The Hudson Valley is a paradise for wine lovers. Between the beautiful wineries and growing list of restaurants with impressive wine programs, the region is the place to be for wine connoisseurs.
The region’s wine-centric focus is certainly a focal point for Wine Spectator, which recently released the 2023 Restaurant Awards winners to showcase the world’s top restaurants for wine. This year’s list included well over 3,000 restaurants from across the country and the globe – including 22 winners right here in the Hudson Valley.
The awards are broken up into three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence, and Grand Award. Seeing as the Hudson Valley attracts the best and brightest in wine and dining, it’s no surprise that we have winners in all three.
Grand Award Winners
The Grand Award is the highest honor awarded by Wine Spectator, reserved for the restaurants that prove themselves to be the best of the best. According to Wine Spectator, restaurants must show “an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine programs” to be selected for this most prestigious award.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Pocantico Hills
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This upscale restaurant is one of 93 restaurants worldwide to receive the coveted Grand Award. Wine Spectator spotlights its strengths, which include vinos from Burgundy, California, Rhone, Bordeaux, Italy, Champagne, Loire, Germany, Austria, and Madeira. As one of the top restaurants in the world, Blue Hill boasts an impressive selection of around 2,525 bottles, which means diners can easily try something new each time they visit.
Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant & Inn
Chappaqua
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There’s no doubt that Crabtree’s Kittle House is not only one of the best wine destinations in the Hudson Valley, but one of the best in the world. Specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, Crabtree’s is dedicated to sustainable business practices and providing patrons with a one-of-a-kind dining experience. This venue stands out due to its selection of 4,500 vintages, with a total inventory of around 40,000 (yes, really). As for where the top pours are coming from, the Westchester restaurant is all about selections from Burgundy, California, Bordeaux, Piedmont, Rhône, Tuscany, Washington, Australia, Spain, Germany, Oregon, and Provence.
Best of Award of Excellence Winners
The Best Award of Excellence was given to 1,411 restaurants around the world, including three in the Hudson Valley. Winners of this exclusive award go the extra mile, offering 350 or more selections of wine from top producers and a wide array of regions. These honorees take their love of wine to the next level by carefully curating the presentation of their wine lists and training their staff to provide guests with an illuminating tasting experience.
Deer Mountain Inn
Tannersville
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After receiving an Award of Excellence in 2022, Deer Mountain Inn progresses to a Best of Award of Excellence in 2023. Nestled in the Catskill region, this eatery serves seasonally inspired dishes made from local ingredients in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Moderne Barn
Armonk
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This rustic eatery is recognized for its elegant atmosphere and selection of 480 wines, specifically its lineup of bottles from France, Italy, and California.
Ocean Blue Prime
Rye
Ocean Blue Prime stands out as a newcomer on this year’s listings not just due to the fact that it has a selection of 500 wines, but also because it places special emphasis on wines from California, France, and Italy.
Blu Pointe
Newburgh
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What’s better than sipping on a glass of wine while taking in an incredible view of the Hudson River? Blu Pointe gets points for the stunning scenery surrounding the restaurant, as well as its impressive selection of 640 wines. After you enjoy your wine (and, of course, a delicious meal), stroll along Newburgh’s scenic waterfront.
Clay
Gardiner
Leading the dining experience at Wildflower Farms, a luxury hotel destination that’s part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, Clay gains entry onto the Wine Spectator list this year. The American eatery’s vino runs on the more expensive side, with standout pours coming from regions like New York, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône, Italy, France, and California.
The Supper Room at Glenmere Mansion
Chester
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Inside the historic Glenmere Mansion, The Supper Room provides guests with an intimate, sophisticated dining experience. Wine Spectator applauds the wine list, which features selections from California, France, and Italy.
Shadows on the Hudson
Poughkeepsie
A newly minted member of the Wine Spectator list, Shadows earns accolades for its substantial selection of wines (does a selection of 405 vintages sound good?), with strengths including vintages from California, France, and Italy. Plus, who can resist sipping a glass of vino while admiring those Hudson River views?
