Hudson Valley Wine Market: New Location, Same Philosophies
By Allison Dempsey
From Issue 57: Spring 2023
Looking out the front windows at the Hudson Valley Wine Market
Buying wine from a large chain liquor store can feel a bit intimidating. Shelves upon shelves of options loom above you, and you have no idea what would be the best drink option to bring to the dinner party you were invited to. With warm weather just around the corner, spring parties and get-togethers await — and Hudson Valley Wine Market wants Gardiner wine-sippers to know that they’re in good hands. The market, now located at 4 Dusinberre Rd. (formerly Majestic’s Hardware) moved from its 119 Main St. location in April 2022. Current owner Leonard Giannotti has been in possession of the store since 2016, and has been curating the shop into a personable, fine spirits establishment that welcomes new and experienced taste buds all-around. Because the store is located right in the heart of Gardiner, it elevates this sense of community.
“Nomenclature and buzzwords are oftentimes very, very limiting for people,” he said. “We try to take the fancy words out of the equation when it comes to wine. I always tell people that the two things you need to know are what you like to drink and who you like to drink it with. You’re gonna get better at that for the rest of your life.” Giannotti prides his business style on “helping not hovering.” If you come into the market looking for suggestions, he and his team will be more than happy to be hands-on in your shopping experience. However, if you are a customer who knows what you want and prefers to get in and out quickly, they will also abide. With focus placed on serving the community, each visitor can expect to get a tailored experience upon entering the cozy, wood-paneled shop. Natural light reflects off the neatly-stacked bottles of liquor, welcoming the sights of winter’s end into the bright and cheerful storefront. There is a certain ebb and flow to the way Giannotti interacts with customers, and you will leave the store feeling confident and supported, with a new bottle of wine in your hand, as well.
Like any industry, the trends that hit the liquor world are rapid and ever-changing. Hudson Valley Wine Market tries to tap into new, trendy items, such as hard seltzers, while also maintaining a traditional setup that will outlast any fads. “People are constantly trying to find the newest ‘cocktail-in-a-bottle’ or the newest, hot fashion thing,” Giannotti said. “This is just a small-town business. We try to accommodate the fastest growing categories as much as we possibly can, but really, what we want to be is a full-service shop.”
Whatever meal you decide to cook up this spring—from a specialty pasta dish to simple Sloppy Joes—Hudson Valley Wine Market will do their best to find the perfect drink to match your favorite food. Even though Giannotti believes that a person knows best about their own taste, his expertise will point you in the right direction to develop your preferences and help you find what you’re looking for.
At the end of the day, the most important thing about buying a bottle of wine for an event or dish is the experience itself. Hudson Valley Wine Market wants customers to learn what they think goes best with certain foods. What better time than the spring to experiment with flavors? “If you’re intimidated by wine or if you’re new to it, and you just want to be guided, we’re here,” Giannotti said. “It’s our way of just being nice. Tuning into the person and finding out how they wish to be served. As simple as that.”
Stop into Hudson Valley Wine Market at 4 Dusinberre Rd for your every liquor need. Their hours are 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, and 12 pm to 7 pm on Sundays. (845) 633-8235