Rhinebeck, New York, is a great vacation destination tucked away in the lush expanses of the Hudson River Valley. The city is ideal for visitors with its scenic vistas, wide range of activities and entertaining community events.
The city is rich in artistic expression which is showcased at a number of locations including the Albert Shahinian Fine Art, Betsy Jacaruso Studio and Gallery, and Hudson Valley Pottery. There are many art classes you can participate in at these establishments, in addition to viewing their unique works. The visual beauty of the city stretches well beyond the galleries and studios. Downtown streets are lined with trees and are home to beautiful, historic buildings. You’ll encounter ample opportunities for shopping at unique stores in the downtown area. Hummingbird Jewelers is a fine example that has been in business over 38 years, carrying jewelry you won't find anywhere else. Cabin Fever Outfitters is another popular local store that can provide all the gear you need for your outdoor adventures as well as help you plan your activities. For the ultimate local experience, try planning your next trip around one of the city’s great local festivals or events.
The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival is preparing for another successful event heading into its 15th year. The festival is expected to be bigger than ever, with an expected turnout around 20,000 people. You’ll find some of the best food and wine the State of New York has to offer and it's all catered to a 21+ crowd. The festival is registered as a farm market, which is great for patrons like you. You’ll be able to sample a variety of delicious vintages, then have the opportunity to purchase them by the bottle. There will be at least 100 different food vendors serving up a myriad of treats, snacks, and meals, making it a top choice for food enthusiasts. Let the unique community of Rhinebeck and this great event set the tone for a vacation you won't forget! ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Jennifer Cristaldi, Event Coordinator for the festival, to talk all about this unique event.
RAL: How long has the event been running and how many people attend annually?
JC: 2016 will be our 15th year. We have over 200 vendors and attract an average of 20,000 guests over the course of the weekend.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
JC: The event is primarily geared toward adults as it is a wine tasting. Many of our guests come as couples or groups of adult friends.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JC: Our event is a NY Registered Farm Market which allows wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries based in New York to sell their product by the bottle. This is a great opportunity to sample and purchase some amazing wines and spirits. Many of winemakers themselves are in attendance, so wine enthusiasts can learn more about grape and wine production. We also have over 100 gourmet specialty food vendors. If you're a "foodie", you'll have the opportunity to taste and buy an amazing array of cheeses, sauces, candies, baked goods and more.
RAL: Take me through the activities people will find during a day at the event.
JC: Guests enter the event and receive their tasting glass and Taster's Guide which lists all of the vendors and has space to keep tasting notes as they sample their way through the event. Guests can then meander through four large exhibition halls that house our over 200 vendors, sampling wine, spirits and craft beer along the way. Then, take a break from the samples and shop for specialty foods, fine arts, crafts and home goods.
RAL: What dining options will there be?
JC: When they want to take a break, attendees can visit our unique array of gourmet food trucks and food concessions to purchase lunch and relax under the refreshment tent where there's plenty of tables and seating. Guests can also take advantage of cooking demonstrations and wine seminars offered by regional celebrity chefs and wine experts.
RAL: What is the environment like?
JC: Most of the event is held under cover inside exhibition halls, so it is happening rain or shine. The fairgrounds offer plenty of free parking, paved walkways, large restrooms with running water, and beautiful landscaping, but pets are not permitted. The event is handicap accessible.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JC: The Hudson Valley is host to a wide array of B&B's, cottages, and hotel accommodations.
RAL: Is there any place that people tend to flock to when they visit?
JC: Since the village of Rhinebeck is within walking distance of the Dutchess Co. Fairgrounds, many guests end up in town for dinner after the festival or take time to spend an extra day in the area just to see the historic sites and shop the quaint shops in Rhinebeck.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)
JC: This year, we will be supporting Save The Children which is a national charity.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JC: Our guests tell us that the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest has become an annual tradition. They love the opportunity to sample wines and spirits from all over New York. The Dutchess County Fairgrounds is beautifully landscaped making for a lovely visit in the country during the already picture perfect fall season. There's lots of seating for groups to gather and we offer private picnic areas that can be reserved for parties or reunions during the event.
For more information about the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival, please visit their website.