Since its opening in 2021, Hudson House & Distillery in West Park has evolved into a multifaceted hospitality destination as refined as the premium spirits it distills. Set on 27 acres with panoramic views of the Hudson River, the property is home to a working distillery, restaurant, and private event spaces, with a boutique hotel to follow.
Founded by hospitality veterans Charles Ferri and Paul Seres, the property includes a stately 1800s Italian Renaissance Revival manor and a four-story brick monastery built in the 1930s. The buildings had fallen into disrepair before Ferri and Seres acquired them in 2015, sparking a challenging six-year-long renovation effort that blended preservation with ambitious new programming. Today, the space and its diversity of offerings appeals equally to couples seeking a wedding venue with an unforgettable view, locals in search of a top-notch weeknight restaurant, and weekenders looking for an immersion in the Hudson Valley’s storied craft beverage scene.
“Anyone can pour a spirit in a glass in any old bar,” Seres says. “Building Hudson House created the opportunity to tell our story and offer a unique experience for our guests.”
The heart of the operation is the distillery, which produces a line of small-batch spirits including Black Creek bourbon, Black Creek Empire rye, and Altair vodka. A new addition to the portfolio, Altair Ultra Premium gin, will debut this spring. Made with non-GMO corn from Sauer Farm in Saugerties and water from the property’s artisanal well, the gin is cold- and slow-proofed for exceptional smoothness. With notes of juniper, jasmine, and citrus, Seres describes it as “a true New York State ultra premium gin,” intended to elevate the profile of any gin cocktail.
Hudson House’s restaurant and bar, open Thursday through Sunday, has become a popular local dining spot as well as a key part of the event experience. The recent completion of its commercial kitchen has enabled the venue to expand its culinary offerings under the direction of Chef Max Renny—offering everything from intimate anniversaries, birthdays, or showers to 200-person seated dinners.
The menu changes seasonally, with an emphasis on comforting yet refined fare. Classics like a burger or NY strip and new spring additions like delicate king crab salad, French onion galette, and a wild mushroom and leek risotto showcase the kitchen’s range and attention to detail.
Cocktails are crafted to complement the Hudson House spirits, and include favorites like an Old Fashioned featuring housemade bourbon maple syrup. Guests can also enjoy a tasting flight of its spirits—bourbon, rye, vodka, and, soon, gin—offering a curated introduction to the distillery’s core lineup.
With its blend of historic architecture and modern amenities, Hudson House has also emerged as a sought-after venue for private events. Smaller gatherings take place in the manor house’s parlors—complete with parquet floors, chandeliers, and fireplaces—while the 5,000-square-foot former monastery has a ballroom and 300-person deck with Hudson River views to accommodate larger celebrations. A speakeasy-style bar next to the distillery is a favorite for grooms and their parties, and a bright, well-appointed bridal suite upstairs is designed for day-of wedding preparations.
The addition of regular programming throughout the week also makes Hudson House a lively spot to stop in for date night or with friends. Events range from Thursday and Friday happy hour with $7 Altair vodka cocktails, Thursday night Bougie Bingo hosted by Ferri, line dancing with Double Dee Duke, and DJ nights featuring classic and current dance hits.
Looking ahead, Seres and Ferri are deep in the final phase of the historic property’s development—the opening of a 24-room boutique hotel, with accommodations spread across the manor and monastery. The newly launched online store has also made Hudson House spirits available for nationwide and international shipping, the next step in bringing a decade of hard work to spirits lovers in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
This article appears in May 2025.
WTF is an artisanal well? Artesian, anybody?