A haven of wild beauty, abundant resources and fertile soil, New York's Hudson Valley is a place brimmed with winemaking history. First explored by Mohican and Munsee Native American tribes nearly 13,000 years ago, was soon followed by European settlements that initiated viticulture in America. Despite the Hudson Valley being one of America's oldest wine-making regions, it flies under the radar due to its short growing season, complex geology, and humid weather. However, the region's innovative winemakers are adopting new grape varieties and winemaking styles, pushing the Hudson Valley into a new era, earning national attention in the process. These six wineries epitomize the Valley's remarkable renaissance.

Fjord Vineyards, nestled between Storm King Mountain and Mt. Beacon, offers unique micro-climate-driven wines thanks to the geological and climatic features of the Hudson Highlands. Owners Matthew Spaccarelli and Casey Erdmann craft stimulating wines, including Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, with their Albariño representing the notable attention-getter.

Sharing familial connection with Fjord Vineyards, Benmarl Winery, acquired by Matt Spaccarelli's parents in 2006, is a pioneer in its own right. The estate boasts the first New York farm winery license and offers a wide array of wines from Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay to Seyval Blanc, all while treating visitors with sweeping views of the Hudson Valley.

Standing out with its Dutch-style architecture, Millbrook provides evenly distributed tasting spaces and occasional events. Its crowd-pleasing wine, Tocai Friulano, is a must-try. Alongside is a mile-long walking trail for those wanting to stretch their legs while savoring the splendid view.

Whitecliff remains a family-run winery even after 30 years of operation. Winemaker Brad Martz showcases creativity through nearly 20 varieties of grapes, making this winery a distinct presence.

City Winery, founded by Michael Dorf, amalgamates music with passion for wine to provide a distinctive experience. From savoring one of a dozen wines beneath the patio to concerts in the moonlit amphitheater, this place is a wonderful fusion of experiences.

With a concoction of fermentation practices, Rose Hill offers wines and ciders for patrons to try. The winery intends to maintain minimal intervention in winemaking while producing organic and naturally fermented wine, making it a prominent destination.

For those inclined towards natural wines, Wild Arc and Field Supply offer an intriguing vinous spin, while Dear Native Grapes venerates America’s forgotten or underused native and hybrid varieties. With their tasting rooms predicted to open in 2022 and 2024 respectively, these innovative ventures are bound to attract wine enthusiasts and add greater depth to Hudson Valley’s winemaking identity.