Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival marks 25 years in Rhinebeck

The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival returns Sept. 12-13, 2026, at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck for its 25th anniversary. The two-day event is expected to draw more than 10,000 guests with wineries, food vendors, live entertainment and tasting sessions focused on New York producers.

Why it matters: - The festival is a direct-to-consumer showcase for Hudson Valley and New York producers, giving wineries, farmers, cheesemakers and food makers a place to sell and build customer relationships. - The event has grown from 22 vendors in a field to a weekend draw of more than 10,000 guests, signaling sustained demand for regional wine and food tourism. - Rhinebeck benefits from a recurring destination event that can bring day-trip and overnight traffic to Dutchess County.

What happened: - The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival is returning Sept. 12-13, 2026, at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York. - The 2026 event marks the festival’s 25th anniversary. - Hundreds of vendors are expected, including wineries from across New York State, artisanal food producers, craft beverage makers, gourmet goods sellers, food trucks and fine craft artists.

The details: - Live entertainment will run both days. - The Carrie Zazz Band is set to headline after winning best cover band in the Hudson Valley three years in a row. - Chef Vincent Tropepe and Chef Marcus Guiliano will lead cooking sessions on the demo stage. - Debbie Gioquindo, known locally as the Hudson Valley Wine Goddess, will lead wine sessions focused on New York wines. - The festival will feature wine sampling and bottle sales from wineries. - Farmers will discuss growing practices, and cheesemakers will explain aging techniques. - A beer tent will pour craft brews for guests who want alternatives to wine. - Food trucks will serve wood-fired pizza, barbecue and Polish cuisine. - Artisan vendors will sell home goods, jewelry, specialty foods, gifts and related items. - Tickets are available now through the festival website. - General admission includes entry plus access to sampling, entertainment and demonstrations. - VIP packages include early entry and additional perks. - The Dutchess County Fairgrounds are about 90 minutes north of Manhattan.

Between the lines: - The festival’s pitch is less about a single tasting event and more about a marketplace where consumers can meet producers face to face. - The anniversary framing suggests the organizers are leaning on longevity and local identity as the main draw. - The lineup mixes wine, food, beer and crafts, which broadens the audience beyond wine enthusiasts alone.

What's next: - Organizers will sell tickets ahead of the September weekend. - Vendors, chefs, entertainers and guests will gather in Rhinebeck for the two-day event. - The festival will again position itself as an easy regional getaway for visitors from the New York metro area and beyond.

The bottom line: - After 25 years, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival has become a major regional showcase for New York wine, food and craft vendors.