Back by popular demand, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (Millbrook Winery) announced it will host its annual jazz concert featuring a live performance by former New York Yankees centerfielder and jazz music icon, Bernie Williams and his Band of Friends with an opening act by renowned jazz pianist Larry Ham on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Building on past vintages of a custom wine blended by Williams and Millbrook Winery’s head winemaker, Ian Bearup, a third vintage of Bernie’s Blend red wine will debut the evening of the concert. The dynamic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc will once again be adorned by custom artwork created by Williams’ daughter, Brooklyn-based artist Beatriz Williams. The label artwork depicts a still-life of some of her father’s favorite things – baseball, music, and wine – and signed prints of the artwork will be for sale at the Winery the evening of the concert.
After retiring from the New York Yankees in 2006, Williams earned a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music and has enjoyed a successful second act as a jazz musician. Passionate about giving back to the arts, a portion of all Bernie’s Blend wine sale proceeds will be donated to the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation’s SupportMusic Coalition, which unites non-profit organizations, schools and businesses, ensuring that music education is supported in communities everywhere. The NAMM Foundation, a cause near and dear to the Williams family, frequently supports local music programs and school districts throughout the Hudson Valley community.
“Blending my passion for wine and jazz music, and my daughter’s artistic talent, makes our partnership with Millbrook Winery incredibly fulfilling,” said Williams. “And to do so while supporting the NAMM Foundation and its essential support of music education programs has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”
During a visit to Millbrook Winery in 2021, Williams was captivated by the vineyards and the wine. A chance encounter with the winery's Vice President and General Manager, David Bova, led to a conversation about Williams' background with the New York Yankees and his affinity for jazz music and the artistry of winemaking, ultimately leading to the fruitful partnership. Each year since, Williams has worked closely with Ian Bearup, to taste-test each of the wine barrels and thoughtfully blend and craft each of the wines.
“Bernie and I share a respect for the craft of winemaking,” expressed Bearup. “Each year our collaboration deepens resulting in an exceptional and unique wine, which is reflected beautifully in this year’s vintage.”
"We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Bernie Williams and have him take the stage for the third year in a row at Millbrook Winery," said Bova. "Each year, 'Bernie's Blend' captivates our customers – thanks to the wine’s dynamic blend and Beatriz’s stunning label artwork – and we’re confident this year’s vintage will do the same.”
The concert will kick off at 6:00 PM with an opening act by local favorite and jazz pianist, Larry Ham. Tickets are on sale now on the Millbrook Winery website and offered on three tiers – VIP Deck or VIP Lawn ($250 each), which includes a meet and greet with Williams and an open wine bar, and General Admission ($60 each) at the lawn’s picnic tables for large groups. General admission ticket holders are also welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. The 2024 vintage of Bernie’s Blend wine will go on sale the evening of the concert. Bernie’s Blend is currently available via the Millbrook Winery website: www.millbrookwine.com. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, August 4, 2024. The Bernie Williams concert is one of eleven in Millbrook Winery’s summer jazz concert series, running from June 22 through August 31. A full concert schedule can be found on their website.
About Millbrook Winery
Established in 1982 on a former dairy farm in New York's Hudson River Valley, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery produces a range of high-quality wines. Guests are welcome for daily tastings in the restored Dutch barn, and guided tours are offered on weekends. Millbrook Vineyards & Winery was the first vineyard in the Hudson River Region of New York State dedicated exclusively to the production of vinifera grapes. Founded on principles of innovation and experimentation, today, it produces between 13-15,000 cases of wine annually. The 38 acres of vines include plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Tocai Friulano, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Gamay Noir, and Traminette. In addition to consistently earning top ratings on Trip Advisor, the winery is regularly recognized by publications such as Wine Spectator, The New York Times, and Bon Appetit Magazine.
Guests can visit the winery year-round. It is open daily from 12 pm to 5 pm. For more information, visit MillbrookWine.com or connect with the winery on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
