Day Trip: Six Wineries under Sixty Minutes Away
- Chelsea Susan Bednar
- Nov 29, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 18
A wine-tasting-road-trip in Upstate New York is the trendiest thing on everyone’s bucketlist. Sprawled across lush mountainscapes are many converted old dairy farms that now serve as various vineyards and wineries. Each with it’s own small-town-charm and lively energy, these taprooms will leave you thirsty for more! There are so many options to choose from so we’ve consolidated the information you’ll need to know, along with a brief description of a few of our favorites properties (listed from closest to furthest away from SMF):
Wineries & Vineyards:
Distance from SMF: 13 mi | 19 min
Location: 1900 State Route 66 Ghent, NY 12075
Phone: 1.518.392.9463
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 12pm-7pm | Sunday 12:00PM-5:00
Parking: Available
Kid & Pet Friendly
Originally a dairy farm in the 1790’s, this site now runs as a full-time winery. If you’re in the mood to grab a glass or bottle, walk ins are welcome; if you’re interested in a guided tasting, reservations are required.
For those who would like to take a taste of the winery home, this club offers a member program where in addition to member perks, you can be shipped curated wine selections quarterly.
Distance from SMF: 11mil | 17 min
Location: 81 SR Richmond, MA
Phone: (413)464-4629
Hours: Thursday-Sunday 12pm-5pm
Parking: Available
Food: BYOFood or Food trucks at certain times
Kid & Pet Friendly
Balderdash Cellars is a boutique, family‑run winery in Richmond, Massachusetts, founded in 2011 by Christian and Donna Hanson. What started from humble beginnings in a Pittsfield basement now thrives on a scenic Berkshires estate overlooking Richmond Pond, featuring a restored barn, patio, amphitheater, and vineyard.
They specialize in “ultra‑premium” wines sourced from their own California‑grown grapes—think Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Syrah, Malbec, plus a nice array of rosés and blend offerings.
The Tasting Room is open Thu–Sun, often accompanied by beer taps from local breweries, rotating food trucks or BYOF (bring‑your‑own‑food), and live music on weekends. Indoor and outdoor seating are first‑come‑first‑served (reservations only for larger groups) and the space is dog‑ and family‑friendly.
Distance from SMF: 12 mi | 16 min
Location: 2309 Route 203, Chatham, N.Y 12037
Phone: (518) 392-4609
Hours: (winter hours): Friday 4pm-9pm | Saturday 12pm-9pm
Parking: Available
Food: Yummy Kitchen (on site)
Kid & Pet Friendly (no dogs in the fields | children with supervision)
The Chatham Berry Farm is The Greenhouse Cidery. This small-batch taproom specializes in site-brewed ciders. They also have a rotating selection of local beers, wines, and spirits. Enjoy their outdoor seating after a day of berry picking and a meal from their on site restaurant, Yummy Kitchen.
Distance from SMF: 18 mi | 29 min
Location: 10-12 Linda Way Castleton On Hudson, NY 12033
Phone: (518) 265-5133
Hours: Seasonal | OPEN APT ONLY Nov.1-Jan.1
Parking: Available
Food: Available on Site
Stable Gate Winery is a woman owned, family-run business that was established in 2000. Formerly Payne Farm, home to Elsie the Cow of Borden Dairy Products (known today as the symbol of Elmers Glue), is now home to grape vineyards. Open by appointment ONLY for the holidays through April. In the warmer months, live music and weekly brunches are on the regular calendar. This venue is popular for all events: birthdays, showers, rehearsals dinners, and weddings.
In the holiday season, Stable Gate Winery hosts various events like their Annual German Christkindle Market (seasonal calendar here).
Distance from SMF: 37 mi | 52 min
Location: 241 County Route 6 Germantown, NY 12526
Phone: (845) 663-6611
Hours: Fri-Sat 12pm-6pm | Sun 12pm-5pm
Parking: Available
Food: Outside food permitted, NO outside beverages.
Kid & Pet Friendly (on leash at all times)
Established in 2014, this former dairy farm is a small, family run winery that sprawls 7 acres of the Hudson River Valley. This seasonal winery is open April-the end of the year on weekends only. No reservations area taken, it’s ‘first come first serve'. Outside food is allowed on site, but there is no on-site restaurant. Their recommendation is to pick up pre-ordered Cue2Go BBQ (located across the street).
Distance from SMF: 39 mi | 52 min
Location: 14 Rose Hill Farm Red Hook, NY 12571
Phone: (845) 758-4215
Hours: Thurs-Fri 3pm-8pm | Sat 12pm-8pm | Sun 12pm-7pm
Parking: Available
Food: Farmstand & Food Trucks on site. Outside food permitted, NO outside beverages.
Kid & Pet Friendly
Rose Hill Farm is a holistic ‘pick-your-own’ berry orchard in the Hudson Valley with a Taproom on site that specializes in cider, wine, and ferments. Pets are allowed on site but are not permitted in fruit harvesting areas.
There’s ample outdoor seating on the deck overlooking the orchard; there is a picnic table area on the lawn with outdoor games & fire-pits. Indoor seating is reserved for Taproom and food pop-ups. No reservations are required for Taproom visits during open hours. Tables are available for reservations ahead of time during the busier seasons.
The Taproom hosts semi-private parties but require a reservation. Be sure to arrange plans ahead of time with the Rose Hill Team. This club offers a mermbership program called the Ferments Club, that offers discounts in person and online.
BONUS VENUE:
Distance from SMF: 4.8 mi | 7 min drive
Location: 508 Canaan Road / Route 295 Richmond, MA 01254
Phone: (413) 344-6817
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM year round
Parking: Available on site Not Handicap Accessible
Hilltop Orchards is a multi-purpose 200-achre property & venue space offering wine & cider tastings from their Furnace Brook Winery and Farm Store. Their picturesque setting in the Berskhire Mountain also makes a great wedding or private party venue (for more information read our Top 3 Wedding Venures Near Silver Maple Farm blog post).
Thanks for reading, we hope to see you soon.
The Team at Silver Maple Farm
Traveling elsewhere Upstate? Visit one of our sister properties in Tannersville NY and Woodstock NY.
Stay in touch! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and tell us about your stay over at Trip Advisor. Breathe the sweet upstate air - come visit us at The Inn at Silver Maple Farm.
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