Secrets of America’s Oldest Winery
This winery has lasted through the Civil War, two World Wars, and even Prohibition, giving it the proud title of America’s oldest continuously operating winery. What’s its secret?
You can really taste the history!
The Brotherhood Winery in New York’s Hudson Valley began its wine production in 1839 in a remote town called Washingtonville. It all started with a cobbler growing grapes behind his store. Over time he established a large vineyard and eventually started making wine.
By the mid-1800s, production had increased so much that the winery stored thousands of gallons of wine, port, and brandy in a deep underground cave dug by hand. Over the years, the winery has shifted owners and its production to keep in step with consumers’ ever-changing preferences -- currently producing several red and white varietal wines, including Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet, and even ciders.
The winery’s close relationship with regional grape growers is one of its keys to success. And so is its relationship with the town. For nearly two centuries, it has employed the residents by promoting tours and visitor attractions, providing jobs in its production facility, and supporting local and regional grape farmers.
It’s a process but it’s worth it!
It survived Prohibition by producing wine for medicinal and religious purposes and even survived the Great Depression. When the prohibition ended in 1933, the winery brought over 500,000 bottles of vintage champagne it had stored in its wine cellar. Cheers!
The Brotherhood Winery is thriving today, offering events, a bar and restaurant, a 6,000 square-foot catering hall, tours of its underground wine caves, and plenty of wines. In 2000 the winery was designated as a historic landmark and is now on the New York State and National Registers of historic places.
Want to know what it’s like behind the scenes of a winery? Check out Boston’s own Boston Winery with its beautiful harbor view. We host weddings and celebrations as well as events and tastings.
