With picturesque surroundings, robust farm-to-table menus, events galore, and of course, top-notch pours, these craft breweries, distilleries, and cideries are detour-worthy destinations all their own.
Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery
43 Wagner Lane, Callicoon
(845) 887-4056; Seminaryhill.co
In Callicoon, on the edge of the Western Catskills, Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery is redefining what cider can be. The cidery tends more than 60 varieties of apples, pears, and quince in its 12-acre organic orchard on a south-facing slope overlooking the Delaware River—each picked at peak ripeness, every step guided by a single conviction: nothing in the process should compete with the fruit.
Intentionality shapes every choice. Where many cideries build character through wild fermentation or wide blending, Seminary Hill takes the opposite approach. Head cider maker Joshua Hinchman manages fermentation to carry the fruit forward. Blends use fewer varieties, so the flavor profile stays specific and readable. The way a wine drinker learns to recognize a favorite grape, Hinchman wants people to discover their favorite variety. The sensibility draws from winemaking: fruit, site, and clarity over intervention. The result is clean, varietal, and expressive cider.
That spirit of place and intention extends across the property. The Tasting Room, Seminary Hill’s full-service restaurant, draws on the same seasonal and regional ethos. Executive Chef Edwyn Ferrari sources ingredients from area farms and designs dishes for cider pairing. The Boarding House, a Michelin Key–recognized hotel outfitted by local studio Homestedt, offers accommodation with a level of care and Shaker-inspired detail that runs through everything here.
Dassai Blue Sake Brewery
5 Saint Andrews Road, Hyde Park
(845) 407-0721; Dassai-blue.com
DASSAI is one of Japan’s most celebrated sake producers, globally recognized for its award-winning craftsmanship and innovation. Specializing in Junmai Daiginjo—the highest grade of sake—DASSAI meticulously polishes rice to its purest core, creating a clean, refined, and elegant profile. Now brewing in New York, DASSAI BLUE uses premium Arkansas rice and pristine Hudson Valley water, bringing together Japanese tradition and American terroir. The result is New York–born sake crafted to be enjoyed around the world. Rooted in a deep commitment to quality and human craftsmanship, DASSAI BLUE continues to redefine the future of sake.
Silver Brothers Spirits Company
55 Shaker Museum Road, Old Chatham
(518) 660-0047 | Silverbrothers.com
Founded in 2020, Silver Brothers celebrates the agricultural traditions of the Hudson Valley through a commitment to terroir. We produce elegant, grain-forward Rye and American Single Malt whiskeys crafted in small batches from grain grown on our historic farm in Old Chatham, New York. By prioritizing traditional methods and estate-grown ingredients, we ensure every bottle of our whiskey is an authentic expression of our unique soil, water, and climate. We invite you to experience our process firsthand when tours and tastings begin in June 2026.
Klocke Estate Distillery
2554 Route 27, Hudson
(518) 672-1166 | Klocke-estate.com
Perched high atop a hill with sweeping Catskill Mountain views, Klocke Estate transforms local and estate-grown fruit into exceptional brandy, vermouth, eaux de vie, and ready-to-drink cocktails. Tour the distillery and taste spirits crafted in imported Charentais and Mueller pot stills. Sip cocktails with mountain views while enjoying a lunch of elegant crêpes, or a dinner of seasonal Hudson Valley cuisine. Klocke Estate is a not-to-be-missed experience!
Catskill Brewery
672 Old Route 17, Livingston Manor
(845) 439-1232 | Catskillbrewery.com
Honest, hardworking beer crafted in Livingston Manor! Powered by the sun, the earth, and pristine Catskill mountain water—Catskill Brewery is an expression of everything that makes this region beautiful. Visit their taproom in Livingston Manor for weekly live music, events in their spacious beer garden, food trucks, and the best beer in the Catskills.
