Nestled between the Shawangunk Mountains and the majestic Hudson River in Ulster and Orange counties, the 80-mile-long Shawangunk Wine Trail boasts a unique combination of spectacular scenery, memorable restaurants and shops, and of course, fine wines.

The wineries along the Trail are as varied as the wines themselves. You will find wines ranging from bone dry to dessert sweet. You will find sparkling, vinifera, French-American, and beautifully made fruit wines. The Trail’s 11 wineries and many associate members are part of a rich history established 300 years ago by French Huguenot settlers. They are proud of their place in this history and eager to show off their contributions to its ongoing traditions. Tours and tastings are a specialty of the Trail and throughout the year there are special events at individual wineries.

The natural beauty of the Trail adds to its appeal. The luminescent light of the valley has inspired artists for centuries, and the beauty of the trail is matched by the variety of its attractions. The Trail winds through a landscape dotted with B&Bs, restaurants, farmers’ markets, antique and craft shops, and historical sights. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. You can even visit the oldest street in America—Huguenot Street in New Paltz—where stone houses built by the region’s first winemakers display the way life was lived in 1650.

Once you are on the Wine Trail, just follow the grape cluster signs. shawangunkwinetrail.com