Cheers to 25 Years of Wine, Food & Fun! What to expect at the 2026 Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival, September 12th & 13th in Rhinebeck, NY.
Celebrating a Hudson Valley Tradition
Each year, the weekend after Labor Day, the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY, come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors that make the Hudson Valley such a special place. This September, we’re raising a glass to a major milestone — the 25th Annual Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival!
What started back in 2001 on a small farm in Red Hook has grown into one of the most beloved events in the Northeast, drawing thousands of wine lovers, foodies, and curious tasters from near and far. More than just a festival, it’s become a cherished local tradition — one that celebrates the best of New York’s wines, farm-fresh foods, and vibrant community spirit.
A Toast to Our Roots
The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival was founded by Michael Babcock, owner of WineRacks.com, whose vision was simple yet inspiring: celebrate the bounty of New York State. What began with a few dozen wineries and a handful of vendors at Greig Farm has blossomed into a two-day showcase of hundreds vendors, including wineries, distilleries, cideries, gourmet food producers, and artisans.
For a quarter of a century, this festival has been a love letter to the Hudson Valley — a region known for its fertile farmland, passionate makers, and pioneering farm-to-table movement. It’s a place where tradition and innovation come together, where small farms, local chefs, and world-class winemakers share their craft with the community.
A Celebration of Community
At its heart, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival is about more than wine and food — it’s about people. Year after year, families, groups of friends, and longtime locals return to Rhinebeck to celebrate together. Some come for the live music and chef demos, others for the artisan crafts or the gourmet bites. But everyone comes for the same reason — the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
You’ll find familiar faces behind the tasting tables, local artists displaying their handmade goods, winemakers from across the state, distillers offering a taste of their lineup of spirits, and more. It’s a true Hudson Valley experience — where local pride runs deep and every pour tells a story.
Sip, Savor, and Celebrate
From live cooking demos and interactive tastings to local cheeses, maple syrup, craft beer, and boutique shopping, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival offers something for everyone.
🍷 Wine lovers can sample the best from New York’s top vineyards — and even take home bottles with ease thanks to our convenient pickup system.[Text Wrapping Break] 🍔 Foodies can graze their way through gourmet bites, decadent desserts, and food trucks serving everything from tacos to cheesecake.
🍸 Cocktail aficionados can sample from passionate distillers making delectable spirits. 🎨 Art lovers can stroll through aisles of fine crafts, handmade jewelry, and artful creations from talented local makers.🎶 Music fans can relax with live performances that set the perfect soundtrack for the weekend.
And for those looking to make it extra special, our VIP Experience is back and better than ever — with early access, exclusive gifts, delicious samples, and special discounts.
A Hudson Valley Tradition
Whether you’ve been attending since our early days on the farm or you’re planning your first trip this year, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival is more than an event — it’s a tradition. It’s where memories are made, where old friends reunite, and where new ones are always welcome.
So, gather your crew — your besties, your family, your classmates — and join us for a weekend filled with laughter, flavor, and community spirit. Let’s raise a glass to 25 years of celebrating everything that makes the Hudson Valley such a deliciously special place.
The 25th Annual Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival📍 Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY 📅 The weekend after Labor Day 🎟️ Tickets and details available at HudsonValleyWineFest.com
Here’s to 25 years of wine, food, and fun — and to many more to come! 🍷✨