Warming Up This Winter at the Benmarl Winery

The Benmarl Winery makes the winter blues in the Hudson Valley a little warmer with their tasting events. The family-run vineyard, located in the hills of Marlboro, is the oldest vineyard in North America.

These past two weekends, the winery welcomed guests to participate in a local cheese and wine pairing event. Whether it was to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a significant other, or an excuse to get together with friends, the dining room overlooking the 37-acre vineyard was crowded with people.

“Our estate production had almost tripled in the past six years, showing our faith in the wines that the Hudson River Region can produce,” explains Victor Spaccarelli Jr., the proprietor.

The five wines, three white and two red, were paired perfectly with cheese from different local farms. Fifty percent of the grapes are grown on the vineyard, the other percentage coming from the Finger Lakes and Long Island.

“The blue cheese from Old Chatham Sheepherding Co. and the Riesling are so amazing together, I honestly don’t know how they paired it so perfectly!” said Connor Kearney, who attended the event with two of his friends.

You don’t have to be a wine-connoisseur to enjoy the tasting. In order to make it easier for the attendees, the wines were placed in chronological order over a placemat detailing each wine and the cheese’s origin.

After finishing the last wine off with a piece of hand made cayenne chocolate, we were free to brace the cold air, and roam the grounds. It is clear that during warmer months the winery is a popular spot for outdoor events. With a brick pizza oven, and a beautiful porch guests are able to sit outside and enjoy the view.

“During the winter, it is honestly hard for me to get outside and do something when all I want to do is stay inside and keep warm,” said Scott Jude, an attendee. “I live in the city but my sister goes to school around here so I met my family, and it turned out to be a great winter activity.”

The Benmarl Winery, has multiple events throughout the year, and tours are available in the spring. The vineyard is dog-friendly, and for those who aren’t local there is a Bed and Breakfast available on Airbnb.

If you’re looking for something romantic with your partner, or something fun with your friends this winter, try warming up at the next Marlboro Winery event.