Sip Back and Enjoy
This August, Hudson is bringing home a brand-new taste of the Finger Lakes. Scheduled for a late-summer grand opening, Warren Street’s Neverstill Wines tasting room will offer wine experiences around its inaugural releases: a lovely Riesling and a crisp Chenin Blanc that’s perfect for summer afternoon sipping. (A cab franc and other varietals are coming soon.) The winery boasts an all-female leadership team and a focus on local production and sustainability—check out their lighter-weight bottles that save energy and resources.
Slice, Slice Baby
If you’ve been waiting for pumpkin season to spend an afternoon at the beautiful Indian Ladder Farms, maybe this will get you over there sooner: DeFazio’s Pizza is now running an onsite weekend pizza garden. The 100-year-old Altamont farm added a pizza oven last year (its Cidery & Brewery brings in a hungry crowd). But this season, they leveled up. Visitors to the farm can now dig into one of the Troy pizzeria’s famous pies, including its popular white pizza with arugula, prosciutto and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. At the bar? A full line of beer and hard cider. Cheers.
It’s Gettin’ Hot in Here
When Bridgerton’s newest season was released in time for summer binge-watching, it was clear that Netflix’s notoriously steamy guilty pleasure was back and hotter than ever. Yes, there’s a six-minute Colin-Penelope romp that the co-hosts of The View and internet super-fans can’t stop talking about. But Colin’s brother Benedict’s experiments in the bedroom also get viewers blushing. Bringing the heat to that specific storyline: one of the Capital Region’s own. Lucas Aurelio, an alum of Albany High School and Troy’s Russell Sage College, has a memorable role as a hunky Latino seducer. For more on his provocative plotline, you’ll have to rev up your Netflix.
Latte Love
The aways-packed Uncommon Grounds coffee house is on the move again. After expanding to Albany and Clifton Park, the Saratoga staple is headed north. The new Queensbury outpost—in the expansive space formerly occupied by Recovery Grill—was busy this past spring in preparation for a targeted mid-July opening. That allows its new customers plenty of time to enjoy iced lattes and cold brews before the weather turns. Arrive with an empty stomach: Uncommon is famous for its bagels with schmear, or as a breakfast or lunch sandwich. Hungry yet?
Ale Yeah
Amsterdam folks have a new place to happy hour: Schwalbacher Brewing on East Main Street. At press time, the brewery was selling advanced founders club memberships for $75 (which get you bigger pours, a T-shirt and an end-of-year-party) and planning for a Fourth of July opening bash with Megabites food truck. This beer lover’s dream promises a small-town vibe and beers on rotation. “Come try a few!” they beckon. Don’t mind if we do.
