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DRUM ROLL, PLEASE! Hudson Valley Wine Magazine turns 15 this year! We’ve loved sharing the ins and outs of the region’s top craft beverage makers and their products with you over the past decade and a half. And while we promise not to belabor the theme, we were motivated by the occasion to change things up a bit, add some new features, and make this an annual issue (an homage to the Premier issue back in 2008).

To kick off the issue, we reached out to some established and emerging talents in the industry to get their take on the past, present—and, most importantly—the future of the region’s wine and craft beverage industry. In a community so deep with talent, vision, and success, we hope you’ll enjoy hearing from this cross-section of trailblazers devoted to their craft. Find out what’s trending and what lies ahead in the Hudson Valley beginning on the next page.

In the broader theme of terroir, a subject we’ve covered in depth over the past 15 years, we’ve gone outside the region’s borders to learn how multi-dimensional terroir can be. At Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in the Adirondacks, it is woven into every aspect of the lodging and dining experience. Turn to page 12 for a look at how they have seamlessly intertwined terroir and sustainability—then book a dinner reservation or a stay to experience meaningful sustainability up close!

As the pursuit of a more sustainable future is top of mind for all of us, the local wine industry is finding ways to offset the effects of climate, and secure economic and environmental viability for decades to come. For one, they are growing and making more wines from native and hybrid grapes. (Even French vignerons are eyeing lesser-known indigenous grape varietals to address negative climate events and the rising alcohol levels in their wines.) For this issue, we sat down with J. Stephen Casscles who has been at the forefront of the movement here in the Hudson Valley and who just released the second edition of his book on hybrid grapes. Check out a short Q&A on the subject beginning on page 46. Our issue wouldn’t be complete without an inside look at some of the region’s top producers and a map in the back to make it easy to plan your visits. (For a list of Producer Profiles flip to page 19.) Can’t get to every tasting room on your bucket list? Head to a festival or some of the events we’ve curated on page 16. For even more month-by-month things to do, browse our events calendar by scanning the QR code at the top of the page. We closed out this celebratory issue with “Sips,” an at-a-glance style guide. Find your favorite beverage and join us in a toast of what’s to come!

Cheers,

Linda Pierro Publisher, Managing Editor