Celebrating the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest 2023 participating wineries                               

Schulze Vineyards & Winery in Burt, NY is run and operated by family members, and had a long and steadily winding road toward finally becoming a winery in 2007. The winery is situated on 122 acres of land just minutes from the south shore of Lake Ontario, with a gorgeous country setting and view of the vineyards. The lake effect climate and rich soil produce unique still, sparkling and dessert wines.

The land that now houses Schulze Vineyards & Winery was purchased in 1969, and included a small established Niagara and Concord vineyard dedicated to producing juice grapes. In 1970 and 1972, contracts were entered into with Welch’s and then Great Western for juice production. In 1974 the vineyard was expanded, and in 1980 Hybrid Siegfried Riesling grapes were planted and a first attempt at producing still and sparkling wine was made. In 1985, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes were planted as a trial run. The idea of opening a winery took shape and the vineyard was prepared to produce grapes for this venture. The contract for supplying grape juice continued, and in 1986 a contract was entered into with Cliffstar. In 2000 the vineyard expanded with the planting of more Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes, and expanded again in 2002 with the planting of Vidal Blanc grapes.

In 2003, additional grapes were planted, and a contract began to supply several local wineries with grapes. Then in 2004, grafted and cloned Siegfried Riesling grapes were planted. Finally, in 2005, Domenic Carisetti was hired as winemaker, and the first harvest dedicated to Schulze use was bottled. In 2006 a state liquor license and federal permits were granted, and in 2007 Schulze Vineyards & Winery officially opened, a dream realized. In 2010, the talented Jonathan Oakes was brought in as winemaker.

Schulze Vineyards & Winery is at 2090 Coomer Road in Burt, NY. Call (716) 778-8090 for more information.

Presented by WineRacks.com, The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival will take place on September 9th and September 10th at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, N.Y., which will be transformed into a foodie paradise featuring some of the best wines and culinary treats that the Hudson Valley and beyond have to offer.