Clinton Vineyards Claimed

Clinton Vineyards was established in 1976 by Ben Feder, a Bronx-born book designer and artist who fell in love with New York State’s Mid-Hudson Valley and began building his dream. Inspired by the beautiful wineries and vineyards in France, he modeled the 100-acre Clinton Vineyards in the tradition of small European vineyard estates, who often specialize in growing a single grape. His choice was Seyval Blanc, a versatile grape that withstands the challenging weather in the Hudson Valley.

Ben Feder’s wife, Phyllis, joined him in 1988, bringing to the enterprise her creative input, as an associate at Pushpin Studios with world-famous graphic designers Milton Glaser and Seymour Chwast. She became actively involved in the developing New York State wine industry, first elected to the Board of Directors of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation and was the first woman to become President of the Board. Her leadership was recognized by receiving many awards and with the establishment of the Phyllis Feder Industry Unity Award.

Four decades since its beginning, Clinton Vineyards enjoys renown far beyond the Mid-Hudson Valley. With pluck and passion, Clinton Vineyards has created a line of Estate-Bottled wines — its Seyval Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Rosé and Methodé Champenoise sparkling wines— that have earned awards nationally and internationally. Clinton Vineyards created a line of dessert wines including Romance, a late-harvest Seyval Blanc; Desire, a blackberry wine and Cassis, a black currant wine which is the only domestic Cassis to win gold medals in international competitions.

Ben Feder, a pioneer in agri-tourism, died in 2009 and Phyllis Feder continues to maintain her husband’s legacy. Clinton Vineyards welcomes wine lovers to its property seasonally. Visitors can savor the Clinton Vineyards portfolio of award-winning, Estate-bottled wines in the exquisitely appointed tasting room and retail shop, located in a historic 19th century Dutch barn. A visit to Clinton Vineyards, a “Jewel in the Crown of Dutchess County” is a high point of a trip to the Hudson Valley. It is a place to celebrate!