One of New York’s hidden gems is none other than the Hudson Valley region. The area has connections to George Washington and America’s beginnings and a rich history and legacy of distilling spirits. You can thank farm-to-table culture for churning out some of the finest whiskeys, bourbons, gin, vodka, and other fine alcoholic beverages. Trek from different distilleries in Hudson Valley, immerse yourself in the natural scenery, and sample the colorful eateries. Settle into comfortable lodging during your stay. Let’s explore the Hudson Valley Distilling Trail with this ultimate guide to the region.

What Makes the Hudson Valley Bucket List Worthy?

The Hudson Valley consists of multiple small towns and cities with fertile soil, a strong spirit of innovation, and a love for craftsmanship and the land. Besides featuring some of the best distillery tours and distinctive alcoholic beverages, Hudson Valley has plenty of things to do. Make time to explore local orchards, the arts and culture, and natural and historical landmarks. 

Many distilleries on the Hudson Valley Distilling Trail pride themselves on using 75% or more of local grains to brew their top-shelf alcohol. The bottles and packaging these best distilleries use are drop-dead gorgeous, and some distilleries have connections to Prohibition-era gangsters and notorious recipes. 

Visiting the Hudson Valley Distilling Trail is something every American-made spirits connoisseur should add to their bucket list. There is something for everyone at the best distillery tours, whether they love hoppy craft brews, smooth gin or vodka, or a refreshing whiskey. Many of the best distilleries in Hudson Valley offer tastings of their best selections, in addition to a tour of the facility and gift shop.

What’s The Hudson Valley Distilling Trail?

When traveling along the Hudson Valley Distilling Trail, plan to pick a direction to get started. Most distilleries are located in the north and west, respectively. There are also some excellent destinations to visit in the central and south of the region.

Distilleries On The Hudson Valley Trail

• Denning’s Point Distillery (Beacon)
• Liquid Fables (Beacon)
• Spirits Lab Distilling Company (Newburgh)
• Black Dirt Distillery (Warwick)
• Tuthilltown Spirits (Gardiner)
• Hudson Valley Distillers (Germantown)
• Harvest Spirits (Valatie)
• Hillrock Estate Distillery (Ancram)
• Luckey Spirits (North Easton)
• Taconic Distillery (Stanfordville)
• Neversink Spirits (Port Chester)
• Stoutridge Distillery (Marlboro)
• Cooper’s Daughter Spirits (Claverack)
• Shady Knoll Orchards & Distillery LLC (Millbrook)
• Do Good Spirits (Roscoe)
• Current Spirits (Elmsford)
• Coppersea Distilling (New Paltz)
• Dutch’s Spirits (Pine Plains)
• Klocke Estate Distillery (Hudson)
• Three Meadows Spirits (Millerton)
• Catskill Distilling Company (Bethel)
• Magnanini Farm Winery & Distillery (Wallkill)
• Union Grove Distillery (Arkville) 
• Orange County Distillery (Goshen)
• Villa di Como Farm Distillery & Ristorante (Albany)
• The Albany Distilling Company (Albany)
• Nahmias et Fils (Yonkers)
• Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery (Warwick)

Plan Your Visit

Delight your taste buds and whet your whistle in Hudson Valley. Schedule a visit to the Hudson Valley Distillery Trail during the spring and summer for a delightful experience. For the ultimate experience, give yourself three to four days to indulge in different alcoholic beverages from your top choice of distilleries. If you can take a week off to visit the best distilleries in Hudson Valley, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a fresh breath of air compared to the experience of NYC.

Set Your Itinerary

Head north to check out the majority of distilleries on the Hudson Valley Distillery Trail for days one and two of your trip. On day three, take a leisurely pace and visit the best distilleries in the south or central region. Spring and summer are a fine time to imbibe the finely crafted beverages from local distilleries. 

If you are short on time, you can still experience the best drinks in Hudson Valley. In no particular order or ranking, visit the following popular spots for one of the best distillery tours:

• Denning’s Point Distillery
• Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery
• Taconic Distillery
• Coppersea Distilling
• Hillrock Estate Distillery

Between stops at the best distilleries, don’t forget to check out local shops and restaurants. Additionally, look to immerse yourself in the serene landscape. Nothing complements a good meal or appetizer like an expertly crafted, small-batch spirit or liquor from Hudson Valley.

Day One

Head north, where a majority of distilleries exist in Hudson Valley. You’ll find Olde York Farm & Distillery (with an included orchard), Hillrock Estate Distillery, Hudson Valley Distillers, and Taconic Distillery.

Day Two

Enjoy a slower moment and meander to the west. You can visit Orange County Distillery, Union Grove Distillery, or the Catskill Distilling Co. there.

Day Three

Venture to central Hudson Valley to visit Coppersea Distilling or Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery. Or, linger in the southern region to visit Denning’s Point Distillery or Nahmias et Fils to top off your trip if you haven’t already done so.

FAQ About The Hudson Valley Distilling Trail

Are any of the distilleries family friendly? 

Check out Hudson Valley Distillery because they allow children and dogs to visit. The garden is more suitable for furry family members, and kids are welcome at the tasting room.

Do I need to make reservations?

Most distilleries do not require that you make a reservation to visit and taste beverages. Seating is often first come, first served. Ask before you go, if you can bring your own snacks or purchase fare to complement your drink.

However, it’s ideal to have reservations for an in-depth tour of the Black Dirt Distillery. In comparison, Warwick Winery & Distillery doesn’t offer reservations. So, come early to ensure you get a seat.

What are some nearby attractions worth visiting?

You won’t be disappointed if you are interested in things to do in Hudson Valley. Art lovers that visit Beacon should stroll down Main street to visit Dia and snag something to eat at Max’s on Main. History buffs might enjoy stopping by the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site if they visit distilleries in Albany.

Take a note from our ultimate guide and enjoy the unique sights, history, and flavors only available in Hudson Valley.

Where can I find a place to rest and relax in Hudson Valley?

Consider staying at the chic Hotel Nyack in Nyack, the Hotel Kinsley in Kingston, the Sheraton in Tarrytown, or the Hudson House Inn in Cold Spring. 

Raise A Glass For Hudson Valley

Hudson Valley boasts an exhaustive list of fantastic distilleries that use farm-to-table ingredients, innovative flavor profiles, and exciting names like Tuthilltown Spirits’ “Do the Rye Thing.” Make room in your bags to bring back a few bottles of Hudson Valley’s finest whiskey, wines, and other spirits. Set a date in the spring or summer to explore the Hudson Valley Distillery Trail and taste the best alcoholic beverages in New York state. For more exciting distillery trails and tours for your bucket list, visit Distillery Nearby.