The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest in Rhinebeck, New York, stands as a premier annual event celebrating the region’s culinary and viticultural offerings. Held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, this festival showcases local wines, craft beverages, and gourmet foods from across the Hudson Valley. Visitors can sample a wide array of wines from area vineyards, taste artisanal foods, and enjoy live entertainment in a picturesque setting.
Set against the backdrop of the Hudson Valley’s rolling hills and lush landscapes, the festival provides a perfect opportunity for food and wine enthusiasts to explore the flavors of this fertile region. The event typically takes place in early September, offering attendees a chance to experience the bounty of the harvest season. With a history spanning over two decades, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest has become a beloved tradition for locals and tourists alike.
History of the Festival

The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest has become a cherished annual tradition, showcasing the region’s vibrant culinary and wine culture. Its roots trace back to the early 2000s, evolving from a small local event into a major celebration of New York’s food and wine scene.
Origins in the Hudson Valley Region
The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest began in 2001 as a modest wine-tasting event at Greig Farm in Red Hook, NY. Over the next few years, it quickly outgrew its original venue. In response to increasing popularity, organizers moved the festival to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY.
This larger location allowed the event to expand its offerings and accommodate more visitors. The festival now features hundreds of wines from New York wineries and over 100 gourmet specialty food vendors. It takes place annually on the weekend following Labor Day, typically in early September.
Since its inception, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest has played a crucial role in promoting local vineyards, farms, and artisanal food producers. It has become a platform for showcasing the rich agricultural heritage of the Hudson Valley region.
Venue and Date

The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival takes place annually at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York. The event is typically held over a weekend in early September.
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
The Dutchess County Fairgrounds serves as the ideal location for this popular festival. Situated at 6636 US-9 in Rhinebeck, NY, the sprawling grounds provide ample space for vendors, exhibitors, and attendees.
The 2025 Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th. On Saturday, the event runs from 11 AM to 6 PM. Sunday’s hours are slightly shorter, from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Rhinebeck’s central location in the Hudson Valley makes it easily accessible for visitors from throughout the region. The fairgrounds offer plenty of parking and room for the numerous wineries, food vendors, and artisans that participate in the festival.
Featured Wineries and Breweries

The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest showcases an impressive array of local producers. Visitors can sample and purchase products from award-winning wineries, innovative craft breweries, and artisanal distilleries.
Local New York Wineries
Millbrook Vineyards stands out as a premier Hudson Valley winery. Their 130-acre estate produces over 15,000 cases annually, specializing in Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. Millbrook was named Winery of the Year at the 2024 Hudson Valley Wine Fest Wine Competition.
Other notable wineries include Brotherhood Winery, America’s oldest continuously operating winery, and Benmarl Winery, which holds New York State’s first farm winery license. These establishments offer tastings of their signature varietals and blends.
Visitors can explore booths from smaller family-owned wineries, each presenting unique flavor profiles that reflect the terroir of their specific Hudson Valley microclimates.
Craft Beers and Breweries
The festival highlights the region’s thriving craft beer scene. Popular Hudson Valley breweries like Newburgh Brewing Company and Sloop Brewing Co. often participate, pouring their latest seasonal releases and year-round favorites.
Attendees can sample a diverse range of beer styles:
- Crisp lagers
- Hop-forward IPAs
- Rich stouts
- Fruited sours
Many breweries showcase beers made with locally-sourced ingredients, including New York State hops and grains. This emphasis on terroir creates distinctive flavors that capture the essence of the Hudson Valley.
New York Vineyards and Distilleries
Beyond wine and beer, the festival features spirits from Hudson Valley distilleries. Tuthilltown Spirits, makers of Hudson Whiskey, often presents their small-batch bourbons and ryes.
Visitors can sample craft vodkas, gins, and fruit-based spirits from producers like Harvest Spirits Farm Distillery. These distilleries utilize local fruits and grains in their production processes.
The event also spotlights hard ciders, capitalizing on New York’s apple-growing heritage. Producers like Bad Seed Cider Co. and Angry Orchard showcase traditional and innovative cider styles, from bone-dry to fruit-infused varieties.
Culinary Experience

