New York Breweries, Craft Beer and Beverage Trails Worth Visiting

Calling all New York craft beer, cider and wine enthusiasts! 

If you’re interested in sampling some of the best brews and looking for an accessible way to get there, we have what you’re looking for. Traveling to these craft beverage outlets can be done by riding Amtrak. From the Hudson Valley to Rochester, these breweries, cideries and wineries showcase some of the best craft beverages the state of New York has to offer. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just stopping by, you won’t be disappointed by these breweries, distilleries and trails. Cheers: Your next drink is just a train ride away with Amtrak.  

Beverage Trails 

Catskills Beverage Trail

Hudson Valley/Catskills

Distance from Hudson Station (HUD): Various

The Catskills Beverage Trail is located in the scenic Hudson Valley. This beverage trail is currently comprised of nine locations. The Crossroads Brewing Company Catskill Taproom hosts food trucks in the warmer months and has lovely views of the Catskill Creek. (The Athens location is now permanently closed.) The 40-year-old Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company, also in Catskill, features 10 world-class ales and lagers on tap; they are all brewed on the premises.  Lunch and dinner are also available. 

West Kill Brewing Company, in West Kill, is a 127-acre family farm which has been transformed into a brewhouse & tasting room. In December 2020, Old Factory Brewing Company opened in a historic bottling building in Cairo. They offer up to 17 beers on tap, $0.50 wings every Sunday and frequent live entertainment.

Subversive Malting + Brewing is a true farmhouse brewery crafting beers at the foot of the Catskill Mountains. Try one of their famous smash burgers while enjoying a brew. 

Hunter Mountain Brewery Kitchen & Craft Beer serve up more than 15 of their own brews on tap, as well as comfort food—think meatloaf and pasta. Thursday is sushi night. Left Bank Cidery & Tasting Room in Catskill, open Wednesday to Sunday, makes small-batch ciders and meads that reflect the agricultural and ecological landscapes of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains.

The Vineyard at Windham, sitting on four acres at the base of Windham Mountain, is currently producing four different wines. Brewery LaHoff opened in Coxsackie in 2021. 

Old Factory Brewing Company | Photo Courtesy of Erin McKendrick

Schenectady Ale Trail

Schenectady

Distance from Schenectady Station (SDY): Various

The all-new Schenectady Sips Craft Beverage Trail features nine different stops. Breweries include Back Barn Brewing, Druthers Brewing Company, Frog Alley Brewing, Great Flats Brewing, Wolf Hollow Brewing Company and Seven Points Brewery. Also worth a visit is Murray’s Fools Distilling Company, which produces a vodka, a brandy a gin and the ever-popular ‘WolfJaw’ single malt whiskey. The Schenectady Distilling Company uses the brand name ’36 Locks’, which pays homage to the Erie Canal; they produce whiskey and gin. The award-winning Helderberg Meadwork’s produces mead and hard cider. Be sure to sign up for a digital passport.

If you want to rest during your fun visit on the Ale Trail, The Landing Hotel offers scenic views. Looking to make the most of your visit with other fun destinations off the trail? The Rivers Casino & Resort is a conveniently close attraction to The Landing Hotel.

Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail

Adirondacks & Saratoga

Distance from Saratoga Springs Station (SAR): Various

The Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail is a self-guided tour of 14 craft breweries, wineries and two distilleries. Unfortunately, as of August 2023, Amtrak’s Adirondack line is currently not in service, but the Saratoga Springs Station is still accessible. If you’re wondering how to complete the rest of the trail via Amtrak, check out Enterprise’s rental car service.

Among the eight brewery options are Mean Max Brew Works and Coopers Caves Ale Company, both in Glens Falls, and the veteran-owned Paradox Brewery in North Hudson. The Adirondack Winery, with tasting rooms in Lake George and Queensbury, serves up several different wines; book a tasting time soon. The Springbrook Hollow Distillery in Queensbury is located just five miles from Lake George. War Cannon Spirits Distillery set up shop in a fully-restored 200+ year old mill standing between two 18th century forts. 

You’ll definitely want to make the most out of your trip by staying in one of the several hotels in the area when you’re not enjoying craft beverages. Distances from each station vary, but you can experience the trail from the Saratoga Springs, and once the following stops on the Adirondack Line are reinstated, the Fort-Edwards-Glen Falls and Whitehall stations. While visiting the Adirondacks, visitors can stay at the Lincoln Log Colony in Lake George, NY, which has fun activities like shuffleboard and a 20-mile bike trail.

Cooperstown Beverage Trail

Central New York

Distance from Albany-Rensselaer Station (ALB): Various

Pick up your reserved rental #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car at Albany-Rensselaer Station. Click here to reserve your car, or call Enterprise’s Albany office at 518-427-3893.