Roe Jan Brewing
32 Anthony Street, Hillsdale
(518) 303-8080 | Roejanbrewing.com
Drink in history in this award-winning restoration, where every detail invites visitors to unwind and reconnect. Enjoy exceptional craft beer that’s beautifully balanced and true to tradition, and savor hearty pub fare prepared in an open kitchen. And don’t miss the weekend lineup of regional live music. Dogs welcome too!
Little Apple Cidery
178 Orchard Lane, Hillsdale
(518) 610-1345 | Littleapplecidery.com
Little Apple Cidery is a beautiful destination for people of all ages. Enjoy a fine selection of ciders under an apple tree at their Orchard Bar and Market. Reopens May 9 with Wickers Creek and Aloha Tacos. Welcome new Wildling Pizza Co on May 10. Don’t miss the apple blossoms!
Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery
14 Grist Mill Lane, Gardiner
(845) 419-2964 | Tuthilltowndistillery.com
Tuthilltown Spirits is located in the Hudson Valley and was New York’s first distillery since Prohibition. Come for a guided tour, sip from their ever-changing menu of craft cocktails, explore the beautiful grounds or simply enjoy a whiskey flight including New York’s first Bourbon, all crafted onsite from New York grain.
Rough Cut Brewing
5945 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson
(845) 626-9838 | Roughcutbrewing.com
Located just minutes from Minnewaska State Park, Rough Cut Brewing serves award-winning craft beer at the only brewery on the Ridge. They are family- and dog-friendly, featuring live music, fun events, and a variety of tasty food options.
Shady Knoll Orchards & Distillery
37 Brush Hill Road, Millbrook
(214) 850-8409 | Shadyknolldistillery.com
Shady Knoll Orchards & Distillery is a family farm distillery near Millbrook, New York. They grow over 120 varieties of apples to make Shady Knoll Apple Brandy and Pommeau (a blend of Apple Brandy and fresh apple juice). They also grow rye, corn, and wheat to make four types of Shady Knoll whiskeys. They focus on producing small quantities of high-quality specialty craft distilled spirits. Tours and tastings by appointment.
Laughing Gut Kombucha Brewery & Taproom
289 Main Street, Poughkeepsie
(845) 863-5239 | Laughinggut.com
The Mid-Hudson Valley’s only kombucha taproom serves health-conscious probiotic beverages with unique flavor profiles, such as Chamomile Mint and Star Anise with Orange Zest. Visitors can purchase cups or growlers to go, or enjoy tea-based lattes and matcha. The taproom also features a “tea wall” with a selection of exceptional loose-leaf teas. Open Wednesday–Friday, Noon–5pm, and Saturdays by appointment.
Union Grove Distillery & Calico Outlaw Brewing
43311 Route 28, Arkville
1-800-VODKA-45 | Uniongrovedistillery.com
In Arkville, Union Grove Distillery and Calico Outlaw Brewing offer a relaxed but distinctive Catskills stop. Together, the two operations create a destination that feels grounded in place, with craft spirits and craft beer sharing the same unhurried setting. Owners Brian and Penny Mulder have helped shape a spot that feels both warm and welcoming, the kind of place people picture when they think of a true local business.
Two Farms Brewing
698 Winterton Road, Bloomingburg
(845) 412-5205 | Twofarmsbrewing.com
Tucked away in the woods beside a lavender field, Two Farms Brewing is a hidden gem farm brewery. They craft small-batch flagship brews and unique seasonal offerings using local New York ingredients, including their award-winning Snapping Branches Cream Ale. Expect bold flavor, farm-fresh character, and an unforgettable experience.
Apex Brewery
405 NY 17M, Monroe
(845) 202-3498 | Apexbrews.com
Tucked into Monroe, Apex Brewery is your go-to spot for a well-rounded lineup of seriously good beer. From hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts, crisp lagers, and their award-winning Kölsch Kömmander, there’s always something on tap worth talking about. It’s a mix of locals, regulars, and first-timers swapping stories over fresh pints—exactly how a neighborhood brewery should feel.
This article appears in May 2026.
