The Perfect Weekend Getaway Guide to the Oldest Winery in America
I’m a traveler with a heart full of a wanderlust — some of my favorite places are the ones that illuminate history’s greatness and YES the first ever and oldest winery is on that list of greatness because let’s be real — what’s not to enjoy … also, it’s how classy people get crunked. Thanks to the Four Point Sheraton ♡ for hosting us and more so introducing me and my world to a weekend getaway like this!
GUIDE TO A WEEKEND GETAWAY
to visit the OLDEST WINERY IN AMERICA in NEWBURGH NEW YORK
➀ Grab your adventure partner — a friend or lover. I invited my good friend Emily Keown because we were long overdue for a trip and especially one as fun as this. Emily, like myself, loves travel, history, and wine! Emily and I were a pair of the many journalists and media/press folks that came together over the weekend.
It was really great to get out of the city for the weekend!
I had NO idea that America’s closest winery was just outside of the city. It was amazing to learn about their history and tour the grounds. The tasting was phenomenal and I even took home some of the Holiday spiced wine that I can’t wait to share with my family over Christmas.
— Emily Keown
➁ Book an awesome hotel — stay at the Four Point Sheraton near the Stewart airport. It’s wonderfully decorated with a modern yet country touch. The beds are probably one of the most comfortable I’ve slept in at a hotel, everything here comes BIG and I mean huge — a 55′ inch flatscreen in every room for those late night shows. The food is great and atmosphere really brings people together. They even have an outdoor fire pit that’s perfect to gather around and small talk before calling it a night.
Emily Keown from CBS and Amanda Bisack from TheChicaTravelista.com
We had a bonus with Trivia night by Hudson Valley Trivia AND EMILY WON! Her win was a case of wine from the Brotherhood Winery (how awesome) that she started giving away like Oprah does with gifts – “You get some wine and you get some wine, and you get some wine!” (she didn’t actually say this, but I like picturing it) – Emily is just that awesome!
➂ Historic landmarks — you can’t go to Newburgh, NY and not stop by George Washington’s Headquarters. With an appropriate address 84 Liberty St, Newburgh, NY — overlooking the Hudson River where …
General George Washington was in command during the final year of the American Revolution and is where he issued the Proclamation of Peace which brought an end to the revolution. The house, called Hasbrouck House, later was designated a State historic site in 1961. The house functioned as the longest-serving headquarters of Washington during the revolutionary war. It is also the oldest house in the city of Newburgh, and the first property acquired and preserved by any U.S. state for historic reasons.
The way the leaves turn colors is my favorite part about Autumn — It’s a lovely sight to see and appreciate it — thank you mother nature, ooohhh how do you do it?!
➃ Cosimo’s Brick Oven Restaurant & Bar for lunch — so we were a large group and these guys did one of the most awesome things I’ve ever seen done at a restaurant establishment. They called us in advance and took our order and to top it off our waitressed killed it with great service! This is a must try experience while you’re in Newburg, Cosimo’s is a unique establishment where you feel like you’ve just entered your Italian aunt’s home.
➄ Brotherhood Winery — last but definitely not least, make your way to the Brotherhood Winery, established in 1839, this is America’s Oldest Winery and is known for their sparkling wines, NY varietals, as well as specialty wines. They hold the title of “Best wine tour in the country!”
Get a tour and do a tasting — our guide Dimanche (which means “Sunday” in French) took us underground where we got a look at where it all happened, how it began, and into the cellar where the oldest wines from the beginning of this winery are still bottled. These oak barrels give off the best flavor.
These wines are so old it might have turned into vinegar by now — but there’s only one way to find out. I suggested we try and see but that was a big no. It doesn’t hurt to ask. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
➅ Bonus tip: Try to visit Bear Mountain for some awesome Instagram pics and in general, take a few moments to LOVE mother nature and all she’s done.
[…] For when you want to go H A R D — and these gifts are just not extravagant enough — treat your partner/lover/friend/or yourself to a trip to Newburgh, New York and visit the oldest winery in the states. Find out more about my visit here! […]