Sip + Savor: HV Wine & Food Fest Returns September 6th + 7th

Every September, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest transforms the Dutchess County Fairgrounds into a vibrant gathering place for wine lovers, foodies, and curious tasters alike. What began on a Red Hook farm in 2001 has blossomed into one of the Northeast’s most anticipated culinary weekends, drawing thousands eager to explore and taste the very best of New York State’s wines, farm-fresh foods, and artisanal creations. From live food demos and talks to local cheeses and maple syrup, gourmet bites, boutique crafts, and live music, it will be yet another unforgettable weekend at the festival!

The festival was originally the brainchild of Michael Babcock, founding owner and president of WineRacks.com, a custom wine cellar company that has been operating in the Hudson Valley for over 30 years. Michael, a Culinary Institute Fellow, set the vision in motion. Helping to orchestrate this long-running celebration with fresh energy and ideas is festival coordinator Terrah Bretherton, who has helped guide the festival’s growth and vision since 2022, while ensuring it remains true to its founding mission: Honoring the Hudson Valley’s rich agricultural legacy through exceptional wines, spirits, farm-fresh foods, and handmade artisan goods. It’s a mission aligned with the region’s reputation for farm-to-table innovation and quality, where tradition, fun, and creativity blend…like a fine vintage! With endless opportunities to sip, sample, connect, and discover, this is a weekend designed to celebrate culinary culture at its most delicious. 

Read on for more insight into Terrah’s role, the festival’s evolution, and what’s in store this year.

INSIDE+OUT: How long has the HV Wine + Food Fest been a tradition?

Terrah Bretherton: We’ve been proudly pouring into this festival for 24 amazing years! It’s been an exciting journey watching it grow from a humble gathering into one of the Northeast’s top food and beverage events!

Who started it, when, and what was the inspiration behind it?

Michael Babcock started The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest in 2001 at the scenic Greig Farm in Red Hook, NY, with just over 2,100 attendees. Inspired by the region’s rich agricultural roots, the mission was to celebrate the bounty of New York State—especially its world-class wines, farm-fresh foods, and local artisans. 

How many attendees are expected this year?

After five great years at Greig Farm, we needed more room to grow and moved the party to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds—where we’ve welcomed as many as 18,000 guests in a single weekend! This year, we’re gearing up for another fantastic turnout at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck—thousands of guests from near and far, all ready to sip, taste, and savor their way through the weekend!

The event is a beautiful celebration of many locally based chefs and wines, MANY of which are also globally renowned. Would you like to share your insights about the growing epicurean culture in the Hudson Valley?

Absolutely! The Hudson Valley has long been a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement—it’s in our DNA. The region is bursting with creativity and flavor, thanks to passionate chefs, winemakers, distillers, and farmers who are not only rooted in tradition but are always pushing boundaries. Our festival is proud to showcase this delicious evolution, where local and global truly blend.

What are you especially excited about for this year’s lineup?

Everything! We’re thrilled to welcome back beloved vendors and meet new faces who are bringing fresh flavors and unique products. Plus, the lineup is stacked: Live music from the award-winning Carrie Zazz Band, chef demos from culinary stars like Ric Orlando, Vincent Tropepe, Marcus Giuliano, and Jomuke Jackson. “Wine Talk” with the fabulous Hudson Valley Wine Goddess, Debbie Gioquindo—perfect for both wine newbies and seasoned sippers.

See you at this year’s event! You can find TICKETS + Info HERE.

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Photos courtesy of The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival