Owning a home in the Hudson Valley has expanded my husband Bob’s and my horizons, opening up a whole new world for us to explore. As a result, we’ve developed a passion for visiting wineries and farm-to-table restaurants throughout the region. Each is unique and very special in their own way. Recently, we discovered a place that has a winery, restaurant and wedding venue all rolled into one — Wallkill Valley’s Magnanini Winery, Restaurant & Distillery.

Two weekends ago, on a rainy Sunday morning, Bob and I watched the skies, hoping for a reprieve from the gloomy, wet weather that was threatening to thwart our plans for the day. Happily, the rain subsided, and we embarked on another enjoyable daytrip that led us to the magnificent Magnanini Winery, Restaurant & Distillery, a warm, hospitable family-owned winery, nestled in the hills of the Wallkill River valley. Magnanini has 13 acres of grapevines, a distillery, a family-style European restaurant, and beautiful grounds that boast two breathtaking wedding venue locations — Magnanini Winery and Two Hearts Vineyard.

Driving down the scenic country road leading to Magnanini, Bob and I looked forward to another fun-filled Hudson Valley experience. As we approached the grounds of the winery, we immediately felt a sense of warmth and hospitality in the air. Due to the recent uptick in COVID cases, we opted to enjoy a nice warm brunch outdoors. Bob parked the car, while I walked into the restaurant (wearing my trusty mask) to find out where the outdoor brunch was being served. Inside the restaurant I couldn’t help but notice the cheerful ambiance… a live band played while people danced, talked, laughed and enjoyed their meals.

I learned from Magnanini’s website that owners Richard and Rachel (and family), put their warm personal touch on everything. The site states their personal touch is “in everything from Rachel’s homemade delicacies, Richard’s proudest blends of wine, and to his father Galba’s architectural work.” Galba worked in the vineyards when he was a young boy in Italy and was determined to make the winery a family affair ever since it was established in 1983. His brother Renzo, a renowned European artist who lives in Bologna, painted the murals in the winery and restaurant, and his work also appears on the Magnanini wine labels.

Magnanini Winery grows, harvests, ferments and bottles its wines on site, and can be purchased only in its tasting room. Grape varieties include Niagara, Seyval Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Marquette, to name a few. Some of their homemade food specialties such as ravioli, gnocchi and cappelletti are inspired by northern Italian cuisine and have been passed down for generations.

The personal, homemade touch was definitely apparent in the delicious French toast brunch Bob and I ordered. Love and attention to detail was noticeable in the meal’s taste and presentation. The French toast was topped with apple compote, fresh strawberries and whipped cream… very appealing to the eyes and tastebuds! The bonus for Bob was when he learned that the syrup he poured onto this tasty masterpiece was “real’ maple syrup, not a store-bought brand typically used in many restaurants.

We enjoyed our delicious brunch next to an outdoor wood-burning stove which created a toasty (no pun intended) warmth, and diminished the chill in the air. After finishing brunch, we walked around the grounds and admired the lovely views — acres of grapevines, hilly open fields, a large pond with woods in the distance, and beautifully manicured gardens.

Our afternoon at Magnanini Winery, Restaurant and Distillery was relaxing and uplifting… just what we’ve come to expect from a Hudson Valley experience. It seemed to have the same effect on others as well. Everyone was in good spirits. The wine might have helped a little… but the tasty homemade food, beautiful scenery and warm ambiance definitely played a part. Actually, I just realized I was on a high and hadn’t even tasted the wine! Since the weather was on the cool side, Bob and I stuck to warm food, but now have a good excuse to return soon to sample Magnanini’s signature wines… and spend more time in our beloved Hudson Valley!