Freefall Sangria

Although still winter, it was a sunny and dry day, perfect for a drive to the Hudson Valley to attend the 1^st Annual Queen City International Wine Festival in Poughkeepsie, New York on Saturday, February 18, 2023. There was a curated mix of interesting wine and spirits companies in attendance who presented a diverse portfolio of products for tasting. 

Participating Wine Companies

Banville Wine Merchants
Communal Brands
Freefall Sangria
Grapes & Greens
Milea Estate Vineyard
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
Quintessential Importer - Marketer - Distributor
T Edwards
Wilson Daniels
Wine For the World 

Wilson Daniels

Each of the participating wine companies brought a wide variety of wines for tasting. The United States was well-represented with domestic wines from California, New York State, and Washington State. There were also international wines for tasting from Argentina, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Uruguay. From lower alcohol prosecco (11% alcohol) to higher alcohol wines like a Super Tuscan (14.4% alcohol), there was something for every palate and style preference. 

Wine For The World

The Queen City International Wine Festival ran from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm and over the course of the festival we sampled several wines as well as some of the spirits offered. 

A Few of the Many Highlights from the Wine Tasting

Maison Noir - In Sheep's Clothing - Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020, Columbia Valley, Washington, 13% alcohol, made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark fruit on the palate with nice acidity and tannins. Presented by Banville Wine Merchants. 

Grapes & Greens

Bottera - Brilla Prosecco DOC - Glera - Veneto, Italy NV, 11% alcohol, mineral notes on the palate and lively bubbles, presented by Grapes & Greens. 

Milea Estate Vineyard

Milea Estate - Claret 2019, New York, 12.6% alcohol, a blend of vinifera grapes of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot in a classic Bordeaux style. Dry, lower alcohol, easy on the palate with a nice finish. Locally made in the Hudson River region in Staatsburg, New York, and presented by Milea Estate Vineyard. 

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

Millbrook - Cabernet Franc 2020, New York, 13% alcohol, a blend of 75% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, that spent 14 months in French Oak, with red berries and violet notes for an elegant finish. Locally in the Hudson River Valley in Millbrook, New York, presented by Millbrook Vineyards & Winery.

Quintessential Importer for Hopewell Wine & Spirits

Champagne Palmer-Rosé Solera-Champagne, France, NV, 12% alcohol. Made from a blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, this champagne has a gorgeous salmon color, lively bubbles, and elegant notes. Presented by Quintessential Importer for Hopewell Wine & Spirits. 

Atlas Peak American Super Tuscan Blend - Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, 2018, Napa, California, 14.4% alcohol, dark berry notes on this powerhouse wine. Presented by Quintessential Importer for My Wine & Spirits in Poughkeepsie. 

Participating Spirits & Liqueurs 

Haus Alpenz
1857 Spirits - Barber's Farm Distillery
Cooper's Daughter
Four Fights Distilling
T Edwards 

Spirits aficionados had the opportunity to taste international spirits presented by Haus Alpenz and T Edwards, as well as locally made New York State spirits offered by 1857 Spirits - Barber's Farm Distillery made in Middleburgh, New York, Cooper's Daughter Spirits made in Claverack, New York, and Four Fights Distilling made in Corning, New York. 

T Edwards

Haus Alpenz brought a diverse selection of international spirits from Barbados, England, Indonesia, Italy, and Switzerland, and T Edwards brought a rum from Minnesota as well as a mezcal from Mexico, in addition to their wines. 

A Few of the Many Highlights from the Spirits Tasting 

Haus Alpenz

Etter - Kirsch Eau-de-vie - Cherries, Zug, Switzerland, 41% alcohol, rich, cherry mouthfeel, with a soft palate finish. Presented by Haus Alpenz. 

