About The Festival

This year we our celebrating our 25th annual event! The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival is an annual event held in Rhinebeck, New York, at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in the heart of the Hudson Valley. For the past 24 years, the festival has celebrated the local food and wine culture of the region, which is known for its fertile farmland, vineyards, and orchards.

People attending the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest outdoors on a sunny day with a large building and banners in the background.
Group of people celebrating at a wine and food festival, holding wine glasses and tote bags, inside a wooden venue with high ceilings and natural light.

The festival features more than 200 vendors offering a wide variety of food, craft beers, spirits, wine, and other artisan products. Visitors can sample wines, spirits, and craft beers, taste artisanal cheeses and chocolates, and sample a wide variety of gourmet foods.

Attendees are also able to purchase bottles of wine, spirits, and beer without the need to carry their purchases throughout the day. The festivals storage and pickup system ensures all attendee’s purchases will be available in one convenient location.

In addition to the food and wine, the festival also features live music, cooking demonstrations, and seminars on topics such as wine tasting, food pairing, and sustainable farming practices.

The Hudson Valley Wine and Food Festival takes place every year the weekend after Labor Day. It attracts thousands of visitors each year and has become one of the largest and most popular food and wine festivals in the Northeast.

A woman in a red shirt pouring a beverage into a cup at a table with bottled drinks and shot glasses, surrounded by people at an indoor event.
Close-up of a barbecue grill with skewers of grilled meat and salmon, with someone sprinkling seasoning on the food.
People gather at an outdoor fair or festival with tents and picnic tables on a grassy field under a cloudy sky.
Two women behind a table at an outdoor market stall selling bottles of flavored whiskey and liqueurs. One woman is holding a clear bottle with a yellow label, and the other is holding a bottle with a red label. Tents and other market stalls are visib
Smiling man and woman standing behind a table of various cured meats, cheeses, and olives at a food market or festival, with Italian and American flags, and a banner for Italian specialties in the background.
Indoor market or fair with booths, including a green Montezuma Winery tent, filled with people browsing and shopping. The venue has a high, curved metal roof with ceiling fans and lights.
Two women standing behind a table with bottles of bourbon, wearing shirts that say 'got bourbon?'. They are smiling at the camera, with a banner in the background that says 'Taconic Distillery' and features a dog logo, at an event.
Two women standing behind a display table at a craft vendor booth with various handmade bags, wallets, and accessories, with a banner reading "House of Cork" and the tagline "Nature at its best, serving earth one handbag at a time."
A row of colorful wine bottles with labels from Aly Lynn Winery is displayed on a table with a patterned tablecloth.
Two women smiling at a food festival, holding bottles of berry syrup labeled Heimart, with a banner and other festival signage in the background.

FAQ’s

  • When and where is the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival?

    The Festival takes place September 12th and 13th at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, in Rhinebeck NY.

    The hours for Saturday are: 11 AM to 6 PM

    The hours for Sunday are: 11 AM to 5 PM

  • What happens if it rains?

    The Wine Fest is an outdoor event and will be held Rain or Shine! It is a handicapped accessible event. Please keep in mind that even though most of the major events are under cover, you should still come prepared with proper clothing, sunscreen and rain gear.

  • Are pets allowed at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds?

    As per the Dutchess County Fairgrounds there are no pets permitted on the festival site. Please be conscious of the weather as it will likely be too hot to safely leave pets in your vehicle. There will be no exceptions to the no pets rule.

  • Can I bring my child to the festival?

    Children are permitted. Children age 12 and under are admitted for free. Please keep in mind this is an adult-focused event with wine/beer/spirits tasting and very little to interest a child. Buildings can get crowded and be very difficult for a stroller or small child to walk through at peak times.

    Attendees must be 21 to drink. WE CHECK ID!  If you purchased a Tasting ticket, please be prepared with your ID to prove you are of age to consume alcohol.

  • What can I eat at the Festival?

    Food is not included in admission tickets.  Many of the gourmet specialty food vendors do offer small free samples of their products so you can taste before you buy.  For meals, we have a fine selection of food trucks and food concessions.

  • What are some Festival Rules?

    Camping for Fest guests is not available at the Fairgrounds.  Please see our Travel page for lodging and camping options.

    There will be plenty of food and beverage available at the festival. No coolers will be permitted.  Water and Soda for Designated Drivers is available.

    No smoking is permitted inside any of the Festival Buildings.

    Attendees with the “Designated Driver” wristband will NOT be permitted to taste any alcoholic beverages. If you are witnessed tasting alcohol, you will be asked to leave the event.

    Local law enforcement will be in attendance at the festival to monitor your safety. Please participate responsibly.

What Attendees Think About The Festival ….


  • Had tons of wine tasting and of course food!

    We were able to see some canine companions as well! A lot of fashion seller, candles and so much more!! Bought a ton of seasonings, wine and balsamic home!! The dog treat was a hit! The best one we had was lobster roll from lobster and more which is a must try for $25.

    Jennifer R.

  • The food options were vast and the cleanliness of the grounds was Disney like.

    This was my first time at this festival and I really enjoyed myself. There are so many vendors besides the wineries. It is the perfect place to go on a date or with a few friends. If you have the chance I would highly suggest going there and supporting our local businesses.

    Jeff S.

  • Everyone was so friendly and I saw so many people smiling.

    I had a really great time. Even in the rain! Everyone was so friendly and I saw so many people smiling. Great event I look forward to going next year. I didn’t hold back! I bought everything I loved.

    Lala G.


  • Abundant tastings and food variety.

    Wonderful event. Abundant tastings and food variety. Purchased some great items. Will definitely return next year

    Candaice


  • This event is always fun!

    The vendors are always informative and love to share suggestions. Love the food trucks this year. Overall a great time.

    Lisa M.

  • Had a blast!

    Excellent event can't wait for next yr made some new friends as well seen some old ones.

    Jeff T.

  • 5 Stars!

    A wonderful experience with my favorite wines that love more than any other part of the world, were on grand display!

    Michelle Kola

  • Fun, Fun, Fun!

    So much fun! can’t wait to go back!

    Wendy Navs