The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest offers a diverse array of culinary delights. Visitors can sample gourmet foods, watch cooking demonstrations, and enjoy meals from various food trucks and vendors.
Gourmet Foods and Cooking Demonstrations
Gourmet food vendors showcase a wide selection of artisanal products. Attendees can taste and purchase specialty items like artisan cheeses, handcrafted chocolates, and locally-made jams. Many vendors offer samples of their products.
Cooking demonstrations are a popular feature of the festival. Professional chefs showcase their skills and share cooking tips. These demonstrations often focus on seasonal ingredients and regional specialties. Attendees can learn new techniques and get recipe ideas to try at home.
The festival highlights local and regional producers. This emphasis on local cuisine gives visitors a true taste of Hudson Valley flavors.
Food Trucks and Mobile Vendors
Food trucks and mobile vendors provide a variety of meal options at the festival. These vendors offer everything from quick snacks to full meals. Options may include wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, and ethnic cuisines.
Many food trucks use locally-sourced ingredients in their dishes. This commitment to local products aligns with the festival’s focus on Hudson Valley flavors. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are often available to accommodate different dietary needs.
The diverse selection of food trucks ensures that there’s something for every palate. Visitors can enjoy their meals in designated eating areas or picnic-style on the fairgrounds.
Entertainment and Activities

The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest offers a vibrant lineup of entertainment and activities to complement its culinary offerings. Visitors can enjoy live music performances while sampling wines and gourmet foods.
Live Music Schedule
Local and regional musicians take the stage throughout the festival weekend. On Saturday, the music kicks off at noon with an acoustic folk duo. At 2 PM, a jazz quartet performs classics and original compositions.
The evening brings a high-energy rock band from 4-6 PM to close out the day. Sunday’s lineup features a bluegrass group at 11 AM, followed by a singer-songwriter showcase at 1 PM.
A popular regional cover band caps off the festival from 3-5 PM. All performances take place on the main stage near the food pavilion. Seating is available, but many attendees enjoy the music while strolling between vendor booths.
Visitor Information
The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest offers a range of amenities for attendees. Key details about tickets, parking, and accommodation options ensure a smooth experience for visitors to this popular Rhinebeck event.
Tickets and Admission
Tickets for the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest are available for purchase online or at the gate. Adult admission includes a complimentary wine glass for tastings. Designated driver and under-21 tickets are offered at reduced prices.
VIP packages provide early entry and exclusive perks. Group discounts apply for parties of 10 or more. Children under 12 enter free with a paying adult.
The event runs from 11 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday. Early arrival is recommended to avoid lines and ensure ample time to explore.
Accommodation and Parking
Ample free parking is available at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. Shuttle services run from designated offsite lots during peak hours.
Rhinebeck offers various lodging options within a short drive of the festival grounds:
- Charming bed and breakfasts
- Chain hotels
- Vacation rentals
Nearby towns like Kingston and Poughkeepsie provide additional accommodation choices. Booking in advance is strongly advised, as local rooms fill quickly during the festival weekend.
For those seeking a full Hudson Valley experience, camping facilities are available at several nearby state parks and private campgrounds.
Connect with the Festival Online

The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest maintains an active online presence to engage with attendees and wine enthusiasts. Social media platforms and community engagement efforts keep festival-goers informed and connected throughout the year.
Social Media Presence
The festival utilizes Facebook as its primary social media platform. Visitors can find the official page by searching for “Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest” on Facebook. The page provides updates on event dates, ticket information, and participating vendors. Wine lovers can follow the page to stay informed about upcoming festivals and special offers.
Festival organizers regularly post photos and videos from past events, giving potential attendees a glimpse of what to expect. They also share interesting facts about regional wines and food pairings. This content helps build anticipation and educates followers about the Hudson Valley’s vibrant wine scene.
Engaging with the Community through Facebook
Facebook serves as a hub for festival-related discussions and community building. Attendees can create or join event pages for specific festival dates, allowing them to connect with other wine enthusiasts. These pages often feature lively conversations about favorite wineries, food vendors, and experiences from previous years.
The festival’s Facebook presence encourages user-generated content. Visitors are invited to share their photos and stories from the event, creating a sense of community among wine lovers. Festival organizers also use the platform to respond to questions and address concerns, providing a direct line of communication with attendees.
To participate in these online discussions, users need a Facebook account. Creating an account is free and requires an email address or phone number and a password. Those who have forgotten their login information can use the “Forgot Account” feature to regain access.