York, expect to do a lot of it. The right combination of climate and geography makes New York perfect for growing grapes—more than 35 different varieties across the state. Here are just some of the winegrowing regions you can visit:
 
With its ocean-cooled air, the North Fork of Long Island has long been associated with winemaking. Visit the tasting room at Channing Daughters Winery to taste their artisanal wines. The Tuscan architecture at Wolffer Estate also pairs well with both whites and reds.
 
Nestled between rivers and mountains, the Hudson Valley is one of the nation's most historic wine regions. For wines with altitude, head to Windham's mountaintop micro-winery, where you can also pick your own grapes at various times of the year.  
 
If you're going to the Finger Lakes, stop by the New York Wine & Culinary Center, where you can learn all about the state's bounty…wine and food alike. Vineyards surrounding the lakes, such as Bully Hill and Hermann J. Wiemer, are known for sparkling wines, Rieslings and Native American varietals.
 
New York's distinctive wine growing regions span 500 miles from Long Island to the state's westernmost borders along Lake Erie. There's plenty to sample. Take your time to enjoy the wine, and be sure to have a designated driver.
 
Breweries
What was one of the first things the settlers did once they arrived in New York? They made beer! Since the 1600s, the influx of European immigrants has allowed New York's brewing heritage to blossom. So what you get are well-crafted beers with distinct aromas and flavors. Just visit the state's many breweries and take a tasting tour.
 
New York City and Long Island have been experiencing a brewery revival. A visit to the Heartland Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery or Blue Point will show you why these local favorites are winning recognition and awards. In the Hudson Valley, make sure to stop by Captain Lawrence. You can taste beers aged in old wine casks and adaptations of Belgian Tripel.
 
With its Victorian décor, it's easy to see how the tasting room at Saranac Brewery, New York's oldest, is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Just south of Cooperstown, Brewery Ommegang attracts beer lovers from everywhere. Visit their farmhouse brewery and try out award-winning Belgian-style ales.
 
In Western New York, Rochester's Rohrbach Brewing Company makes handcrafted ales from fine ingredients, such as two-row malted barley and fresh hops from Europe. In Buffalo, Flying Bison Brewery serves up beers with aeronautical names like Aviator Red and Blackbird Oatmeal Stout.
 
And please be sure to have a designated driver.
 
Related Sites
Uncork New York
NYS Brewer’s Association