Out of NYC for a one day city escape in New Paltz, NY for joie de vivre, French for exuberant…read moreenjoyment of life, translated as "joy of living" or "zest for life." My day of a small party of three was certainty joie de vivre described an enthusiastic appreciation of everyday experience, including good food, friendship, conversation, art, leisure, beauty, and simple pleasures. The weather was mildly brisk cloudy with some sun emitted in NYS's Hudson Valley region. The grounds are beautiful scenic nature landscape and appears well maintained. I wish there was a willow tree which adds to the perfect setting of a picturesque landscape. I have a predilection for willow trees. Robibero Winery is open 7 days a week from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and part of Shawangunk Wine Trail of NYS's Hudson Valley region. Other activities/ events available at select dates or seasons are grape stomping, bon fire pit, gazebo, and line dancing night. My party visited during their version of the Italian San Gennaro Festival with live entertainment. Food is available on the premise. Restroom facility is available on the premise.
My party's primary visit was winery crawl. Robibero was our first stop. There is guided tasting featuring a selection of Robibero wines where it is $22.00 per person with a casino inspired coin labelled "RNY." Tastings are $22.00 per person and include a selection of four (4) wines. It is walk-in on a first-come, first-served basis with multiple tasting bars to minimize wait which was very crowded at the tasting bar. Wine bottles are available for purchase. Kevin, our server greeted with a pleasant, relaxed and calm disposition who was very informative, patient and attentive taking the time to serve and no scowl face emitted. I was indecisive for my selection, but Kevin served other parties while I made my selection. My selection is two wine and two red. He permitted me to take a lot of photos of the bottle with my glass as props, without question and without a scowl face which are posted to this review. Tasting menu are widely available at the tasting bar counter for review. Kevin explained the grape, dry or semi-dry, including suggested food pairings and respectfully refers female customers as "my lady." Oh! I was satisfied with my experience. I sincerely hope Kevin continues his employment indefinitely. Robibero also carries Mead, a sweet honey wine. I am utterly bewildered with the high extortionate tasting price of $22.00 which I remember pre-pandemic era where tasting price was either $6.00 or $10.00. Oh! Let it go, it is officially a relic of the past. I suffer from the effects of this financial trauma. Wine tastings industry standard price currently in 2026 era is averaged $18.00 to $25.00 per person for four (4) or seldom five (5) wines due to the high extortionate rising operational costs, expenses, NYS minimum wage for staff, and including explosive inflation. Oh!
Traminette 2024 (white)
Floral aroma of orange blossoms and white flowers. Lychee and Asian pear fruity notes. It is a good white wine.
New Yorkie Rosé 2025 (white)
This is a blend of 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, whole cluster press. White peach with touch of acidity. 0% residual sugar. Dry wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (red)
Blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot. Light, fruity, notes of plum and red berries. Aged for two years in French oak. I like this red wine and actually taste the fruity plum and red berries.
The Stray 2021 (red)
100% Estate Cabernet Franc aged for eighteen months in French oak. Dark fruit, low acidity and medium finish. The name originated from the narrative of a stray dog who the owner found and later adopted. I surely enjoyed this red wine. I prefer low acidity wines with either medium, long or superior finish. Joie de vivre achieved.
Cabernet Franc 2025 (white)
100% Cabernet Franc aged for ten months inside concrete egg. Strong mineral characteristics with strong cranberry and plum notes. I thought it was rather strong content.
Estate Vidal Blanc 2025 (white)
Notes of citrus, limestone, medium acidity in crisp finish. It is a good white wine in citrus flavor.