Domestic Production or Manufacturing
In the heart of Brooklyn, Happy Cork, an independent wine and spirits shop, stands out for its curated selection of quality and story-driven, detail-oriented brands. But let's journey north to the Hudson Valley, where the craft beverage industry is making a name for itself with its commitment to local, environmentally conscious practices.
The region is symbolic of the love, pride, and hope that New York offers. Some farmers are supplementing their income by turning to value-added agricultural goods, such as beverages. Here are some of the Hudson Valley's standout sustainable producers:
Seminary Hill Catskills
Located in Callicoon, Sullivan County, Seminary Hill is a cidery and restaurant co-founded by Susan Manning and Doug Doetsch. While specific sustainability details may not be readily available, the cidery plants cover crops to revitalize the soil and boasts over 60 varieties of cider and dessert apples and pears. Seminary Hill also builds sustainably, uses energy responsibly, employs local people, and contributes about $1.2 million in labor costs annually to the local community.
Quartz Rock Vineyard and Cider House
Marlboro's Quartz Rock, purchased by Jacqui Ferrari and Dan Heavens in 2019, is working towards a sustainability certification with the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. The vineyard donates two pieces of fruit for every one sold in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) to a food pantry and community center. Quartz Rock's 54-acre property includes 15 acres of grapes, four acres of apples, eight acres of peaches, and other fruits.
Catskill Brewery
Catskill Brewery, located in the town of Catskill, is a shining example of sustainability in the craft beverage industry. The brewery's facility is LEED Gold certified, and it engages with local ingredients and sustainable practices typical of the region. Mike McQuiston, head brewer at Catskill Brewery, favors the venison sausage from the Catskill Food Truck. The taproom features reclaimed barnwood and local musicians.
Dassai Blue
Dassai Blue, a sake brewery in Hyde Park, New York, is a partnership between Dassai and the Culinary Institute of America. The brewery uses New York water and is working with Isbell Farms in Arkansas to produce U.S.-grown rice. Dassai Blue saw 11,000 visitors for tours and tastings last year.
While the Hudson Valley craft beverage industry as a whole is noted for its "farm-to-glass" sustainable production models, focusing on local ingredient sourcing and environmentally conscious methods, specific sustainability practices for some of the named producers were not covered in the provided sources. For detailed, individual producer information, visiting their official websites or local festival participations, such as the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival, may provide further insight.
As the industry continues to grow, it's exciting to see these producers embracing sustainability and contributing to the local community. Happy Cork in Brooklyn is just one example of a retailer that supports these efforts by stocking local brands such as Wandering Barman and Ocean Hill Apple Brandy. These partnerships help to showcase the high-quality, sustainable products that the Hudson Valley has to offer.
- The Hudson Valley's Seminary Hill Catskills, Quartz Rock Vineyard and Cider House, Catskill Brewery, and Dassai Blue are all renowned for their commitment to sustainability, incorporating practices like cover cropping, energy conservation, local employment, and community contributions.
- Fresh produce from the Hudson Valley's Quartz Rock Vineyard and Cider House is not only enjoyed on-site but also donated to food pantries and community centers through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
