For all the hop heads, wine aficionados, and cider crazed – this post is for you. It can be hard to make heads or tails out of the massive craft beverage scene in the Capital-Saratoga Region, so we’ve gathered a few of our favorites to make the search for the perfect beer, wine, or cider a little easier.

Wine

The Saratoga Winery in Saratoga Springs | info
Pull up a chair at their Adirondack style tasting bar and learn from their knowledgeable staff as you sip away at one of their honey based or grape based wines.

Brookview Station Winery in Castleton | info
From Merlot to pear wine, there is a variety of award-winning wines to try. Rosé seems to be all the rage this year, so be sure to sample Sunset Charlie the 2013 Best Hudson River Region Rosé.

Cappocia Wine Lounge in Schenectady | info
Sit down and relax in the lounge, with some of the best wine in the capital region – generations in the making.

Hudson-Chatham Winery in Ghent | info
The Hudson-Chatham Winery was voted the Capital Region’s Best Local Winery in 2011, 2012, and 2014, and Columbia County’s Best Winery in 2014 and 2015. Go to taste the wines and experience the outdoor seating and beautiful views.

 

Beer

Stump City Brewery in Gloversville | info
Experience a real Farm Brewery where the motto, “From the ground up” is more than just a fancy phrase. Local ingredients star in every beer, whether it’s a simple, easy drinking beer or unique recipe.

Saratoga Brewing Company in Saratoga Springs | info
There’s always 21 beers on tap – so you are sure to find something to love.  The focus here is on high quality, fresh, traditional, all malt craft-brewed lagers and ales, and they’ve had over 20 years to get it right.

Common Roots Brewing in South Glens Falls | info
Think old world beers with new world flair. Common Roots puts out an impressive range of  beers, all with their own distinct flavor profiles.

Rare Form Brewing Company in Troy | info
What you have to try: the State of the State pilsner – a classic pilsner made with 100% NY grown ingredients and it highlights the flavors of our region.

S&S Farm Brewery in Nassau | info
After a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015, the family behind S&S Farm Brewery renovated part of their historic barn into a taproom where they serve their staple beers as well as small-batch and seasonal brews.

Mack Jack Brewing in Schenectady | info
The Van Dyck Lounge has recreated the historic brewery that was once the center of Schenectady. Named after John (Jack) McDonald, Mad Jack Brewing Company is a collection of beers that each have their own personality and flavor.

Great Flats Brewing in Schenectady | info
Great Flats is a New York State farm brewery that focuses on brewing American style ales and lagers. Try the cream ale or one of their house-made root beers – you can’t go wrong.

Wolf Hollow Brewing Company in Glenville | info
Working to bring the “micro” back to micro-brew, Wolf Hollow Brewing Company focuses on crafting beer and relationships. They believe in the power of good beer to bring people together and strive to create community with the people who enjoy their beer.

Artisanal Brew Works in Saratoga Springs | info
The unlikely owners of Artisanal Brew Works are two high school teachers from Saratoga Springs High School. Their claim to fame is that their craft beer is clean, simple and sessional. We agree, well worth a try.

C.H. Evans Brewing Company in Albany | info
“Albany Ale” is a truly unique style, indigenous to the Hudson Valley in the 1800s – it’s not totally equitable to other styles of the time like a stout, brown, pale or strong, and you can try the latest interpretation from C.H. Brewing Company.

Druthers in Saratoga Springs & Albany | info
Druthers’ master brewer, George de Piro, is the winner of three gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival among others. He is a biochemist turned supreme beer geek – you gotta try the beer to believe it!


Cider

Roger’s Cideryard in Johnstown | info
There’s nothing like a hard cider straight from the orchard. Want to take it up a notch? Try one of their muddled hard ciders for a new twist.

Nine Pin Cider in Albany | info
Take a tour of the cider making facility and then grab a seat to try one or all of the nine ciders on draft. For the beer lovers, there are also rotating taps dedicated
to some of New York’s best brews.

Slyboro Ciderhouse in Granville | info
Ever tried an iced cider? Well you can at Slyboro – where they are dedicated to reclaiming cider – “true cider” – as America’s favorite drink. They have a range of different styles and types to explore your cider palette.

 

Find a glass at one or all of these handcrafted beverage establishments. When you do, be sure to hashtag your social media posts with #TheCraftBeverageCapital and we’ll share in the online fun, because there’s nothing like a great craft beverage pic!