Grapes of the Hudson Valley - Talk & Tasting - 4/19

New York’s Hudson Valley has long been known as the birthplace of American viticulture, with roots dating to the 1600s. For centuries, the region’s terroir has tested both viticulturalist and wine maker alike, spawning advances in cold-weather breeding, grape growing, and winemaking techniques.

On Tuesday, April 19, author and winemaker J. Stephen Casscles will discuss and sign his book GRAPES OF THE HUDSON VALLEY and Other Cool Climate Regions of the United States and Canada (Flint Mine Press, June 2015) at the National Register-listed University Club at 141 Washington Avenue from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Casscles will share his first-hand knowledge both in the vineyard and in the cellar to appeal to vineyardists and wine drinkers everywhere who enjoy the cold-weather grape varietals that are gaining popularity today.

A meet the author reception and wine tasting presented by Hudson-Chatham Winery will begin at 6:00 with the presentation commencing at 7:00. A book signing will follow the program, and books will be available for $30.

GRAPES OF THE HUDSON VALLEY is a practical guide for those who have an affinity for hybrid grapes and wines. Casscles’ grape descriptions cover the common labrusca and French-American hybrids popular in northern America, as well as some forgotten varieties, and even vinifera that can be successfully grown east of the Mississippi and north of the Mason-Dixon Line.

The book presents key information on winter hardiness, vigor, fruit productivity, and wine quality, and is a valuable companion for budding vineyardists, seasoned growers, and wine makers who share cool climates and short growing seasons. It will also appeal to wine drinkers everywhere who enjoy cold-weather grape varietals, properly fermented and in their glass.

Stephen Casscles comes from a fruit-growing family rooted in the Hudson Valley since the 1870s. Casscles’s own fruit-growing experience began in the 1970s, when he also produced his first wines. In 1990, he established a four-acre vineyard, Cedar Cliff, in Athens, NY, where he has concentrated on identifying, growing, evaluating, and propagating heirloom grape varieties that were first developed in New York in the mid-nineteenth century. Casscles has been the winemaker at Hudson-Chatham Winery since 2008.

There is no cost for the program but reservations are required and may be made by calling the University  Club Foundation at 518-414-3555 (please note new number); by sending an email to ellen@universityclubalbany.com; or online. The event is sponsored by the University Club Foundation and one need not be a member of the Club to attend.

Guests at this event are invited to dine at the University Club following the program. Please indicate the number in your party when you make your reservation so the Club can accommodate your seating request. Cash or credit cards will be accepted.

The University Club of Albany Foundation is a 501c3 corporation formed in 2009 to recognize and maintain the unique historic and architectural significance of the National Register-listed University Club building, its historic neighborhood and the city of Albany, where it has been located since its inception in 1901. Support for educational programming at the University Club is provided by AT&T.
For more information about the University Club, visit www.universityclubalbany.com.