Explore Orange County’s more than 24 wineries, distilleries, breweries, and cideries

| 08 Nov 2018 | 04:47

Ghosts and terrifying haunts aren’t the only spirits attracting visitors to Orange County this fall, according to its division of tourism.
According to a press release from Orange County Tourism, the county is home to 24 craft beverage locations, including Brotherhood, America’s oldest winery, and the Angry Orchard Innovation Cider House, giving Orange County a wide selection of wineries, distilleries, breweries, and cideries.
“Sip farm-to-glass beverages while taking in breathtaking views of the colorful Hudson Valley fall foliage,” said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “Our local farms host special events all season long that appeal to the whole family. Board a tractor-drawn hayride or harvest a bushel of apples, pick your perfect pumpkin or listen to live music – all while enjoying local craft beverages.”
Exploring the county’s wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries is easier than ever with the ‘OCNY Craft Beverage Tour’ app, which is now available for free download in the iTunes and Google Play stores, the release said.
The app makes it easy for iPhone and Android users to customize tours of Orange County’s craft beverage locations from their mobile devices.
According to the county, It’s top craft beverage locations include:
Angry Orchard, 2241 Albany Post Road in Walden: Surrounded by 60 acres of apple trees, take a self-guided tour of Angry Orchard’s Innovation Cider House and sample exclusive ciders only available at the orchard.
Visit the legendary treehouse tasting room or take a guided tour of the Barrel Room for a behind-the-scenes exploration. The outdoor Cider Garden offers a relaxing fireplace, lawn games, and a variety of ciders. Visit angryorchard.com for more information.
Equilibrium Brewery, 22 Henry Street, Middletown: Share stories over great beers at Equilibrium Brewery, where scientific principles and a passion for craft brewing create a balance of drinkability and massive flavor. Choose from a selection of Next Day IPAs, IPAs, Farmhouse Ales, and Stouts and Porters. Open Thursday – Sunday. Visit eqbrew.com for more information.
Apple Dave’s Distillery, 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick: This award-winning orchard offers both fresh produce and fun activities for every age. Choose from 11 varieties of fresh, juicy apples and sample Apple Dave’s ‘Skullcracker,’ produced using the Revolutionary War era “Freeze Distilling" method. Distillery open Saturday – Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Visit appledavesdistillery.com for more information.
Pine Island Brewing Company, 682 County Route 1, Pine Island: Nestled in black dirt onion fields, Pine Island Brewing Co. is a passionate small-batch, grassroots company that calls an old firehouse in Pine Island home. Visit their tasting room to experience a variety of styles of IPAs, stouts, Saisons, and more. Open Thursday – Sunday. Visit pineislandbeer.com for more information.
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, 114 Little York Road, Warwick: Located in the foothills of the Hudson Valley, Warwick Valley Winery is home to the first distillery in New York State since prohibition, and is the creator of award-winning Doc’s Cider.
With a critically-acclaimed wine collection, they make a mean sangria and excellent cocktails. Pair your drink with locally sourced farm-to-table cuisine or enjoy live music every weekend. Open Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Visit wvwinery.com for more information.
Extend your visit with an overnight stay in one of Orange County’s select hotels or charming B&Bs, according to the county.
The Orange County Tourism staff recommends visiting www.OrangeTourism.org for a full list of lodging, activities, and attractions.
Orange County Tourism’s Facebook page: Orange County Tourism is a fabulous guide to up-to-the-minute postings of area events and activities, great times, and memorable experiences available to visitors.
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.