Washington County, New York, has long been defined by its farmland, rolling hills, and agricultural heritage. Today, it is gaining recognition for something new to its agricultural landscape: its place on the map of New York’s growing wine industry. At the center of that story is Northern Cross Vineyard, a pioneering business that played a key role in establishing the Upper Hudson AVA (American Viticultural Area).
More than just a winery, Northern Cross represents how a single business can shape regional identity, support local agriculture, and contribute to long-term economic development.
What Is the Upper Hudson AVA?
The Upper Hudson AVA is a federally recognized wine region that distinguishes Washington County and the surrounding area for its unique growing conditions.
This designation signals to winemakers, investors, and visitors alike that the region offers something unique. Something worth experiencing. That’s why the Upper Hudson Wine Trail was created as well, to act as the public-facing side of this program and bring visitors to the region.
In economic development terms, an AVA is more than a label. It is a tool for regional positioning, one that helps our smaller, rural area compete with larger tourism and agricultural markets. It also functions as a place-based economic development strategy, creating a shared identity that multiple businesses can leverage collectively.
Why Washington County Is Ideal for Vineyards
The success of the Upper Hudson AVA is rooted in Washington County’s natural and economic advantages.
With its well-drained soils, varied typography and fairly moderate climate, this area is ideal for growing resilient, cold-hardy grapes. Paired with generational farming knowledge, available land and proximity to other tourism hubs like Lake George and Saratoga Springs, Washington County’s appeal becomes even greater. Benefitting from this “borrowed demand,” our local vineyards act as both overflow experiences and alternative destinations for visitors seeking something a little quieter (and quainter) than the overcrowded attractions offered by our larger neighbors.
This combination creates a unique environment where agriculture and tourism intersect. Similar to the county’s thriving farm stands, markets, and seasonal attractions, vineyards are a natural extension of the local agritourism economy.
As of 2026, Washington County is home to several vineyards with on-site tasting rooms. They are Northern Cross Vineyard, Victory View Vineyard, South Dominion Vineyard, and the newest addition, Autumn’s Harvest Vineyard.
Washington County’s growing number of vineyards is due to the “cluster effect,” where businesses in a specific field concentrate in one geographic area, driving higher productivity, innovation and job growth. Yet this industry also benefits from a lower barrier of entry compared to legacy wine regions, appealing to a wider variety of prospective entrepreneurs.
Northern Cross Vineyard’s Role in Regional Growth
Before the Upper Hudson AVA was established, growing grapes in this region was far from guaranteed. Yet, Andy Weber of Northern Cross Vineyard took that risk.
Since then, he’s established a business model supported by two key elements: a grape-friendly growing climate and ongoing visitor demand. Northern Cross Vineyard’s success is a demonstration of what’s possible when entrepreneurial risk aligns with regional assets.
“This area, since 2019, is now recognized as the Upper Hudson American Viticultural Area, or AVA. And that’s a federal designation, so just like Napa, Sonoma, Finger Lakes are all federally recognized regions. What that does, it gives us two things. It gives me, the wine maker, the ability to describe my wine better, so I can put ‘Upper Hudson’ on the label and put ‘estate bottled’ on the label.
The other piece it does is it allows the consumer to better identify the wine. So just as you see Napa Valley on the label and a whole bunch of stuff jumps into your head about what that chardonnay could be.
So in the Upper Hudson, hopefully folks will start to get used to a Marquette. Marquette is one of the grapes we have probably the most planted in the region, and there’s Frontenac, there’s a few other reds. There’s a bunch of whites, too. La Crescent, Lacrosse and Prairie Star. Once they start seeing those names, they can start associating with a flavor, a dish they like to go with it, time of year they like to enjoy the wine.”
– Andrew Weber, owner of Northern Cross Vineyard
Watch our video about Northern Cross Vineyard to hear a brief interview with Andy:
Earning the Upper Hudson AVA Designation
By experimenting with cold-climate varietals and proving that high-quality wine could be produced locally, Andy and other entrepreneurial wineries helped lay the groundwork for broader recognition.
Not only did he demonstrate the viability of commercial vineyards in Washington County, but he also helped contribute to the research and advocate for this special AVA designation. In the decade since, Andy has inspired several other vineyards to open in the area, elevating the county’s credibility and appeal within the New York wine industry.
In many ways, Northern Cross Vineyard helped transform Washington County from a place where wine could be made into a place with a growing reputation for making it well.
The Economic Impact of Wineries in Washington County, NY
Naturally, the establishment of the Upper Hudson AVA has ripple effects that extend far beyond wine production.
1. Business Attraction and Diversification
The Upper Hudson AVA has paved the way for new vineyards and wineries to open in the region. Each one gives the county more event spaces, tasting rooms and experiences to draw visitors into the area.
This compounding economic impact is one major benefit of Washington County’s emerging wine and agritourism cluster. Ultimately, this diversification strengthens the local ecosystem and reduces reliance on a single industry.
2. Agritourism Growth
Wine tourism also pairs naturally with Washington County’s existing offerings, which include a variety of agritourism-focused businesses. From farmers markets and scenic countryside drives to local dining, u-pick produce and craft beverage makers, Washington County’s experiences cater to those looking for an authentic, farm-to-table adventure. With so many unique things to offer, Washington County has enjoyed a steady increase in visitor dwell time.
After all, visitors who come for the Upper Hudson Wine Trail often stay for a full weekend, supporting multiple small businesses along the way. Usually, this cross-sector spending includes everything from restaurants and short-term rentals to gas stations, gift shops and more.
3. Increased Land Value and Agricultural Viability
For landowners and farmers, vineyards offer several benefits, including a higher-value crop potential and long-term land use, preventing farmland abandonment.
In addition, wine grapes can lead to new revenue streams tied to tourism, even if you don’t make wine yourself. One great example of this concept is Ives Hollow Vineyard that operates a seasonal u-pick grape business.
All in all, growing wine grapes in New York State can help preserve farmland while making it economically sustainable. As a modern agricultural land use strategy, Washington County vineyards also help maintain our rural character while growing our community.
4. Regional Branding and Identity
Last but not least, being part of the Upper Hudson AVA provides something many rural communities seek: a clear, ownable identity.
Instead of being defined by proximity to larger destinations, Washington County now proudly stands on its own as not only a growing network of agritourism businesses, but also as a wine-producing community where agriculture and innovation meet.
An Entrepreneurial Model for Economic Growth
While Washington County has a long history of agriculture, from flax and potato farms to sheep and dairy, the cultivation of cold-hardy grape varietals has changed the game.
Today, strategic designations like AVAs can unlock visibility and investment. Similarly, immersive agricultural experiences such as the Art + Ag Tour, the County Bounty Tour and the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival help put the spotlight on local farmers from different walks of life.
Most importantly, recognition such as this reinforces what makes Washington County unique. This is a place where entrepreneurs have the space, support, and natural resources to build something lasting.
Why the Upper Hudson AVA Matters for Economic Development
The story of Northern Cross Vineyard and the Upper Hudson AVA is not just about wine. It is a clear example of how place-based economic development can take shape in a rural community.
By aligning natural assets, entrepreneurial risk, and regional collaboration, Washington County has created a model for sustainable growth. One that supports agriculture, attracts visitors, and builds a distinct, ownable identity in a competitive market.
Northern Cross Vineyard helped plant that seed. What grows from here will continue to define the future of Washington County’s economy.
Learn more about how wine gets made in Washington County, NY:
