Have a bottle of wine collecting dust on your shelf? Looking to save a buck or two at a chic eatery in town? Take an evening off and enjoy a few sips at a bring-your-own eatery in the Hudson Valley Not only will toting your own vino save you some cash, but will also ensure that you actually like the vino that accompanies your evening meal. According to a recent study done by Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute, an impressive 79 percent of wine drinkers choose the beverage simply because they enjoy the taste.
Here’s a collection of restaurants that let you play sommelier no matter whether you prefer pinot grigio or pinot noir — and the corkage fee deals are pretty sweet, too.
Tala: An American Bistro
626 New Loudon Rd, Latham
518.486.8252
With a marble bar, daily happy hour, and no corkage fees on Mondays, it’s no wonder Tala is the ultimate spot for casual dining in Latham. Bring a bright, coastal wine when you go; it’ll pair perfectly with “Buck a Shuck” oysters — that’s right, they’re really a dollar apiece! Your wish is Tala’s command — or at least that’s what we think the restaurant’s motto means: “The answer is yes, what is the question?”
Sidewalk Bistro
482 Piermont Ave, Piermont
​845.680.6460
Bring your own wine to Piermont’s French bistro on Wednesdays. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, so you can people-watch near the sidewalk or enjoy a breath of fresh air in the backyard garden. To start, try the goat cheese tart, a decadent puff pastry stuffed with grilled zucchini, eggplant, and tomato. Citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc compliments goat cheese deliciously.
Saint George Bistro
155 Southside Ave, Hastings on Hudson
​914.478.1671
There’s no rabbit stew at this new-French bistro, which got its name from Executive Chef Chris Vergara’s beloved pet rabbit, George. Check out the local specialties, like the Hudson Valley duck breast paired with apple, charred cabbage, and cider. Thursday nights mean no corkage fees, so bring a sweet, white wine like Pinot Gris to pair with the duck.
Meritage Restaurant
1505 Weaver St, Scarsdale
​914.472.8484
Despite boasting a delicious selection of pasta dishes, Meritage manages to go entire summers without purchasing a single tomato. That’s not to say that the kitchen is tomato-free, however. The secret to Meritage’s success hides in the back of the restaurant, where the grounds are used as a kitchen garden for fresh produce and scrap compost. The homegrown tomatoes are delectable on the veal chop parmigiano, which also comes with slices of buffalo mozzarella. Veal pairs beautifully with lighter red wines, so bring yours on Tuesday or for Sunday brunch when there’s no corkage fee.
Harper’s
92 Main St, Dobbs Ferry
​914.693.2306
Heading to Harper’s on a Wednesday, a.k.a. BYOB Day? Tote along a bottle of sweet, white wine to pair with the Catskill trout, which is a local favorite thanks to the accompanying creamed cabbage, radishes, and juniper. Keep in mind that rich, smoked fish are drier and need a good, clear wine to quench them. In other words, a sauvignon blanc would pair perfectly.
Furci’s
334 Underhill Ave, Yorktown Heights
914.302.7900
The Furci family opened the doors to its restaurant in 2015 and has been offering tasty seafood and BYO wine ever since (with a $20 corkage fee). An unoaked Chardonnay matches with Furci’s Drunken Mussels — Prince Edward Island mussels with mild or spicy marinara sauce, extra virgin olive oil, and a side of garlic toast.
Related: A Beautiful New Wine Bar Pours Vino and Good Vibes in Poughkeepsie
