May is Riesling Month in New York State and Applewood Winery is celebrating this weekend May 1 & 2 with their annual New York Riesling Experience which begins at 12pm each day.

There will be food and wine pairings, chef demonstrations, recipes, comparative Riesling tastings and live entertainment. Admission is $10 in advance (must be purchased by Friday, April 30) and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased http://thenewyorkrieslingexperience.eventbrite.com/

According to Jonathan Hull – Owner/Winemaker at Applewood Riesling vines are tough. They thrive in cold climates, on steep hillsides, and in marginal soil. The green-skinned grapes ripen later than many other varieties, and sometimes are left hanging on the vine to produce sweet late harvest wines or even ice wines when the grapes actually freeze on the vines. The aromas in the wine that the Riesling grape produces tend to be pear, apple, jasmine, lime, honey and some spice. The flavors range from bright, fresh citrus to ripe tropical fruit. During the New York Riesling Experience, customers will have the opportunity to taste the many different variety of wines the Riesling grape produces.”

This event is the beginning of a very active event season in the Hudson Valley Wine Country.  I will be covering many of the upcoming events. I will be attending the New York Riesling Experience on Sunday.  Look for my review later next week.  I hope to see some of you there.