34th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction: Taste a Piece of Hudson Valley History
- Greystone Programs
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
This year, Greystone Programs invites an exceptional showcase of wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries to highlight the best of the Hudson Valley. From historic wineries with centuries of tradition to innovative craft beverage makers leaving their own mark on the region, each premier pourer will add something unique and distinct to the experience of Greystone Programs’ 34th Annual Wine Tasting and Auctions.
At the event, attendees will have ample opportunity to explore and taste an outstanding selection of local wines, craft beers, ciders, and spirits while learning about the rich stories and people who make the Hudson Valley a world-class destination for food and drink. We are proud to partner with these incredible producers, whose time, generosity, and commitment directly support the children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities whom we so proudly serve.
Raise a glass, discover a new favorite, and experience the stories firsthand from those who will make Greystone Programs’ 34th Annual Wine Tasting and Auctions an unforgettable afternoon at the Milea Estate Vineyard.
Located in Staatsburg, New York, Milea Estate Vineyard has quickly established itself as one of the Hudson Valley’s standout wine destinations. Realizing their longtime aspirations of bringing sustainably produced regional wines to New York City and supporting local farmers in the Hudson River Valley, Barry and Sang Milea officially opened Milea Estate Vineyard in 2015.
Milea boasts an impressive 100+ acres estate that combines sustainable farming, estate-grown wines, culinary expertise, and breathtaking Hudson Valley scenery all in one place. On Milea’s property stands the Staatsburg House: a 1747 home that connects the modern vineyard to Hudson Valley’s early colonial history. Milea’s award-winning Right Bank Blanc De Blancs and Reserve Cabernet Franc, speak to their commitment to sustainable wine-making and showcase of New York-grown grapes.
Perched on 37 acres overlooking the Hudson River from Marlboro, New York, Benmarl
Winery is home to what it proudly calls the “oldest vineyard in America”. With generations of care, Benmarl can trace its history back to the 18th century, making it one of the most historically significant vineyards in the country. Benmarl also has earned a special place in the state’s history as the holder of New York’s No.1 Farm Winery License.
Today, Benmarl is known as one of the Hudson Valley’s premier wineries, combining centuries of agricultural history with small-batch, hand-crafted wines. Visitors of Benmarl can explore the historic vineyard and cellars while enjoying wines all sourced on-site including their well know 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 name 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. This year, Whitecliff will be showcasing its award-winning wines at our 34thAnnual Wine Tasting and Auctions event.
Founded in 2013 by Matthew Spaccarelli and Casey Erdmann, Fjord Vineyards takes its name and inspiration from the breathtaking fjord section of the Hudson Highlands, where the Hudson River flows between Storm King Mountain and Mount Beacon. This unique setting helps create a special microclimate for growing grapes in region that is unlike any other in the world.
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 adventurous and ancient character of the Hudson Highlands into every bottle.
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.
The Brotherhood Winery’s partners’ recent improvements to the campus and their dedication to the production of a new line of award-winning premium wines, continues to build the Brotherhood Winery’s reputation far beyond the American wine market. At this year’s event, Brotherhood will be serving a selection of their best wines including I Love NY, 2024 Vintage Riesling, 2019 Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon, and Blano de Blancs Chardonnay Brut Champagne.
Located just south of Millbrook, Shady Knoll Orchards & Distillery is a family-owned farm distillery with a unique connection to Dutchess County’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 under the direction of Founder, Rick Kneipper, and Head Distiller, Andrew Richards.
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. Shady Knoll is proud to be only one of a few distilleries in New York State that grows its ingredients on its farm and is certified as “New York Grown & Certified”. Their signature Apple Brandy is made from more than 120 apple varieties and is double distilled in a traditional French alembic pot still, earning a Double Gold at the Fifty Best’s Best Apple Brandy competition. Shady Knoll is known and well-loved for its intimate, educational tasting experience and dedication to local agriculture.
Orchard Hill founders Karl duHoffmann, Andrew Emig, and Jeff Soons, came together in the most unlikely of circumstances to form the Orchard Hill Cider Mill in 2011. Based in New Hampton and rooted in the 112-year legacy of Soons Orchards, Orchard Hill Cider Mill creates small-batch ciders and Pommeaus from the “best produce” available in the state.
For our Wine Tasting and Auctions event, Orchard Hill Cider Mill will be bringing its select TEN66 Pommeau series to the afternoon with event attendees given a rare selection of tastes and characters that only Orchard Hill can bring. Since its founding that has been one vision above all else for Soons Orchards and Orchard Hill Cider Mill: Customers deserve the best, so let’s grow it for them!
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.
Since opening, the brewery has brewed more than 150 different beer styles, from its popular MegaBoss IPA to its classic Cream and Brown Ales. 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!
We are incredibly grateful to all our showcase pourers for welcoming our guests and helping us create a memorable evening as we continue to enrich lives, one person at a time. We invite you to join us for the unforgettable afternoon at Milea Estate Vineyard, where great wines, local flavors, and community spirit come together with purpose.
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