NEW PALTZ – Wines from around the world were the stars of the Wine & Food Festival of New Paltz, as hundreds gathered at Mohonk Mountain HouseSaturday to try styles from Europe to the Hudson Valley.
The festival, which runs through Sunday in New Paltz, showcases more than 700 wines and specialty foods. Vendors range from major international wine brands from Italy and France, to smaller brands from countries including Croatia and Macedonia, to local wines made in the Hudson Valley, festival planner Michelle Woodruff said.
If she had to choose, Hopewell Junction resident Patti Cobb said she’s most comfortable with a California wine. But that’s the appeal of the Wine & Food Festival of New Paltz — trying new things.
“I really like one variety of wine that came from Croatia,” Cobb said.
Cobb also embraces the Hudson Valley wine scene, with Whitecliff Vineyards in Gardiner being one of her favorites.
“This year, I brought a few friends who aren’t big into wine, and they really loved the local selection,” Cobb said.
The festival also highlighted food, with cooking demonstrations by Peter Xavier Kelly, owner of Xaviars Restaurant Group, Kevin Zraly, founder of the Windows on the World Wine School, and Sara Moulton, founder of the New York Women’s Culinary Alliance.
More than just a foodie event, the Wine & Food Festival of New Paltz is organized as an educational event where beginners can learn the basics, while wine connoisseurs can explore new trends, Woodruff said.
“Novices can start with understanding their reds and their whites while more advanced tasters can learn about organic, biodynamic and vegan wines,” Woodruff said.
And for the vendors at the festival, the weekend is a chance to mingle and interact with winemakers across the globe. Matt Student, tasting room manager at Whitecliff Vineyards, said this year’s festival was better organized, putting local wineries right next to the international brands.
“It’s great exposure to different styles of wine, from grapes that aren’t grown in New York to variations on the styles of wine common here,” Student said.
Beyond learning about the wines, the festival is also a great business opportunity.
“Lots of trade people attend these events, including restaurant and liquor store owners,” Student said. “We always strive to introduce yourself and get our name out there.”
Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW
Video online
Visit www.poughkeepsiejournal.com for a video look at the Wine & Food Festival of New Paltz.
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