It seems that Paula Young was born to own Paula’s Stone Cottage Wine Bar on the corner of Broad and Main: “the address is my birthday,” she remarks of the tiny, charming cottage (which, since 1940, has housed Fishkill’s original library, an architect’s office, and a spa). Two lounges boast exposed beams, a fireplace, and enough fluffy couches and chairs to seat 40; local art and fun inscriptions like “Wine Flies When You’re Having Fun” adorn the walls.
But most impressive here is the wine list; since opening in April, Young has accumulated more than 82 wines that are served by the glass, including a petite sirah from Sonoma dubbed the Crusher. “I’m really excited about it,” she says. “It’s just crushed and then put into bottles — they don’t mess with it too much.”
In fact, “not messing with it too much” seems to be the theme here. Guests sip vino while picking from a modest menu of charcuterie, panini, and chocolate cake; listening to jazz music; logging in to the bar’s Wi-Fi; or simply enjoying a chat with friends. You’ll find the famous Italian generosity here, too: Young (who is of Italian heritage) once served more than a dozen half-ounce samples of various wines to help an indecisive guest find the perfect glass. “This is what I do at home,” she says. “I try to make people feel comfortable as if they were in my own house. And here, you immediately feel like you’re at a house party.”
The wines: 82 ($8/glass, $30/bottle)
The nosh: Ceviche, marinated calamari, chocolate cake
Signature events: Tightwad Tuesdays (6 whites/6 reds for $6 each), tarot card readings on Sundays
