WELCOME

THE HUDSON VALLEY IS FULL of ghosts. Yes, ghosts. I’m not just talking about sightings at cemeteries, unsettling, paranormal activity, or even the kind you see around neighborhoods at Halloween. I’m talking about different type of legends. Legends that revolve around grapes, wine and some of the region’s cultural and historic sites, and the “ghosts” that remain, reminiscent of their viticultural past—a remnant of an old trellis, a vacant wine cellar, or the rusted remains of a greenhouse shell.

In this issue’s feature story, local historian Sylvia Hasenkopf explores the unique relationship of art and wine shared by many of the original landowners of these well-known places. We hope you’ll sit back and enjoy the tales (while sipping a glass of your favorite HV red).

The relationship between art, wine and culture continues in the Valley today with our “Year-Long Celebration of Art & Wine in the Hudson Valley.” With this program well underway, over the next few months you might catch a glimpse of some of our local artists feverishly toiling in the vineyard, paintbrush in hand. Be sure to save the date for the grand art and wine event at Lyndhurst, and look for other art and wine-tasting events planned at the wineries. For more information visit www.HudsonValleyArt AndWine.com.

Speaking of sightings, look for a special poster around the region this fall featuring entries from our “Face of Hudson Valley Wine” Label Competition. The official results have been announced and the winning labels, including the “People’s Choice” winner, are highlighted in this issue’s center spread.

While old legends are explored, new legends are made. Over the last few months, Hudson Valley wines have been among the top winners of some of the most prestigious wine competitions in the country, let alone the world. “Ty’s Takeaway” offers some suggestions on which to look for and where you might find some of these wines around the region.

So, with issue in hand, keep your eyes open for some unusual activity around the Hudson Valley and at the vineyards over the next few seasons. You might even spot some ghostly remnants of wild grapevines, thriving where none have long since been planted…

Linda Pierro
Managing Editor