34th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction: Taste a Piece of Hudson Valley History
- Greystone Programs
- 9 hours ago
- 5 min read
This year’s 34th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction brings together an exceptional collection of wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries that showcase the very best of the Hudson Valley. From historic wineries with centuries of tradition to innovative craft beverage makers shaping the region today, each vendor adds something unique to the experience.
As you explore the event, you'll have the opportunity to sample outstanding local wines, craft beer, cider, and spirits while learning about the rich stories behind the people and places that make the Hudson Valley a world-class destination for food and drink. We are proud to partner with these incredible producers, whose generosity and community spirit help support Greystone Programs and the children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities we serve.
Raise a glass, discover a new favorite, and meet the local makers helping make this unforgettable afternoon possible.
A taste of Hudson Valley history comes with the chance to make a meaningful difference.
Located in Washingtonville, New York, Brotherhood Winery has been part of the Hudson Valley story since 1839 and is recognized as America’s oldest continuously operating winery. Through the Civil War, Prohibition, two World Wars, and nearly two centuries of change, Brotherhood has remained a beloved part of the region, bringing people together through wine, history, and community.
Benmarl Winery has been part of the Hudson Valley for generations, and this October, its wines will help support a cause that means so much to the Greystone community.
Perched on 37 acres overlooking the Hudson River Valley in Marlboro, New York, Benmarl Winery is home to what it proudly calls the oldest vineyard in America. Its roots trace back to the 18th century, making it one of the most historically significant vineyards in the country. Benmarl also holds a special place in New York wine history as the holder of New York Farm Winery License No. 1, reflecting its pioneering role in the state’s modern wine industry.
Today, Benmarl has earned a reputation as one of the Hudson Valley’s premier wineries, combining centuries of agricultural history with small-batch, handcrafted wines. A fun part of the Benmarl experience is that visitors can explore the historic vineyard and cellars while enjoying wines made from grapes sourced throughout New York, including estate-grown Cabernet Franc and Seyval Blanc.
Founded by Michael Migliore and Yancey Stanforth-Migliore, Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery has been growing grapes in Gardiner, New York, since 1979. What began as an experiment by Michael, who had a background in organic chemistry and engineering, has grown into one of the largest vineyards in the Hudson Valley, with more than 20 grape varieties. The winery officially opened its tasting room in 1999, making Whitecliff a fixture of the region’s wine community for more than 25 years.
Whitecliff has developed a reputation for innovation, sustainability, and award-winning wines, helping demonstrate that the Hudson Valley can produce wines that compete on the national and international stage. One of its biggest achievements came when its Riesling won Best White Wine in Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, beating more than 1,290 wines from around the world.
Located in Staatsburg, New York, Milea Estate Vineyard has quickly established itself as one of the Hudson Valley’s standout wine destinations. While the vineyard itself is relatively young, the Milea family has deep roots in Hudson Valley agriculture. Officially launching in 2015, Milea Estate Vineyard’s 100-plus-acre estate combines sustainable farming, estate-grown wines, culinary experiences, and breathtaking Hudson Valley scenery.
A particularly fun piece of Milea’s history is that the property is home to the 1747 Staatsburg House, connecting the modern vineyard to more than 275 years of Hudson Valley agricultural history. Milea has also earned recognition for its wines, including a 92-point Wine Enthusiast rating for its Cabernet Franc, while its commitment to sustainability and showcasing New York-grown grapes has helped build its reputation as a premier Hudson Valley winery.
We are especially excited that Milea Estate Vineyard is hosting Greystone Programs’ 34th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction! Their beautiful estate will provide the backdrop for an evening of exceptional wines, community, and giving, all in support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are incredibly grateful to Milea for welcoming our guests and helping us create a memorable evening while supporting Greystone’s mission of enriching lives one person at a time.
Founded in 2013 by Matthew Spaccarelli and Casey Erdmann, Fjord Vineyards is deeply rooted in the Hudson Valley. The winery takes its name and inspiration from the incredible landscape surrounding it, where the Hudson River flows between Storm King Mountain and Mount Beacon. This unique setting helps create a special microclimate for growing grapes in the Hudson Highlands.
Fjord is focused on creating wines that truly reflect where they are grown. Its estate-grown grapes are sustainably cultivated and carefully hand-picked, bringing the character of the Hudson River region into every bottle.
Located just south of Millbrook, Shady Knoll Orchards & Distillery is a family-owned farm distillery with a unique connection to the Hudson Valley’s agricultural roots. The distillery was built in 2015, and today the family grows more than 120 varieties of American and European apples, along with rye, wheat, and corn, all used to create their handcrafted spirits.
What makes Shady Knoll particularly special is its true farm-to-glass approach. The family handles virtually every step of production on-site, from growing and harvesting the crops to fermenting, distilling, aging, and bottling. Their signature Apple Brandy is made from more than 120 apple varieties and is double distilled in a traditional French alembic pot still.
Shady Knoll has earned recognition for its spirits, including a Double Gold at the Fifty Best’s Best Apple Brandy competition, and its commitment to sustainable agriculture has earned its certification through the New York State Grown & Certified program.
Shady Knoll has also become known throughout the Hudson Valley for its intimate, educational tasting experience and dedication to local agriculture.
Newburgh Brewing Company has been brewing in the Hudson Valley since 2012, earning the distinction of Orange County’s first craft brewery. Founded by longtime Orange County locals Christopher Basso and Paul Halayko, the brewery was created with a goal of becoming part of Newburgh’s revitalization and growing craft-beer community. Today, it operates from a historic brick warehouse on Colden Street, just blocks from the Hudson River and Washington’s Headquarters.
A fun piece of Newburgh Brewing’s story is that its home is a historic building dating to the 1850s, giving the brewery a unique connection to the city’s industrial past. Since opening, the brewery has brewed more than 150 different beer styles, from its popular MegaBoss IPA to classic Cream Ale and Brown Ale. Its reputation has grown well beyond Newburgh, with its beers distributed throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond. More than just a brewery, Newburgh Brewing has become a gathering place for the community, known for craft beer, food, live music, trivia, and other events.
Newburgh Brewing Company will be the premier brewery at this year's Wine Tasting and Auctions. Although it is a wine focused event, we know that quality craft beer only makes things better!
A little something crisp is coming to Greystone’s Wine Tasting & Auctions. Orchard Hill Cider Mill is bringing its estate-made Hudson Valley ciders to the afternoon.
Based in New Hampton and rooted in the legacy of Soons Orchards, Orchard Hill creates small-batch ciders that are crisp, refreshing, and full of local character.
It’s the perfect addition for anyone looking to sip something a little different while enjoying an afternoon of wine, food, auctions, and great company.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at Milea Estate Vineyard, where great wine, local flavors, and community spirit come together for a meaningful cause. Explore offerings from our incredible vendors, enjoy exciting auctions and live entertainment, and help create opportunities for the children and adults served by Greystone Programs. We hope you'll raise a glass with us on October 11 and be part of an event that truly makes a difference.
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