So, for anyone not in the know, there must have been some quizzical looks at the BevNY dinner when a Hudson Valley guy won the Grower Award. After all, compared to some of the size of some of the vineyards in the Finger Lakes and Long Island, or even the Niagara Escarpment, since when does the Hudson Valley offer up any competition. But those few must have been in for a shock.
Whitecliff's Michael Miglore, of the Hudson Valley, received the Grower Award from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation last night, February 26, 2015 at the BevNY Conference! The ret of New York state finally figured out what many of us in the Hudson Valley already knew - Michael is a very, very serious player in grape growing in New York state.
He is president of the Hudson Valley Wine & Grape Grower's Organization. Whitecliff have their own 26 acres. And their 30+ years of planting and experimenting in that vineyard have shaped a winery with deep roots in the region’s traditions, and helped pave the way for others in growing hybrids and viniferas in the Hudson Valley. Just recently, Whitecliff bottle what will be the first Hudson River Region Cabernet Sauvignon!
But Michael is not just a Hudson Valley guy or just a Whitecliff Vineyard guy. He manages a lot of smaller vineyards up and don the valley. He is the valley's biggest grower, and he plans on expanding even after that. And he has his hand in vineyards in Long Island and around the state. Michael is a serious mover of grapes in New York state.
Whitecliff Vineyard has been acknowledged as “one of the Valley’s most ambitious wineries,” by
Hudson Valley Magazine.
According to Hudson Valley Wine magazine, "As winemaker and vineyard manager, Michael Migliore brings the rigorous approach of a chemist and engineer to Whitecliff. With a Masters in Chemistry from SUNY New Paltz, and many years as a process engineer in semiconductor manufacturing, Michael applied his background in science to teaching himself the chemistry and art of winemaking. He works closely with Cornell Cooperative Extension testing new grape varieties, and pushing the envelope on the quality of grape growing in the region. In that capacity he also serves as president of the Hudson Valley Wine and Grape Growers Association."
But being the biggest grower is not the only thing makes Whitecliff Vineyard special in the Hudson Valley. Whitecliff brought home to the Hudson Valley a Best in Show with their Riesling from the 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition. They bested 1,290 wines from 27 countries and 28 states, in a blind judging by 45 respected judges!
And their Whitecliff Vineyard 2012 Gamay Noir Hudson River Region was awarded 90 Points from Wine Enthusiast magazine.
Congrats to Michael, and to his fabulous wife, Yancey, who handles sales, marketing, and front of house! They are indeed a dynamic force! And to Brad Martz and the winemaking team. Congrats! Well deserved!
