The Cream of the Crop: A Guide

by Kelley Granger and photographs by Hillary Harvey, August 27, 2007

Communities teem each autumn with celebrations of the harvest. Whether you enjoy beer, wine, cheese, or baked goods, our region is well known for its abundance of agricultural producers and culinary artisans. Make like the black bear (who can feed up to 20 hours per day preparing for winter) and take advantage of the smorgasbord sure to be provided by one of this year’s many food and drink festivals. (See festival websites for ticket prices.)


The Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest

More than 200 wineries are slated for the sixth annual Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest. Begin a weekend of indulgence with Friday’s Grand Reserve Tasting and Gallery Gala—sample vintages from Seneca Shores Wine Cellars of Penn Yan and Thousand Islands Winery of Alexandria Bay, two of 12 currently scheduled wineries. For a small fee ($1 to $3 per taste) savor the specialty dishes of seven restaurants, such as Terrapin of Rhinebeck, known for its extensive use of local produce. Art from the River Winds Gallery, among others, will be displayed in the gallery wing at the grand tasting and throughout the weekend. Besides all-day tastings on Saturday and Sunday, visitors can attend a seminar by author and “wine diva” Christine Ansbacher, who gives tips on food and wine pairing, as well as cooking demonstrations by “Iron Chef” winner Peter X. Kelly of Xaviar’s restaurant. The Hi Flyers will perform their eclectic musical stylings, which range from Cajun to swing to rhythm and blues, and the Meg Johnson Band will offer up bluegrass and country folk.

September 7, 6 to 9pm, grand tasting. September 8, 12 to 6pm and September 9, 12 to 5pm, Wine Fest. Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck.
www.hudsonvalleywinefest.com.


Family Farm Festival

This festival is all about food—and the methods, farmers, and chefs behind it. A range of local, organic, and biodynamic foods will be served, and festival-goers can anticipate sampling grass-fed meats, spinach pies, artisan breads, farmstead cheeses, and vegetarian selections. The day is centered around the celebrity chef competition, where local chefs pair up with farms and square off against each other for visitor votes. This year’s teams are Jessica Winchell of Global Palate Restaurant and Cabbage Hill Farm; Adam Kaye of Blue Hill Restaurant and Northwind Farm; and the Culinary Institute of America’s Student Challengers and Elysian Fields Farm. Kids will enjoy the draft horse hay rides, animal arena, storytelling, and blacksmithing demonstrations, while parents can shop for honey, maple syrup, woolens, and handmade soaps amid the solar-powered live music of Big Sky Ensemble, Laurie Siegel, and more.

September 9, 11am to 5pm. Epworth Center, High Falls. www.familyfarmfestival.com.