Whitecliff Vineyard, one of the Hudson Valley’s largest vineyards, is owned by husband and wife team Michael Migliore and Yancey Stanforth-Migliore. They met in the late 1970’s rock climbing on the Shawangunk Ridge, got married in the early 80s and quickly began building their winery. Michael had been living on their property while he was in school in New Paltz and Yancey joined in to help with the extensive planting.
Michael’s chemistry background plays a large part in the methods that are used at Whitecliff, as he works closely with the Cornell Cooperative Extension to research new varieties and production techniques for the region. He grew up with viticulture in his blood growing up with his grandparents in the Bronx who made wine at home.
Whitecliff proudly grows 20 different grape varieties on a vineyard that has increased their plantings to over 25 acres on a lot of 70 acres. They use innovative and creative methods to produce quality wines that have continuously won awards, not just in New York but around the country. They’ve taken home Double Gold awards in exclusive competitions such as the San Francisco International Wine Competition and the New York Food & Wine Classic.
One of these award-winning wines is their Cabernet Franc which is becoming the headlining grape for the entire region of the Hudson Valley due to its hearty nature in cold climates. The Cab Franc is becoming synonymous with New York, similar to the way we associate Cabernet Sauvignon with California.
Whitecliff also has their own wine club which boasts over 600 members and is free to join. Each membership has fantastic discounts plus free tastings all year long plus exclusive events. You can taste their Cabernet Franc and many more of their decadent wines anytime throughout the year at their gorgeous tasting room. They also offer a host of delightful events that are fun for the whole family and allow you to enjoy their wines and tasty bites, as well as live music and other performances.
