/ / / / / / / / /

On New York's Shawangunk Wine Trail: Stoutridge Sustainable Vineyard

June 14, 2012 at 12:53 PM | by | Comment (1)

Within easy driving distance of NYC sits the Shanwangunk Wine Trail, a collection of 11 wineries that regularly offer tours and affordable tastings to the public. We managed to hit three in one day and, this week, will share them with you as summer means primetime for making the same road trip.

Third Stop: Stoutridge Vineyard in Marlboro, NY

First, we must admit to spending a little too much time drinking at our second stop, Brotherhood Winery. Second, we were disappointed that, at 5pm, we'd only hit two wineries. Third, we were crazy relieved to see that Stoutridge is open until 6pm. SCORE.

We pulled up before the large reception house at 5:55pm, cutting it so close we fully expected to be locked out. Instead, we made it into the tasting room and ended up being poured a full variety of Stoutridge's sustainable, unprocessed wines by the owner himself, Stephen Osborn. This wasn't anything special on our behalf; we were there of our own accord and Stephen saw us only as normal, enthusiastic drinkers and he made the decision to stay open a wee bit longer.

Gallery: Shawangunk Wine Trail: Stoutridge Vineyard

The relaxed attitude isn't the only thing out of the ordinary here. Show some interest and appreciation, get Stephen talking, and you'll discover that not only does Stoutridge not process or "fine" their wine with additions, but they sell all of it right here, right out of the winery. It's sustainably grown and processed, uber-organic and then sold hyperlocally—can you get more "locavore" than that? The details:

[Stoutridge] is built into a hillside and our wine cellars are underground to take advantage of the passive geothermal energy, we use entirely solar generated electricity and utilize waste heat off our stills to heat the building in the winter through a radiant heating system built into the floor.

We are a gravity winery, meaning we never use pumps or filters in our winemaking. In addition we do minimal chemical processing to our wines. We do not "fine" our wines with gelatins, tannins or clays. We do not add water or sugar nor do we chemically adjust the acidity of our wines. We use minimal sulfites in our wines and we do not add sulfites or sorbates to wine after they are made. The wines are very nearly unprocessed and in a very natural state.

Stephen's a bit of the mad scientist when it comes to wine; he designed the wine works here, he holds patents and he goes about everything in the most eco-friendly, sustainable and Hudson Valley-centered way possible. Wine geeks, serious chefs and those interested in homebrewing here find their golden chalice bottle. Be sure to ask him how bats enter into the equation!

A standard tasting of two whites, two reds and a rose (or a specialty wine) costs $5 and you get to keep the souvenir glass, making it the best value of all three vineyards we visited.

Coming soon to Stoutridge: a distillery! That's right; eventually you'll able to come here to buy spirits also made from NY state-sourced grains, just as the wines come from NY state fruits.

Best time of the year to visit: We'd say anytime, but the area has a distinct appeal that we think would be best in early summer or late summer/early fall. You want to come to sit outside and smell the change of seasons over your glass of "Ann's Cask" red.

Hours:
All year: Friday thru Sunday, 11am-6pm


The author in the barrel room

[Photos: Jaunted]

Comment (1)

Post a Comment

Return to » On New York's Shawangunk Wine Trail: Stoutridge Sustainable Vineyard


Hudson Valley wineries

There are over thirty wineries in the Hudson Valley, home of the oldest vineyard AND winery in the U.S. Moreover, these wineries are spread throughout the Valley, thus one can not only get a sip of the grape, but sink in astounding vistas and taste delicious foods, while stopping at world-class art venues and historic mansions. We like to think that the Hudson Valley has it all! :-)
Hudson Valley Traveler on June 20, 2012 at 3:26 PM #Permalink

Return to » On New York's Shawangunk Wine Trail: Stoutridge Sustainable Vineyard

Join the conversation!

Not a member? .
Use of this Site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (effective 3/21/12) and Privacy Policy (effective 3/21/12). © Condé Nast. Your California Privacy Rights. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast.
Ad Choices