Brotherhood Winery Tour — Washingtonville, New York

Discover the Brotherhood Winery Tour in New York

Step into America’s oldest winery with the Brotherhood Winery Tour in Washingtonville, New York. Established in 1839, Brotherhood offers visitors a rare chance to explore historic stone cellars, learn about traditional winemaking, and taste award-winning wines produced on-site. The guided tour takes you from the fermentation rooms to the century-old barrel caves that have aged wine for more than 180 years.

Why it’s special: Brotherhood Winery is a living piece of American wine history. Its underground cellars, hand-dug before the Civil War, survived Prohibition and continue to store some of the nation’s finest wines. Combining rich heritage with modern craftsmanship, Brotherhood provides a truly timeless tasting experience in the scenic Hudson Valley.

History/Story of Brotherhood Winery

Founded in 1839 by Jean Jaques, a French Huguenot émigré, Brotherhood Winery began producing sacramental wines before expanding into table wines enjoyed nationwide. The winery survived Prohibition by supplying churches, earning it the title “America’s Oldest Winery.” Today, under the ownership of César Baeza and the Castro family, Brotherhood continues its legacy of innovation, blending tradition with contemporary winemaking techniques in its landmark facility.

What You’ll See & Do on the Brotherhood Winery Tour

• Explore the oldest continuously operating wine cellars in the United States

• Learn about the winery’s 19th-century origins and its role during Prohibition

• Walk through fermentation and barrel-aging rooms

• Enjoy a guided tasting of Brotherhood’s red, white, and sparkling wines

• Visit the grand stone tasting hall and gift shop for local products and souvenirs

Hands-On Elements: Guided tasting session included with tour.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography encouraged in most areas.
Souvenirs & Extras: Gift shop featuring wines, artisanal foods, and Brotherhood memorabilia.

Pricing of the Brotherhood Winery Tour

Guided Cellar Tour & Tasting: $15 per person
Includes guided historic cellar tour, tasting of selected wines, and souvenir glass.
Private or Group Tours: Available by reservation for larger parties and organizations.

Practical Info for Visiting Brotherhood Winery

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided walking tour and tasting
Schedule & Seasonality: Friday–Sunday, year-round; check online calendar for times
Audience: Adults 21+, couples, history buffs, and wine lovers
Accessibility: Fully accessible tasting room; cellar areas may have uneven flooring
Safety & Restrictions: Must be 21+ for tastings; children welcome on tour portion only
Languages: English; Spanish tours available on request
Group & School Visits: Group and bus tours available by reservation
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes; light jacket for cool cellar temperatures
Facilities: Tasting room, restaurant, gift shop, restrooms, parking, and event space
Closures & Downtime: Closed major holidays and for private events

Nearby

• Storm King Art Center — outdoor sculpture park and cultural landmark

• New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site — Revolutionary War history nearby

• Hudson Valley Wine Trail — neighboring wineries and vineyards

FAQs About Visiting the Brotherhood Winery

Do I need to book in advance?
Walk-ins are welcome, but advance reservations are recommended on weekends.

Are tastings included in the tour?
Yes, guided tastings are included with every tour.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Children are welcome on the tour but cannot participate in tastings.

Can I buy wine to take home?
Yes, the gift shop offers the full range of Brotherhood wines and local specialties.

How long does the tour last?
Tours typically last about 45–60 minutes, depending on group size and tasting time.