John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum, Rum Liqueur, Barbados, 11% alcohol, aromatic, sweet, add citrus juice (lemon, lime, or orange) and your favorite rum and you have the makings for a great cocktail. Add juice and soda water or tonic water and you have a fun, summer lower-alcohol cocktail. Presented by Haus Alpenz. 

1857 Spirits - Barber's Farm Distillery

From 1857 Spirits - Barber's Farm Distillery made locally in Middleburgh, New York, we tasted their 1857 Estate Potato Vodka - Barreled, 40% alcohol, finished in American White Oak Casks. This was the first time we have sampled an aged vodka, and the aging and char from the barrels gave the vodka a deep amber color and an interestingly tasty finish. 

Cooper's Daughter

Cooper's Daughter from Claverack, New York brought a selection of bourbons, vodka, Thai Basil Liqueur, and Black Currant Liqueur. We sampled Cooper's Daughter, Black Walnut Bourbon, 40% alcohol, finished in black walnut syrup barrels that imparted a smooth maple flavor. 

Four Flights Distilling

Four Fights Distilling from Corning, New York brought a diverse selection of spirits for tasting. For lovers of "high-octane" spirits there was their Emperial Moonshine, 50% alcohol. We also sampled their Emperial Apple Pie, 25% alcohol, that was a tasty "liquid apple pie" redolent of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon baked apple. 

Wine Seminar by Wine Expert Kevin Zraly 

Kevin Zraly 

Another highlight of the Queen City International Wine Festival was the Wine Seminar by Wine Educator and award-winning author Kevin Zraly, whose many books include his Windows on the World Complete Wine Course. Time with Kevin was well spent as his approach to wine education was approachable, interesting, and we walked away with new wine knowledge. Read about Kevin Zraly's wine seminar  in the Wine Cellar  section. 

In addition to the wine and spirits tastings and wine seminar, there was charcuterie and pastries from 1915 Wine Cellar, interesting non-spirits vendors including Duchess Tourism to discuss the many tourism opportunities in the Hudson Valley, and AMAWaterways^TM River Cruises to discuss international travel ideas. 

It was a wonderful introduction to the 1st Annual Queen City International Wine Festival, and we cannot wait to see what year two will bring. Until next time, cheers! 

Revel 32
32 Cannon Street
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601
United States
Telephone: +1-845-244-8880
Fax: +1-877-889-2093
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.revel32.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Revel32
Instagram: www.instragram.com/revel32pk 

For more information on Revel 32, upcoming events, as well as hosting a wedding or special event there, please visit their website at: www.revel32.com 

1915 Wine Cellar
40 Cannon Street
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601
United States
Telephone: +1-845-232-5311
Website: www.1915.wine
Facebook: www.facebook.com/1915wine
Instagram: www.instagram.com/1915wine 

1915 Wine Cellar is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 pm until 12:00 am. Parking is available both on and off the street in nearby parking lots. Parking is free after 6:00 pm and on Weekends and Holidays. Visit their website for directions and more parking information. 

For information on 1915 Wine Cellar and their upcoming events including their live music calendar, please visit their website at: www.1915.wine. 

Queen City International Wine Fest
Website: www.queencityinternationalwinefestival.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Queen CityWineFest/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/queencitywinefest 

For information on the next Queen City International Wine Fest, please visit the website: https://www.queencityinternationalwinefestival.com/

Dutchess Tourism - Hudson Valley Region New York
3 Neptune Road, Suite A11A
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601
United States
Telephone: 1-800-445-3131
Fax: +1845-240-1633
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.DutchessTourism.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DutchessTourism
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dutchesstourism 

For information on visiting the Hudson Valley and upcoming events, please visit the Dutchess Tourism website at: http://www.dutchesstourism.com/ 

Follow Luxury Experience on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LuxuryExperience to see photos and videos.

Follow Luxury Experience on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/luxurypair  @luxurypair

Follow Luxury Experience on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/luxurypair  @luxurypair

© February 2023. Luxury Experience www.LuxuryExperience.com. All rights reserved.