WARWICK VALLEY WINERY & DISTILLERY

Jason A. Grizzanti is a renowned New York State winemaker, pomologist, viniculturalist, businessman and the innovator behind the Empire State's first fruit micro-distillery. Jason is a principal and chief operating officer in charge of production at the Warwick Valley Winery in the Hudson Valley's picturesque apple capital.

Under Jason's direction, the facility has garnered critical acclaim and awards for its fruit distillates including an 87 rating from the Beverage Tasting Institute for Grizzanti's pear brandy; a Gold Medal at the NY Wine and Food Classic for his pear liqueur; coverage in Forbes Life magazine for the bourbon barrel-aged apple liqueur; a Gold Medal-winning ruby port; and 2007 'Best of Show' recognition at the Hudson Valley Wine Competition for Jason's American FruitsTM Sour Cherry Cordial.

In 2001,Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery became the Hudson Valley's first licensed distillery since prohibition. We are currently the state's leading producer of fruit brandies (eau de vies) and all natural fruit liqueurs. The process begins by crushing whole, ripe fruit and then fermenting the mash in stainless steel tanks. The next step is to transfer the fermented mash into our copper pot still. Once there, the fermented fruit is gently heated by steam, as opposed to direct flame, to slowly boil off the alcohol without compromising the delicate fruit aromas.

Beginning in 2009, Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery will be expanding the distillery to produce artisan gins and whiskeys.