2 Most Highly Rated Wine Tours In New York

New York State offers some of the best opportunities for exploring wine regions outside its famous cityscape. Its rich history in grape growing, dating back over a century, combined with stunning landscapes of rolling hills, orchards, and river views, makes it a prime destination for wine enthusiasts. Whether you’re after a luxurious all-inclusive experience or a more leisurely self-guided adventure, the Empire State has a variety of options.

We’ve curated this list based on ratings, value, and unique experiences. For example, the All Inclusive VIP Wine or Beer Tour in Hudson Valley stands out for its comprehensive approach, combining tastings with local cheeses, honey, and chocolates, plus a fun photo opportunity with a giant wine glass. Meanwhile, the Walkway Over the Hudson & Winery Tour with private transport offers a lighter, more flexible experience, blending a scenic walk with visits to historic wineries.

In this guide, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, highlighting what makes them special, their cost-effectiveness, and who they suit best. From guided luxury trips to self-directed adventures, this list helps you choose a wine tour that matches your interests and schedule.

1. All Inclusive VIP Wine or Beer Tour in Hudson Valley

The All Inclusive VIP Wine or Beer Tour in Hudson Valley offers a full-day immersion into one of America’s oldest grape-growing regions. For $235 per person, you get roughly 8 hours of touring through the scenic Hudson Valley, famous for vineyards established over 100 years ago—predating California’s wine industry. This tour is perfect if you want a luxurious, all-encompassing experience that combines tastings, local foods, and fun photo opportunities.

What truly sets this tour apart is the variety of tastings: sampling local wines, beers, hard ciders, and farm-fresh products like cheeses, honey, and apple butter. The included lunch emphasizes regional flavors, and the highlight is a memorable picture with the “rare & unique” giant wine glass—a fun twist that gets smiles and laughs. The tour’s 28 years of operation reflect a well-established reputation for professionalism and authentic experiences.

During the tour, you’ll see beautiful mountains, the historic Hudson River, apple orchards, and sprawling vineyards. Fall visits might include stops at farmers markets for fresh baked goods or seasonal specialties. The value here is high: you’re paying for a full day of curated tasting, regional insight, and a lively atmosphere. It’s suited for those seeking a comprehensive, guided experience with a touch of luxury.

Bottom Line: If you want a detailed, all-inclusive day exploring Hudson Valley’s wine scene with plenty of local food and fun, this VIP tour is a top choice.

2. Walkway Over the Hudson & Winery Tour w/ Private Transport

The Walkway Over the Hudson & Winery Tour with private transport offers a more relaxed, flexible experience at a lower price—$185 per person—for approximately 6 to 8 hours of fun. It combines a scenic self-guided walk on the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, the Walkway Over the Hudson, with visits to two local wineries for tastings, which are at your own expense.

What makes this tour unique is the self-guided approach: you’ll receive instructions before starting your walk, and you can choose to walk or rent bikes (at an extra cost). The bridge itself is an impressive feat, rising 212 feet above the Hudson River and stretching over 6,700 feet long, with stunning views of the river and surrounding hills. It’s a favorite for those who enjoy a little exercise combined with sightseeing.

After your walk, you’ll be transported to Benmarl Vineyards, the oldest winery in America, famous for its historical significance as New York State Farm License #1. This allows you to enjoy local wines while also soaking in some history. Since tastings are not included, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy independent exploration with a guided framework.

Bottom Line: For those who want a balance of scenic walking, history, and wine tasting without the high price, this tour offers flexibility and a memorable experience.

How to Choose

When deciding between these two wine experiences, consider your priorities: Do you prefer a luxury, all-inclusive guided day that covers a lot of regional tastes and foods? If so, the VIP Tour in Hudson Valley delivers a curated, full-day adventure. Alternatively, if you like self-guided activities combined with scenic walking and a visit to historic wineries, then the Walkway Over the Hudson tour offers a flexible, budget-friendly option.

Think about your fitness level, whether you want to include physical activity, and how much time you have. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular periods like fall when the scenery is at its best.

To sum it up, both tours showcase Hudson Valley’s rich wine culture, but they cater to different tastes. The VIP experience is ideal for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one luxury day, while the walkway and winery tour is perfect for those seeking independence and scenic beauty with a touch of history. Whichever you choose, booking ahead will ensure you secure a spot for a memorable wine adventure in New York.