I live in the state of New Jersey. Since I live very close to the New York State border, there are many beautiful wineries with fantastic views of the mountains. One particular winery that is a must-visit is Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery.
Located in Gardiner, New York, Whitecliff has been operating since 1999 as a family run winery and vineyard. This is of the largest vineyards in the Hudson Valley region, growing 20 varieties of grapes on what was once a dairy farm.
The owner’s, Michael Migliore and Yancey Stanforth-Migliore, mission is, “At Whitecliff we’ve dedicated more than 30 years to finding and planting grape varieties that succeed on our site. We’re dedicated to sustainability, environmentalism, and producing vegan wines we’re proud of.”
The common grape vine, which is native to the Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and South West Asia is grown here in addition to hybrid grape vines. Whitecliff plants their vines between 4’6” to 5’ apart and in rows 9 feet apart. Michael Migliore says, “If there’s anything that I’ve learned in thirty-six years of growing grapes, it’s that closer planting is better.”
Whitecliff focuses on producing Gamay Noir, Cabernet Franc, Pino Noir, Chardonnay, and Seyval Blanc in their vineyard. However, Riesling, and hybrid grapes, Marquette and Vignoles are grows as well. These grapes are used to produce delicious and unique red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines.
Production is not very typical at this winery and vineyard. Everything is done by hand — except the large job of spraying vines for fungi and insects — with the help of only 10 people. Gravity feed is used to prevent green tannins being released. Also, when red grapes go through the de-stemmer, they are left whole and then moves onto fermentation in order to release more fruit flavors.
A technique used at Whitecliff that I have never heard of before is Geothermal. Because the optimal temperature for winemaking and storage is a very specific 70-75F for fermentation and 55F for aging and storage, this technique regulates those temperatures in fermentation tanks. Geothermal creates a faux above-ground cave environment using coils which extend into the ground 100+ feet from the building. Propylene glycol liquid is used in the coils that either heats or cools by exchanging heat in the ground. This technique is all controlled through a computer software. Super cool!! Micheal Migliore was an organic chemist before going into the wine-making business, so it makes perfect sense as to why he’d implement this technique at his winery and vineyard.
Whitecliff’s signature wine and all-time favorite is Awosting White, which is a light and fruity wine coming from a Vignoles-Seyval Blanc blend.
Prices range from $6-$10 per glass and $12-$34 per bottle.
This is a list of current white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines available at Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery:
Whites:
Vidal Blanc
Seyval Blanc
Gamay Blanc
Dry Riesling
Riesling
Awosting White
Reds:
Gamay Noir
Pinot Noir
Syrah
Cabernet Franc
Two Cabs
Merlot Malbec
Marquette
Red Trail
Rosé:
Barrel Rosé
Dry Rosé
Pinot Rosé
Sparkling:
Awosting White
Dry Rosé
Moscato
Here is their website if you’d like to check it out! https://www.whitecliffwine.com
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