The Oldest Winery In America Is Right Here In New York And It's Amazing
By Lea Monroe|Published January 11, 2017
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
One of my favorite parts about living in New York is that our state is filled with incredible amounts of fascinating history. Many of our residents don’t even realize just how historical some of our locations are, with several of America’s oldest attractions being right here in the Empire State! Almost all of these unbelievable attractions have been featured on their own already, but there’s one place we’ve yet to talk about in detail that you’re going to want to visit this year. The next thing to add on to your 2017 bucket list, America’s oldest winery is here in New York and it’s nothing short of amazing.
While we're normally use to traveling to the Finger Lakes or out to Long Island to experience New York's vineyards, it's down in Orange County where you'll find America's oldest winery.
That's right! In 1837 Jean Jaques purchased the land in Washingtonville to begin planting a vineyard, fermenting his first vintage by 1839! Jaques would eventually dig his first underground cellar that same year, these are now the oldest and largest cellars that are still in use in America today.
But how did Brotherhood Winery manage to stay open during the Prohibition? The owners during this period used the winery to produce wine for the Catholic Church.
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Currently open for the season Friday through Sunday, visitors can come experience unbelievable tours and tastings from 11AM to 5PM.
From January through March, the winery is only open Friday through Sunday. But come spring time? Brotherhood is open every day of the week. From April through December you can visit Sunday through Friday from 11AM to 5PM, open on Saturday from 11PM to 7PM.
Upstairs guests can experience three different tastings, with the Varietal Flight, Traditional Flight and World Flight. Giving you the perfect taste of the delicious wine that Brotherhood has to offer.
After figuring out which wine is to your liking, you can shop around to figure out what you want to take home with you.
Dimly lit and throwing you back in time, the historic cellars contain over two hundred oak barrels. Brotherhood's knowledgeable staff will lead you on tours through their network of underground cellars, where you'll be able to see the crested vault that contains some of America's oldest wine. There's nothing quite like this tour!
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After enjoying this unbelievable tour you'll have worked up an appetite, making the Vinum Cafe the perfect destination.
Located on the ground floor of the original winery building, the beautiful and historic setting seats up to 140 guests. Equipped with a fine dining restaurant, full service bar and cafe, there's something for everyone at Vinum. During the summer, guests can enjoy the pleasure of eating their flavorful meals out on the large patio. While during the winter you'll be able to soak in the rustic atmosphere, where recent renovations revealed the building's original brick wall!
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 12PM to 9PM, you can find out more information if you click here.
