Three hundred vendors pouring nearly every New York winery, distillery and cidery worth knowing, in a field in Rhinebeck on the last real weekend of summer - a tasting tour of the whole state without leaving one fairgrounds. The 25th anniversary edition adds an expanded craft beer pavilion and chef demos all day. A $10 designated-driver ticket means somebody can still get the group home.
What to expect
Four to five hours is right: the tasting tents take a couple of hours if you pace yourself, and the food trucks and crafts market are the other half of the day. Door to door from the city it is a long day, so go Saturday when the festival runs an hour later and the Loop bus from Poughkeepsie actually operates. It runs rain or shine and no coolers are allowed.
Good to know
- Car-free: Metro-North Hudson Line to Poughkeepsie (about 1h50m), then Dutchess County Public Transit Loop Route C to Rhinebeck (Mon-Sat only). Alternative: Amtr
- Go Saturday if you are car-free - the Loop C bus does not run Sundays, and Saturday runs an hour later.
- Buy in advance; gate prices go up. VIP at $80/$75 adds early entry and a VIP tent.
- The $10 designated driver ticket includes entry, the glass and free soft drinks but no alcohol. Kids 12 and under free.
Planning Sep 11–13, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
How do I get there without a car?
Metro-North to Poughkeepsie, about 1h50m, then Dutchess County Public Transit Loop Route C to Rhinebeck - Monday through Saturday only, so this works Saturday Sept 12 but not Sunday. For Sunday, Amtrak to Rhinecliff-Kingston then a taxi.
What does the ticket include?
Entry, a souvenir tasting glass and samples across wine, cider, spirits and beer - $35 Saturday, $32 Sunday. Food is bought separately. VIP adds early entry and skip-the-line pours.
Anything for someone not drinking?
Yes - a $10 designated driver ticket gets you in with free water and soda, and the food trucks, crafts market, chef demos and live music are the same festival either way.