Running 37 miles through Otsego County in Central New York, the Cooperstown Beverage Trail features six stops. As the former hops-growing capital of the continent, the region now has a wide variety of world-class breweries, wineries and even a historic cider mill. Visitors can stop at any of the six outlets to get their map stamped. Once you collect all six you will earn a free gift.

The family-owned High Burl Brewery located in Burlington Flats, offers a wide variety of traditional and seasonal craft beers brewed in-house. Stop in and enjoy a flight or pint in the family-friendly beer garden. Rustic Ridge Winery features a diverse selection of New York State produced wines. The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard is a historic water-powered mill on the banks of Fly Creek, just minutes from Cooperstown.The new tasting room offers flights of Hard Ciders, Wines, Spirits and Craft Beers.  The Snack Barn has beverages by the glass including Wine and Hard Cider Slushies.

Pail Shop Vineyards creates distinctive wines. Visitors can gather around our handmade wooden bar and enjoy outdoor tastings in the vineyard.  Montezuma Winery’s Cooperstown location offers a wide range of wine varieties, as well as artisanal, handcrafted spirits including bourbon, vodka and apple brandy.  Cooperstown Brewing Company specializes in producing premium English lagers. Their unique baseball-themed brews make for a fun stop during your Cooperstown trip!

A fantastic hotel to stay in during your visit is the historic and unique, Amsterdam Castle. This castle is closest to Amtrak’s Amsterdam Station in Central New York. If you’re looking to enjoy more of Central New York’s beautiful scenery off the trail, the Erie Canal Bike Path is a must-see destination, conveniently close to Amsterdam Castle.

Distilleries & Cideries

Hillrock Estate Distillery

Hudson Valley

Distance from Hudson Station (HUD): 21 miles

Founded in the early 1800s, this 200-year-old destination is the perfect location for those who enjoy a taste of history alongside their drink. The Hillrock Estate Distillery is the fifth on this list and is located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley and 22 miles from Hudson Station. This distillery produces hand-crafted spirits with their own floor malted grain. Quality and detail are Hillrock Estate Distillery’s top priorities, as they have upheld this notion during prohibition times and well after. Hillrock carries a variety of whiskeys, such as their Single Malt, Double Cask Rye and Solera Aged Bourbon. While you try some of these hand-crafted spirits, enjoy the view that overlooks their barley fields and the Berkshire Mountains. Spend your day at the Distillery with two of their tours, including the Tour and Tasting with Charcuterie & Cheese Plate and their Field-to-Glass Tour & Tasting.

Nine Pin Cider Works

Albany

Distance from Albany-Rensselaer Station (ALB): 3.1 miles

Nine Pin Cider Works produces quality craft ciders using 100% local New York apples and fruit. Visitors are welcome to the tasting experience at the cidery’s cafe. At the cafe, you can choose from delicious dining options like sourdough pizza and small plates like Charcuterie boards.

Nine Pin Cider Works | Photo Courtesy of Erin McKendrick

Breweries

Druthers Brewery

Saratoga Springs

Distance from Saratoga Springs Station (SAR): 1.5 miles

Also listed on one of the aforementioned beverage trails, Druthers Brewery is a must-visit destination in Saratoga Springs, NY.  The brewery is home to a multitude of tasty, hand-crafted beers. As one of Saratoga’s most visited breweries, Druthers uses a 10BBL brewing system. Located 1.5 miles from Saratoga Station, the brewery is a prime destination to enjoy a style of beer for everyone. With so many craft beer options on tap, it is easy to find your new favorite beer. Alongside their hand-crafted beers, the brewery carries custom glassware to provide the ultimate beer drinking experience. Whether you enjoy IPAs, sours or ales, this brewing company caters to every beer-lover. No matter which Druthers establishment you’re visiting, you’re bound to find your new favorite beverage or food.

Frog Alley Brewing

Schenectady

Distance from Schenectady Station (SDY): 0.2 mile

Included in some of the beverage trails mentioned above, Frog Alley Brewing is a popular destination on this list. Located in the heart of Schenectady, and 0.2 miles from Schenectady Station, this brewing company has multiple craft beers on tap or canned. Try popular flavors, such as the Skull Frog, or Captain Ellis. From IPAs to seasonal beers, Frog Alley Brewing has something for every beer drinker. The establishment is open every day of the week at different hours. This brewing company is the perfect destination to sit back and relax with a beer in hand while enjoying live music. Can’t get enough of what you tried at Frog Alley? The brewing company’s craft beverages are carried at most local grocery stores.

Brewing Companies

Genesee Brewery

Rochester

Distance from Rochester Station (ROC): 0.5 mile

Enjoy craft beverages from one of the oldest and largest breweries in New York at Genesee Brewery in Rochester. This brewery is only 0.5 miles from Rochester Station via Amtrak, making it a convenient trip. The Genesee Brew House carries 16 taps with a variety of beverage and beer options. Founded in 1878, Genesee Brewery is the perfect attraction for beer drinkers, no matter what your favorite type of beer is.