Guest blog post by Eavan:
New York and New Jersey are beautiful states, but it took me awhile to really figure that out. Cabbing from JFK directly to Manhattan or Brooklyn, you don’t get to see how lush and gorgeous the Hudson Valley is in the non-winter.

Luckily, I’ve got Jersey friends who showed me the way! Not the kind that fake tan and go on reality shows, but the kind that laugh at my bridge and tunnel jokes and laugh even more when I decide that New Jersey is the coolest and I take it all back.

What really sold me on the Hudson Valley and all its glory was Warwick Winery and Distillery in Warwick, NY. Located about 60 miles outside Manhattan, you feel like you’re worlds away from the skyscrapers, car honks and concrete jungle. Instead you’re surrounded by tall trees, flowers and rolling hills.

The winery itself has a quaint tasting room that offers six tastes plus a souvenir wine glass for just $5. The wines are pretty tasty and affordable. The grapes are transported from Northern California and the wine is made on site. They also distill their own fruit liqueurs and cordials that make for a great post-meal treat. There is plenty of outdoor seating, benches and grassy knolls should you wish to buy a bottle and spend the afternoon hanging in the sun and snacking on fresh bread and pizzas from their cafe. They have a cute little lake and an impressive herb garden that you’re welcome to wander through.

Best of all–a large portion of the property is an apple and pear orchard! If the season is right, you can wander through the fruit trees and pick some to take home. Or, if you’re like me, grab an apple and try to feed it to the horse that lives on the property! It’s a perfect afternoon escape and a great addition to your next NYC trip.

Keep in mind: The winery is off the beaten path so be sure to Google driving directions. If you’re a car-free Manhattan resident, you’ll definitely need to rent a car to get your winery on.

Bonus tip(s): Be sure to check the Warwick Winery website for live music events! They host a mix of acoustic, folk rock and even psychedelic blues acts for no cover on weekend afternoons. Also, the Mohonk Mountain House is a cool lodging option if you’d like to spend a long weekend exploring the Hudson Valley.

Photo via hvwinemag.com.