New York State offers some of the most diverse and accessible wine touring opportunities in the country. Unlike California’s famous wine country, New York’s Hudson Valley stands out for its historic vineyards, scenic landscapes, and a variety of tasting experiences that don’t require a full day or a big budget. We’re especially fond of the Ultimate Tasting Experience Wine, Whiskey or Hard Cider for its fun, short-duration tasting that’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Meanwhile, the All-Inclusive VIP Wine or Beer Tour in Hudson Valley offers a full-day journey filled with local food pairings and picture-worthy moments. For those wanting a blend of outdoor activity and wine tasting, the Walkway Over the Hudson & Winery Tour with Private Transport combines a self-guided walk with visits to historic wineries. Whether you’re after a quick tasting or a comprehensive day trip, New York has a lot to offer.
Quick Overview
Our top picks include a short, guided tasting at a Queensbury wine bar (Ultimate Tasting Experience), a full-day VIP adventure exploring Hudson Valley’s vineyards, local foods, and scenic sights (All-Inclusive VIP Tour), and a self-guided walk combined with winery visits (Walkway & Winery Tour). Each offers a different level of commitment, price point, and experience focus — from casual tastings to immersive cultural outings.
1. Ultimate Tasting Experience Wine, Whiskey or Hard Cider
At number one, this 1.5-hour tasting in Queensbury offers a relaxed, guided introduction to handcrafted beverages, including 7 wine samples plus optional whiskey or hard cider flights. The experience kicks off with a toast of bubbly in a sunny tasting room, immediately setting a festive tone. Your Wine Concierge guides you through tasting bold reds, crisp whites, or refreshing rosés, and finishes with a sweet dessert wine or reserve sample. One of its biggest selling points is the personalized guidance and the chance to take home a premium wine glass.
What makes this tour stand out is its value for money — at just over $64 per person, you get a memorable experience without committing to a full day. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quick but memorable introduction to New York’s wine scene, or for those who prefer a social, informal setting. If you’re into craft beverages beyond wine, the whiskey and hard cider options keep it flexible. The intimate setting and limited duration mean it’s perfect for a first-time visitor or a quick romantic outing.
Bottom Line: This is a great choice for a laid-back, fun tasting in Queensbury, especially if you’re new to wine or want to try multiple drinks in a short time.
2. All Inclusive VIP Wine or Beer Tour in Hudson Valley
For around $235, the All-Inclusive VIP Tour offers a full-day exploration of Hudson Valley’s vineyards, orchards, and local delicacies. The tour lasts about 8 hours, making it perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience. It covers historic vineyards, some over 100 years old, and includes stops at farms for tasting local cheeses, honey, apple butter, chocolates, and more. The itinerary also features a sit-down lunch, which is included in the price, along with plenty of opportunities for sampling wine, beer, or hard cider.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its emphasis on local food and drink pairing. The tour also includes fun moments, like taking a picture with a huge, life-sized wine glass—a guaranteed laugh. Reviews note that the guide has 28 years of experience, contributing to a relaxed, informative atmosphere. The trip suits those who want to immerse themselves in the region’s rural beauty and enjoy a variety of tastings, making it excellent value for a full day out. The only potential downside is that it’s a longer commitment—perfect for a dedicated wine lover but maybe too much for a quick trip.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a full-day, multi-sensory experience with local food, historic vineyards, and scenic views, this VIP tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.
3. Walkway Over the Hudson & Winery Tour with Private Transport
At number three, this 6 to 8-hour experience combines a self-guided walk across the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, the Walkway Over the Hudson, with visits to two Hudson Valley wineries. The walk itself is a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the river and surrounding farmland. You can choose to walk or rent bikes (for an added fee), which makes it a flexible outing. Afterward, private transportation takes you to two wineries, where you can enjoy tastings at your own pace.
This tour’s unique feature is the combination of outdoor activity and wine tasting, appealing to travelers who want to stay active but also indulge. The self-guided walk provides a sense of freedom, and the wineries showcase some of the region’s best offerings, like Benmarl Vineyards, the oldest winery in America. While tastings are at your own expense, the convenience of private transport and the opportunity to customize your experience make it a solid choice for independent-minded travelers. The lack of reviews means you might want to confirm the specifics on logistics, but the combination of scenery and wine makes it an appealing day out.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want to enjoy scenic outdoor views along with their wine tasting, with the flexibility to set their own pace.
$185.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect New York Wine Tour
Deciding between these options depends on your time, budget, and interests. If you’re short on time or prefer a quick, social experience, the Ultimate Tasting Experience is ideal. For those wanting a full-day immersion into Hudson Valley’s food and wine scene, the All-Inclusive VIP Tour offers a comprehensive look at the region’s history and produce. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in combining outdoor activity with wine, and prefer a self-guided approach, the Walkway & Winery Tour provides a fun, flexible option.
Consider also your budget: the short tasting is more affordable, but the full-day VIP includes food and multiple tastings. Think about your fitness level—the outdoor walk or bike ride suits active travelers, while the guided tastings are better for relaxed pace. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons like fall, when Hudson Valley’s foliage makes everything more picturesque.
Final Thoughts
New York’s wine scene offers a surprising range of options that cater to different interests and schedules. For a quick, fun tasting with friends, the Ultimate Tasting Experience hits the mark. If you want to spend a day exploring the region’s historic vineyards and sampling local foods, the All-Inclusive VIP Tour is your best pick. And for those who enjoy combining outdoor adventure with wine, the Walkway & Winery Tour offers an active, scenic experience.
No matter which tour you choose, booking in advance will ensure you get a spot on these popular trips. With such a variety of options, New York’s wine country is waiting—so start planning your tasting adventure today.