PALAIA VINEYARDS

LOCATED IN A 200-YEAR-OLD BARN on land once owned by Aaron Burr, Palaia Vineyards is right in the middle of a richly historic area of the Hudson Valley. History is a main theme in all the operations here, from our land to our labels, which feature different photos of our relatives on each variety.

We purchased the land in 2000 and began restoring the barn and converting it to a winery and tasting room. Planting began the following year, and currently we have 10 acres in production. Some of the varieties we grow include Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, Traminette, Seyval, Sangeovese and Pinot Noir. In addition to what is grown here, there are over 20 different wines to choose from in our tasting room.

We have won awards for our Merlots, Cabernet Francs, DeChaunac, Lembergers, Traminettes, Joyful Pink and Mead. It is the amazement of our guests at how good the wine really is, that is the best reward for us. People quite often remark on the “feel”of the place, and how this makes us special to them. Everyone also says we are “just around the corner,” no matter how far away they seem to live. It is the people who come here who are our best advertisement. Our Joyful Pink wine has been very popular, and we donate 10% of all purchases of Pink wine and pink t-shirts to Breast Cancer. We have also raised many thousands of dollars for Lung Cancer at our Neil Young Tribute Festival, held here every July.

With the live music every weekend, all year long, how could you not have a wonderful time here? Come stomp grapes with us in September, pick grapes with us in October, and check the website for our events listing.

Fermented honey from a farm in Pine Bush. This rich Mead smells as good as it tastes. 2008 International Award winner, 2008 Finger Lakes Wine & Food Classic; 2009 Hudson Valley Competition; 2009 Silver in the Women’s Winemaking Competition in California; Silver in 2009 NYS Fair; 2010 Silver in International Finger Lakes Competition.

This is a dry, very floral wine that is incredible when paired with food such as turkey, sushi or even tacos. Any strong flavored food will benefit from this wine, and we are proud to say we grow it right here on Sweet Clover Farm.

Now this is just a nice, dry red Merlot with a hint of oak. Smooth with a nice soft middle-mouth feel. Awards include: 2010 Finger Lakes International, Florida International and the NY State Fair 2011. Nice and clean, and a very popular wine here.