Fest of wine brings a sublime time

  MILLBROOK -Some were connoisseurs who already knew the finer points of winemaking. Others were neophytes who were just learning the difference between a Riesling and a Chardonnay.

But by mid-afternoon Saturday, more than 900 of them were enjoying themselves under sunny skies and a large white tent at the Millbrook Winery, sampling dozens of local wines and a wide variety of food at the Bounty of the Hudson Wine Festival. The event, which continues today, features wines from 19 local wineries, special dishes from local restaurants and fresh produce from local farms.

Middletown resident Phillander Hudson said she had never attended a wine festival before but was talked into coming by two co-workers who are connoisseurs.

"I'm originally from Houston, and I didn't even know this part of New York made wine," Hudson said. "It's been fun learning about all the different flavors, and an event like this gives you the opportunity to test so many different kinds."

Queens residents Elizabeth Sarmiento and Vito LaRocca said they began attending wine festivals in New York and Connecticut several years ago and always learned something new at each event.

"I had a white peach wine today I'd never heard of before and another one that was pear-flavored with a hint of chocolate," LaRocca said. "The great thing about wine is the endless variety."

Sarmiento agreed.

"Every time we go to one of these festivals, we educate ourselves a little more," she said.

Douglas Glorie, owner of Glorie Vineyards in Marlboro, said the annual Bounty of the Hudson event enabled small winemakers like himself to showcase their products to a wider clientele.

"It's a great way for wineries like mine to get more exposure," Glorie said, "especially when the weather and the turnout are like they are (Saturday)."

Debbie Gioquindo, marketing director of the festival, said the word is obviously getting out about wines from the Hudson Valley.

"Our pre-sale was the largest we've ever had in the 14 years of the festival," Gioquindo said. "We're celebrating the wines and foods of this region, all in one place, and obviously, it's become a popular event."