Hudson Valley Wine and Food Festival opens its gates at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck (NY) September 6 and 7 from 11 am to 5 pm for those eager to taste, test and learn about award winning wines, state-of-the-art distilleries and New York State’s food producers.

Wineries, distilleries, craft breweries and food artisans will present their wares for other to enjoy wine tasting and food sampling as well as the demonstrations by well-known chefs. The celebratory atmosphere is enhanced by live music and the anticipation surrounding the judging of the Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition.

Founded 13 years ago by Hudson Valley-based Wineracks.com, the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest is held in the Dutchess County Fairgrounds Rhinebeck, New York, a beautiful historic town and area only two hours from New York City by car or train with Metro North and Amtrak. The Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest is designated as a “New York Farm Market,” which allows the participants to hold tastings and sell by the bottle which is an unusual opportunity for visitors to buy directly from the vintners themselves.

Tasting day admission, including a glass for tastings, is $40.00; $70 for the weekend. Admission for designated drivers (no wine tasting)  is $22.00; $37 for the weekend. For additional info, click here

– guest contributor