Upper Hudson AVA
New York's youngest and coldest AVA, where cold-hardy hybrids thrive in the shadow of the Adirondacks
The Upper Hudson AVA is New York's newest viticultural area, established January 7, 2019, covering 960,000 acres northwest of Albany. The region relies exclusively on cold-hardy hybrid grapes like Marquette and La Crescent, which survive temperatures down to -35°F. Approximately 20 wineries currently operate across seven counties.
- Established January 7, 2019, making it the newest AVA in New York State
- Covers 960,000 acres (1,500 square miles) across Albany, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington Counties
- The only New York AVA without a large body of water to moderate temperatures
- Continental climate with approximately 2,500 growing degree days (base 50°F) and climate zones 5A and 5B
- Cold-hardy grapes withstand temperatures down to -35°F
- Launched with 19 vineyards and approximately 67.5 acres (27.3 hectares) under vine
- Surrounded by the Adirondack, Taconic, and Catskill Mountains
History and Establishment
The Upper Hudson AVA is the youngest viticultural area in New York State. The petition was submitted July 30, 2015 by Andrew and Kathleen Weber, published in the Federal Register on April 9, 2018, and the Final Ruling was published December 6, 2018. The AVA became effective January 7, 2019. Supporting the region's growing identity, the Upper Hudson Wine Trail legislation passed August 21, 2017, creating a framework to promote regional tourism and agritourism before the AVA was even formally approved.
- Petition submitted July 30, 2015 by Andrew and Kathleen Weber
- Final Ruling published December 6, 2018; effective date January 7, 2019
- Upper Hudson Wine Trail legislation passed August 21, 2017
- Sits within the broader Hudson Valley, New York parent region
Geography and Climate
The Upper Hudson AVA spans seven counties northwest of Albany, bordered by the Adirondack, Taconic, and Catskill Mountains. The Hudson and Mohawk Rivers run through the region, though neither provides the temperature-moderating influence that large bodies of water offer elsewhere in New York. This makes the Upper Hudson the only New York AVA without a major water moderator, resulting in a true continental climate with very cold winters and humid summers. Growing degree days total approximately 2,500 (base 50°F), and the region falls predominantly within climate zones 5A and 5B.
- Located northwest of Albany across seven New York counties
- Continental climate with very cold winters and humid summers
- Approximately 2,500 growing degree days (base 50°F)
- Only New York AVA lacking a large body of water for temperature moderation
Soils
The Upper Hudson AVA features a diverse range of soil types across its 1,500 square miles. Loam, clay, limestone-rich, alluvial, gravelly, and sandy soils all appear throughout the region. This variety reflects the complex geological legacy of an area shaped by the surrounding mountain ranges and river systems, offering growers a range of site conditions to match the cold-hardy hybrid varieties planted here.
- Soils include loam, clay, limestone-rich, alluvial, gravelly, and sandy types
- Diverse soil composition across 960,000 acres
- Geology shaped by surrounding Adirondack, Taconic, and Catskill Mountains
- River systems including the Hudson and Mohawk contribute alluvial deposits
Drinking something from this region?
Look up any wine by name or label photo -- get tasting notes, food pairings, and a drinking window.
Open Wine Lookup →Grapes and Wine Styles
The extreme cold of the Upper Hudson AVA demands cold-hardy hybrid varieties capable of surviving temperatures as low as -35°F. Red wines come from Marquette and Frontenac, both University of Minnesota-bred hybrids developed specifically for harsh northern climates. Whites are produced from La Crescent and La Crosse. The AVA launched with 19 vineyards and roughly 67.5 acres under vine, and approximately 20 wineries now operate in the region. The focus on agritourism and the Upper Hudson Wine Trail reflects the region's identity as an emerging destination for cold-climate wine exploration.
- Red varieties: Marquette and Frontenac
- White varieties: La Crescent and La Crosse
- Cold-hardy hybrids survive temperatures down to -35°F
- Approximately 20 wineries currently operating in the region
Reds from Marquette and Frontenac tend toward bright red fruit, firm acidity, and earthy character. Whites from La Crescent and La Crosse offer aromatic intensity, citrus, and stone fruit with lively acidity suited to the cool continental climate.
- Victory View Vineyard Marquette$15-20Estate Marquette from one of the AVA's founding producers, showcasing the region's signature cold-hardy red.Find →
- Ledge Rock Hill Winery La Crescent$16-22Aromatic white from La Crescent, a key variety for the Upper Hudson's cool continental conditions.Find →
- Fossil Stone Vineyards Frontenac$22-30Frontenac red highlighting the bold fruit and firm structure typical of this cold-climate hybrid.Find →
- Northern Cross Vineyard La Crosse$14-18La Crosse white from one of the region's notable producers, emphasizing the AVA's white hybrid potential.Find →
- Established January 7, 2019; the newest AVA in New York State; petition filed July 30, 2015 by Andrew and Kathleen Weber
- Covers 960,000 acres across seven counties (Albany, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington) northwest of Albany
- Only New York AVA without a large body of water to moderate temperatures; continental climate zones 5A and 5B
- Key varieties: Marquette and Frontenac (red); La Crescent and La Crosse (white); cold-hardy hybrids tolerating down to -35°F
- Approximately 2,500 growing degree days (base 50°F); surrounded by Adirondack, Taconic, and Catskill Mountains