The Hudson River Region AVA (American Viticultural Area) stretches from north of New York City to the Columbia County line just south of Albany in New York State. The AVA takes in all of Columbia, Dutchess and Putnam as well as crossing into parts of five other counties. It also encompasses the picturesque river cities of Poughkeepsie, Beacon and Peekskill. The Hudson river flows through the center of New York State and the AVA on its way east to the Atlantic Ocean. Its north–south orientation channels in marine breezes, which help to cool the region in the summer and moderate freezing winter temperatures.
A complex range of geological conditions exists throughout the Hudson River Region. Glacial deposits are made up of shale, schist, slate and limestone. Summers are warm, but humidity can be a problem – leading to grape vine diseases. Winters here are freezing, with average night-time temperatures less than 20F (–6C). To help to combat the cold, many vineyards pile up dirt around the base of their vines and put off pruning until the spring; this delays bud burst, helping to avoid damaging spring frosts. Open trellis systems also help with air circulation.
The Hudson River Region is an historic winemaking area, laying claim to both the oldest continuously active winery in the USA (the Brotherhood Winery, established in 1839), and the oldest commercial vineyard in America, said to have been planted in 1827. It was one of the few US wine regions to survive Prohibition, keeping up production by making sacramental and ‘medicinal’ wines. It was awarded AVA status in 1982.
Today, most of the region's vineyards are planted along the western shores of the Hudson river, where they benefit from the warmth of the early morning sun. This prime grape-growing location is under threat as land prices soar and urbanization encroaches on the region. The native Vitis labrusca grapes, Concord, Delaware and Niagara, are commonly grown alongside French/American hybrids such as Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc and Baco Noir, but plantings of cold-tolerant Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc can also be found.