Award of Excellence Winners
The Award of Excellence highlights restaurants that offer a diverse selection of 90 or more wines. These venues earned the honor by ensuring their wine list includes quality selections from a variety of regions. This year, 2,001 restaurants received the Award of Excellence.
3 Westerly Bar & Grill
Ossining
This new addition to the Wine Spectator list is a local favorite for its surf-and-turf menu (and don’t even get us started on the brick-oven pizza). The wine list here is well organized, with an excellent selection of sparkling wines and vino from Burgundy.
Augustine’s Salumeria
Mamaroneck
A fan-favorite in the Hudson Valley for its Italian-leaning menu, Augustine’s gets a nod for its ample and affordably priced selection of vino, most of which (unsurprisingly) leans toward Italian picks.
Fogo de Chão
White Plains
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A two-time winner, this Brazilian steakhouse is recognized for its unique selection of wines from California, Argentina, and Chile.
Morton’s, The Steakhouse
White Plains
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Known for its lively, upscale atmosphere, Morton’s offers guests a selection of around 275 wines, including exclusive vintages and special selections from its sommelier.
McKinney & Doyle Fine Foods
Pawling
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When it comes to designing the perfect wine list, McKinney & Doyle understands that quality is key. By sourcing wine from smaller producers, this eatery supports family-run wineries while offering high-quality selections for guests. Pricing is moderate here, and wines from California and Italy are particularly delightful. Before you go, don’t forget to pick up a treat or two from the Corner Bakery.
Crew Restaurant & Bar
Poughkeepsie
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A farm-to-table philosophy and fresh, seasonal menu items landed this Poughkeepsie restaurant on Wine Spectator’s award list. Its commitment to quality wine and inexpensive dining proves that an upscale wine experience doesn’t have to break the bank.
Pharmacy Kitchen & Bar
Goshen
This Goshen restaurant makes it onto Wine Spectator‘s list for the first time in 2023, largely thanks to selection of 115 wines, with a strong emphasis on Californian vino. Pricing is on the more expensive side, which means there’s even more reason to pair a glass of vino with one of the eatery’s delectable American and steakhouse-centric dishes.
The Roundhouse
Beacon
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This beautiful Beacon restaurant takes a collaborative approach to curate a wine list that has something for everyone to enjoy. Barry Frommer, the wine director, oversees the offerings at The Roundhouse, which lean into varietals from California, Italy, and New York. And, with a selection of around 145 vintages, there’s bound to be something to tickle your fancy while savoring fine American and regional fare.
Cosimo’s on Union
Newburgh
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Cosimo’s is a staple for Italian food in the Hudson Valley, so it’s no surprise to see this favorite recognized for its strong sampling of Italian and Californian wines.
Willow at Mirbeau
Rhinebeck
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Located inside Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Willow brings a rich dining experience through innovative American cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The wine list features over 120 selections, with special praise for the picks from California and France.
City Winery Hudson Valley
Montgomery
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City Winery lives and breathes wine. Not only does it offer selections from classic regions like Burgundy and California, but it has a wide selection of wines produced both in-house and across the Hudson Valley. Stop by the restaurant and tasting room to sample the rotating selection of 100 or so wines, then stick around to savor the magnificent views that surround the property.
One Rare Italian Steakhouse
Scarsdale
Congratulations are in order for One Rare Italian Steakhouse, which joins the Wine Spectator lineup for the first time in 2023. Steak lovers will enjoy selecting a vintage from more than 300 offerings.
The Red Onion
Saugerties
This Saugerties restaurant and bar is notable for its outstanding service, artfully crafted plates, and remarkable wine list. There are around 135 selections, and strengths include wines from California and France.
Related: Try Top Vino at These Boutique Wine Shops in the Hudson Valley
