The sun runs strong atop Benmarl’s hillside, throwing light over neatly lined vines and the sweep of the river. Glasses clink, pizza crust breaks, and every view points back to the winding valley below.
What to Expect:
🍷 Estate and regional wines served by the glass or tasting flight
🍕 Brick oven pizzas, cheese boards, and light snacks from on-site vendors
🪑 Ample outdoor seating, deck views, and covered tents for larger gatherings
📸 Photo-friendly overlooks and festival weekends with DJs and grape stomping
🚌 High foot traffic on weekends, especially during events and harvest season
Important Information:
✔ Seated tastings; no reservations needed for small groups—expect lines in peak hours
✔ Wheelchair-accessible entrance, restrooms, and parking (stone/gravel surfaces in parts)
✔ Contact via (845) 236-4265 for group bookings or event details
✔ No bottles opened on-site; pours by glass/flight only; bring cash for food
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
Local Insights
🕰️ Early Hours Best: Arrive before noon if you want a quiet table with river views—things fill by 1 PM, especially in leaf-peeping or harvest season.
🎶 Festival Weekends: Loud DJs and grape stomping bring a party crowd; for a mellow visit, check the schedule and pick a weekday.
💸 Cash for Food: The pizza and snacks are only sold at vendor stands and require cash—ATMs onsite run out on festival days.
🥾 Deck and Terrain: The deck is stroller- and chair-friendly, but most surfaces are gravel or grass; wear sturdy shoes and skip the heels.
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
The view of the Hudson River and valley steals the show, with sprawling hills and a deck that fills up on fair days. Guests praise the range and quality of wines for both casual sippers and seasoned tasters, with many calling out friendly, helpful staff when the winery is not overwhelmed. Food leans casual with brick oven pizzas and broad cheese boards—tasty, though some find the self-service setup uneven. Some visitors note cash-only food and weekends crowded by large groups or DJ events; peak hours can mean slower service or less attention. Overall, Benmarl is loved for scenery and atmosphere but can leave some wanting more from food service or crowd management during busy periods.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
