Hudson Valley Attractions & Things To Do

Make Your Wine Fest Weekend a Full Hudson Valley Getaway

The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival isn't just a day of wine tasting—it's the perfect excuse to explore one of New York's most celebrated travel destinations. Whether you're visiting for the day or planning a full weekend escape, Rhinebeck and the surrounding Hudson Valley offer world-class wineries, historic estates, farm-to-table dining, scenic hiking trails, boutique shopping, and unforgettable views of the Hudson River.

Top Attractions Near the Festival

  • A large, white, historic building with tall columns and decorative architectural details, surrounded by green trees and a grassy area, with people walking nearby.

    Vanderbilt Mansion

    📍 Hyde Park, NY

    Explore the Gilded Age estate overlooking the Hudson River, just minutes from the festival grounds.

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  • Museum exhibit depicting timeline of World War II with large hanging banners for the years 1940, 1941, and 1942, and display panels with historical information.

    FDR Presidential Library & Museum

    📍 Hyde Park, NY

    Visit the nation's first presidential library and explore the life and legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

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  • Aerial view of a long bridge crossing over a river with a cityscape and green hills in the background, cloudy sky overhead.

    Walkway Over the Hudson: The World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge

    📍 Poughkeepsie, NY

    Take in stunning Hudson Valley views from this must-see attraction spanning the Hudson River

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  • A scenic view of a lake with rocky shores, surrounded by trees and a large building complex in the background, under a partly cloudy blue sky.

    Mohonk Preserve: Hudson Valley Hiking & Scenic Views

    📍 New Paltz, NY

    Miles of trails, mountain vistas, rock scrambling, and nature experiences await outdoor enthusiasts.

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Explore Hudson Valley Wine Country

  • Vineyard with rows of grapevines, mountains in the background, and a partly cloudy sky.

    Hudson Valley Wine Trail

    📍 Marlboro, NY

    Customize your wine tour! Sip & explore charming towns along the trail for scenic views and cultural experiences of the Hudson Valley.

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  • An outdoor gathering at a winery with people sitting at picnic tables, eating, and socializing on a grassy area near a white barn with a large arched window and balcony, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards under a clear sky.

    Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

    📍 Millbrook, NY

    This 130-acre estate, which is part of the Dutchess County Wine Trail, features the 30-acre vineyard and walking trails. Wine tastings are offered daily and food trucks are at the winery on weekends.

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  • Aerial view of a rural landscape with colorful autumn trees, a vineyard, and houses with a winding driveway.

    Milea Estate Vineyard

    📍 Staatsburg, NY

    Sip delicious wines in beautiful surroundings at Dutchess County’s newest winery. Relax on their outdoor patio and enjoy the spectacular views of the vineyard, orchards and mountains beyond.

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  • A scenic aerial view of a farm with rows of crops, a large barn, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage, and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

    Robibero Winery

    📍 New Paltz, NY

    Boutique Hudson Valley winery in New Paltz. Tastings, live music, wood fired pizza, and vineyard views. Open 7 days a week!

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  • A large outdoor gathering at sunset with many people dressed in formal attire, set in a rustic venue with brick buildings, string lights, and a tall industrial chimney.

    City Winery Hudson Valley

    📍Montgomery, NY

    Music producer Michael Dorf took his love for wine and his entrepreneurial spirit to learn the tools of the trade, making wine himself before opening this urban taproom in the countryside.

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Hudson Valley Dining Experiences

  • A table with breakfast food items including an omelet, grilled meats, bacon, a biscuit with gravy, and condiments, set in a restaurant with a fire pit and outdoor view of countryside, with a person standing and another sitting in the background.

    Clay at Wild Flower Farms

    📍 Gardiner, NY

    Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the rustic new American menu pairs seasonal vegetables grown from local farms and onsite in clay rich soils, with well-sourced animal proteins for a dining experience that celebrates the region’s bounty.

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  • Outdoor patio of a restaurant called Farmers & Chefs with bar seating and a large sign, under a blue sky.

    Farmers & Chefs

    📍 Poughkeepsie, NY

    Laid-back and friendly destination serving seasonal, area-sourced fare, plus a full bar, brunch & patio seating.

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  • Mixed green salad with grilled cheese triangle, grilled peach slices, figs, and a lemon wedge, garnished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

    Bocuse Restaurant

    📍Hyde Park, NY

    As seen on Netflix’s Next Gen Chef, Bocuse Restaurant re-imagines the execution of classic French cuisine through the lens of ultra-modern cooking techniques. This unforgettable dining experience is brought to you by the students and faculty at the world renown Culinary Institute of America.

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  • Baked eggplant parmesan with melted cheese, tomato sauce, and basil on top, served in a black skillet.

    River and Post

    📍 Staatsburg, NY

    Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, River And Post stands as a welcoming destination for those seeking a refined yet approachable dining experience.

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  • A yellow house with white porch railings and columns, a large leafless tree in front, and fallen leaves on the ground during autumn. Clear blue sky in the background.

    Cucina

    📍Woodstock, NY

    A contemporary Italian menu based on seasonal and local ingredients. Cucina radiates a warm atmosphere in a country chic setting with modern touches.

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Magnificent Scenery. Historic Mansions. Cultural Treasures.

Explore the Hudson Valley for a perfect blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights. Start with scenic hikes in the Catskill Mountains or along the Hudson River, where trails like the Walkway Over the Hudson offer stunning views. Visit charming towns such as Beacon and Hudson, known for their vibrant art galleries, unique shops, and historic architecture. Wine enthusiasts can tour numerous vineyards and tasting rooms scattered throughout the region, enjoying world-class wines paired with breathtaking landscapes. Don’t miss farm-to-table dining experiences featuring local produce and artisanal specialties. For history buffs, historic estates and museums, including the Vanderbilt Mansion and Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, offer fascinating insights. Seasonal events and festivals bring the community together, celebrating everything from harvest time to holiday cheer. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or indulgent food and drink, the Hudson Valley has something special for every visitor.

