So I went to Milea Vineyard's new tasting room in Staatsburg, NY. In 1984, Barry Milea and his father bought part of the historic Rymph Family Farm. In the summer of 2015, after years of research and experimentation with the land, Barry Milea (along with wife Sang), Ed Evans and Bruce Tripp formed Milea Estate Vineyard. The first crush in autumn of 2015 resulted in award-winning wines, and Barry added adjoining land to the property in early 2016 for a 98-acre estate. The tastingroom opened in October of 2019.
My friend Rich Srsich and I toured the tasting room early on a Sunday morning in January. The rooms were beautiful, with lovely flourishes. Sophisticated and welcoming, each turn led to a room that looked like it was out of House Beautiful.
More importantly, we tasted the wines. The Milea Rose of Pinot Noir 2016 was a bright fresh spritz of strawberry and lime. Refreshing with a lovely, creamy finish.
The Milea Estate Chardonnay 2017 was a lovely Chardonnay with ripe apples, pears, and tropical fruit. A lovely mineral undertone, and a beautiful finish. An easy drinking Chardonnay that will not fail to impress friends and family.
The Milea Estate Pinot Noir 2017 was also lovely. A light cherry nose leads to bright cherry and hints of red raspberry. Lovely notes of blueberry and lavendar and vanilla. A very, very pretty wine.
Last but certainly not least was the Milea Estate Cabernet Franc 2017. A lovely red wine with a blend of fresh and ripe cherry, dark raspberry, and fresh red cassis. Lovely mineral undertone, with nice notes of slate and finishing with a lovely notes of vanilla and toast. Very, very pretty.
If your on the eastern side of the river, down in Dutchess County, near Staatsburg, you need to do yourself a favor, and drop in and see these folks! yourself a favor