NINE WAYS TO SAY CHEERS ON THE SHAWANGUNK WINE TRAIL

It's a leisurely drive along the meandering 60-mile Shawangunk Wine Trail that stretches from the

Along the scenic drive, between wineries, you can stop to enjoy the North American and European cuisine of over 10 restaurants, shops, antique stores and local attractions. Grape varieties, soil, weather and individual winemakers' techniques result in palette teasers ranging from very dry to sweet dessert wines in America's oldest wine producing region. We are given carte blanche to visit behind the scenes at these mostly family operated wineries to gain more insight into the art of winemaking.

Champagne a la methode champenoise is just one of the varieties Adair Vineyards bottles in their landmark 200-year-old Dutch style barn. Feel free to explore the vineyards and see firsthand the process of turning grapes into wine.

You can sip Chardonnay, Sarabande, Seyval or Riesling at Rivendell Winery (www.rivendellwine.com) or make a selection from their Libertyville Cellars list. Make sure you check out the valley views on show from their glass-enclosed porch stretched across 55 acres.

When you meet Yancey Migliore at Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery her enthusiasm for the region's newest winery rivals the flavor and intensity of the Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet France and Pinot Noir she and her husband, Michael, sell in their tasting room. As you savor the wine, step out onto the deck and compare the wine label to the towering Shawangunk cliffs that presents a dramatic backdrop to the vineyards.

Richard and Valerie Eldridge of Brimstone Hill Vineyard (www.brimstonehillwine.com) pride themselves on growing French hybrid varieties and vinifera grapes to produce quality wine, which reinforce their slogan, "The local wine with the French touch." Their dry white wines include Vin Blanc, Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay, while the reds are Cabernet Franc and Vin Rouge. Although we arrived late, Richard let us taste a few wines while providing background information. The delicate flavor and aroma of the Cayuga White won my nod and we brought two bottles home. We understand bragging rights are appropriate since the wines have graced the tables of both New York State Governor Cuomo and former President Reagan.

Featured by several wine magazines (Wine Spectator, Wine Tidings and Wine Access), the award winning Baldwin Vineyards (www.daspin.com/baldwin) has enjoyed success with their Chardonnay, Riesling, Vignoles, Claret and Strawberry Wine. Other varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Brut Sparkling Wine and Raspberry Wine. You can enjoy the Strawberry and Raspberry Festivals during Summer and Fall weekends.

Touring Brotherhood (www.wines.com/brotherhood) is like reliving history, especially its underground cellars which are the largest in the U.S. It's origin in 1839 has earned a listing on the New York State Register of Historic Places and the distinction as "America's oldest winery." Current prize winning Brotherhood wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Further down the trail Francesco and Orietta Ciummo are eager to showcase Francesco's 18 wines at Demarest Hill Winery, Orange County's newest and largest winery. Taste test Victoria Merlot, Cabernet, White Gold, Chardonnay Supreme, Red Zinfandel, Red Classico, Warwick Sunset, Red Bouchet and an assortment of fruit wines.

Billed as "A little bit of Tuscany in the Hudson Valley" Warwick Valley Winery (www.wvwinery.com) overlooks Mt. Adam and Mt. Eve. It's reminiscent of Eden, a 50-acre orchard brimming with apples and pears in season and sunsplashed grassy knolls. Headlining the wine list are the award-winning Black Dirt Red Classic and Harvest Moon, followed by Cabernet Franc, Riesling and Chardonnay. The latest additions are New York Port wine and Champear, a sparkling wine.

Happy wine trails to you!