Cheers to 25 Years of Wine, Food & Fun! Celebrating a Hudson Valley Tradition

Every year, the weekend after Labor Day, the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY, come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors that make the Hudson Valley such a special place. This September, we’re raising a glass to a major milestone — the 25th Annual Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival!

What started back in 2001 on a small farm in Red Hook has grown into one of the most beloved events in the Northeast, drawing thousands of wine lovers, foodies, and curious tasters from near and far. More than just a festival, it’s become a cherished local tradition — one that celebrates the best of New York’s wines, farm-fresh foods, and vibrant community spirit.

A Toast to Our Roots

The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival was founded by Michael Babcock, owner of WineRacks.com and Culinary Institute Fellow, whose vision was simple yet inspiring: celebrate the bounty of New York State. What began with a few dozen wineries and a handful of vendors at Greig Farm has blossomed into a two-day showcase of over 200 wineries, distilleries, cideries, gourmet food producers, and artisans.

For a quarter of a century, this festival has been a love letter to the Hudson Valley — a region known for its fertile farmland, passionate makers, and pioneering farm-to-table movement. It’s a place where tradition and innovation come together, where small farms, local chefs, and world-class winemakers share their craft with the community.

A Celebration of Community

At its heart, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival is about more than wine and food — it’s about people. Year after year, generations of families, groups of friends, and longtime locals return to Rhinebeck to celebrate together. Some come for the live music and chef demos, others for the artisan crafts or the endless gourmet bites. But everyone comes for the same reason — the warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like coming home.

You’ll find familiar faces behind the tasting tables, local artists displaying their handmade goods, and neighbors greeting each other with a smile and a glass in hand. It’s a true Hudson Valley experience — where local pride runs deep and every pour tells a story.

Giving Back While We Celebrate

Community has always been at the core of the Wine & Food Festival. Over the years, we’ve been proud to partner with incredible local nonprofits that make a difference right here in the Hudson Valley.

Organizations like Walkway Over the Hudson and Wild Earth embody the same values we celebrate — connection, education, and stewardship of this beautiful region we call home. By supporting these partners, the festival helps uplift the community that has supported us for 25 wonderful years.

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate

From live cooking demos and interactive tastings to local cheeses, maple syrup, craft beer, and boutique shopping, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival offers something for everyone.

🍷 Wine lovers can sample the best from New York’s top vineyards — and even take home bottles with ease thanks to our convenient pickup system.
 🍔 Foodies can graze their way through gourmet bites, decadent desserts, and food trucks serving everything from tacos to cheesecake.
 🎨 Art lovers can stroll through aisles of fine crafts, handmade jewelry, and artful creations from talented local makers.
 🎶 Music fans can relax with live performances that set the perfect soundtrack for the weekend.

And for those looking to make it extra special, our VIP Experience is back and better than ever — with early access, exclusive gifts, delicious samples, and special discounts.

A Hudson Valley Tradition

Whether you’ve been attending since our early days on the farm or you’re planning your first trip this year, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival is more than an event — it’s a tradition. It’s where memories are made, where old friends reunite, and where new ones are always welcome.

So, gather your crew — your besties, your family, your classmates — and join us for a weekend filled with laughter, flavor, and community spirit. Let’s raise a glass to 25 years of celebrating everything that makes the Hudson Valley such a deliciously special place.

The 25th Annual Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival
 📍 Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY
 📅 The weekend after Labor Day
 🎟️ Tickets and details available at HudsonValleyWineFest.com

Here’s to 25 years of wine, food, and fun — and to many more to come! 🍷✨