Festival Planning Hub

Quick Links & Visitor Resources

Plan your Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival weekend with helpful links for tickets, travel, vendors, FAQs, and local things to do.

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Tickets

View tasting, VIP, and designated driver ticket options.

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Things To Do

Explore nearby attractions, wineries, restaurants, and Hudson Valley experiences.

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25th Anniversary

Celebrate 25 years of wine, food, shopping, and Hudson Valley tradition.

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Vendors

Discover wineries, cideries, food vendors, artisans, and specialty exhibitors.

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Become a Vendor

Apply to showcase your products at one of the Hudson Valley’s favorite festivals.

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Festival FAQs

Find answers about tickets, parking, pets, re-entry, tasting, and more.

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Location & Directions

Get directions to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY.

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Sponsors

Learn about sponsorship opportunities and festival partners.

Plan Your Hudson Valley Weekend

Explore the Hudson Valley

Discover tourism websites for counties across the Hudson Valley Region of New York. Find things to do, places to stay, upcoming events, restaurants, wineries, outdoor adventures, and more.

Upper Hudson Valley

Albany County Rensselaer County Greene County Columbia County

Middle Hudson Valley

Ulster County Dutchess County Orange County Putnam County

Lower Hudson Valley

Rockland County Westchester County

Hudson Valley Wine Tourism

Why the Hudson Valley is the Perfect Place for a Wine Festival

The Hudson Valley is one of America's oldest wine-producing regions and has become a nationally recognized destination for wine lovers, culinary tourism, farm-to-table dining, and agritourism experiences. Visitors can explore wineries, cideries, breweries, historic estates, scenic hiking trails, and charming river towns all within a short drive of the festival grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your visit to the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival? We've gathered answers to some of the most common questions about tickets, accommodations, transportation, local attractions, wineries, and making the most of your festival weekend. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for our 25th Anniversary celebration, we're here to help you create an unforgettable Hudson Valley experience.

Purchase Festival Tickets

  • Rhinebeck, NY, is a trove of history and culture. It boasts landmarks like the Wilderstein Historic Site and the Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn. Plus, a thriving arts community centered around venues such as the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

    The village offers rich dining, from Market St.’s farm-to-table offerings to the international tastes at Terrapin. Enjoy cozy coffee moments at Bread Alone.

    Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do near Rhinebeck. Top picks include hiking Burger Hill and wandering through Ferncliff Forest to kayaking on the Hudson River. The Dutchess County Fair and The Hudson Valley Wine Festival are great excuses to visit.


  • Absolutely! The Hudson Valley is home to dozens of wineries, tasting rooms, cideries, breweries, and distilleries that can be enjoyed before or after your visit to the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival. Many visitors turn their festival experience into a full weekend getaway, exploring local vineyards, scenic wine trails, farm-to-table restaurants, historic sites, and charming Hudson Valley towns throughout the region. Whether you're arriving early or extending your stay, there's no shortage of tasting experiences waiting to be discovered. 🍷🍎🍻

  • The Dutchess County Fairgrounds are located in the heart of Rhinebeck, making them a perfect starting point for exploring the Hudson Valley. Some of the most popular nearby attractions include:

    • Ferncliff Forest — A local favorite featuring scenic hiking trails and a fire tower with panoramic views of the Hudson Valley.

    • Wilderstein Historic Site — A stunning Victorian mansion overlooking the Hudson River, known for its architecture, gardens, and rich Hudson Valley history.

    • Poets' Walk Park — One of the region's most picturesque walking trails, offering river views that inspired generations of writers and artists.

    • The historic village of Rhinebeck — Browse boutique shops, art galleries, bookstores, cafés, and farm-to-table restaurants in one of the Hudson Valley's most charming small towns.

    • Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome — A unique aviation museum featuring vintage aircraft and seasonal air shows.

    • Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site — Both are a short drive away and among the Hudson Valley's most visited historic attractions.

    • Local wineries, cideries, breweries, and scenic Hudson River overlooks throughout Dutchess County offer countless opportunities to extend your festival weekend.

  • Rhinebeck is located approximately 100 miles north of New York City, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway. Most visitors can reach Rhinebeck in about 2 hours by car, depending on traffic. Travelers can also take the train to nearby Rhinecliff Station via Amtrak and enjoy a short ride into town.

  • The Hudson Valley offers a wide variety of accommodations for festival visitors, including hotels, boutique inns, bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, and scenic countryside retreats. Popular areas to stay include Rhinebeck, Hyde Park, Red Hook, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, and Rhinecliff, all located within a short drive of the festival grounds. Because festival weekend is one of the busiest times of the year in the region, visitors are encouraged to book accommodations early.

  • Many guests turn the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival into a full weekend experience. Beyond the festival, visitors can explore local wineries, cideries, breweries, distilleries, farm-to-table restaurants, historic estates, hiking trails, farmers markets, boutique shopping districts, and scenic Hudson River viewpoints. Popular attractions include the historic village of Rhinebeck, Ferncliff Forest, Vanderbilt Mansion, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum, Poets' Walk Park, and the Walkway Over the Hudson. Whether you're interested in food, wine, history, outdoor recreation, or simply relaxing, the Hudson Valley offers something for every traveler. 🍷🌄🏛️🛍️