A little fun fact, my family has a small vineyard in the Hudson Valley called Clinton Vineyards. It’s beautiful. Tucked away off the Taconic Parkway and just under a 2 hour drive from NYC, it makes for the most lovely day trip. It was always my favorite family trip. My Great Uncle Ben started it in 1976 and we have been growing grapes and producing wine ever since. I’m a big fan of our Cassis, black currant wine, and Jubilee, our “Champagne” Style Sparkling White Wine. Coincidentally these two pair beautifully together to make a very classy Kir Royale.
I helped my Aunt Phyllis at the Grand Tasting of 40 New York wineries last week at the Astor Center. I tasted many wonderful wines, even some decent Pinot Noirs and interesting blends of Riesling and Chardonnay. I must confess, I have a weakness for delicious sparkling hard cider with a hint of sweetness and I have been at a loss to find anything worth drinking from New York until now. I discovered Leonard Oaks Steam Punk Cider. It might not be giving France a run for its money, but its a darn good substitute here in the States. Drink up New York when you can and even better- go visit your nearby wineries!
THE GASTRONERD 