AMERICA'S oldest winery survived through the Civil War, two World Wars, and found a loophole to stay open during Prohibition. The Brotherhood Winery in Hudson Valley, New York , began operating in 1839 in the remote town of Washingtonville - about 30 miles south of Poughkeepsie. Shoemaker John Jaques grew grapes behind his store, which grew into a large vineyard and soon he started making wine , according to the winery's website.
Jaques deeded the property to his three sons, John Jr., Oren, and Charles , in 1858 and the winery was named Jaques Brothers' Winery. James M.
Emerson and his son, Edward, bought the winery from Charles , the last surviving Jaques brother, in 1886 and renamed it Brotherhood. Edward detailed his experience of owning the winery in his 1901 book, The Story of the Vine. By the mid-1800s, there was so much demand that the winery had to store thousands of gallons of wine , port, and brandy in a manmade cave deep underground.
Ownership of the winery has changed over throughout its nearly 200-year operation with production shifting to compete with neighboring wineries and changes in consumer tastes. Today, Brotherhood produces several red and white wines such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet, and ciders. To this day, it hosts events with a bar, restaurant, and 6,000-square-foot catering hall.
Guests can take a tour of the underground caves and indulge in plenty of wine . In 2000, the winery was designated as a historic landmark and it's also on the New York S.
