ESD LogoColumbia County Company Will Produce Soil-to-Glass Brandy Using Fruit Grown On-Site

Distillery and Hospitality Venue Will Attract Residents and Visitors from the Region and Beyond 

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Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the grand opening of the more than $21 million Klocke Estate soil-to-glass brandy distillery, tasting room and event space on 160-acres of property in Claverack, Columbia County. The company is growing several varieties of apples and grapes specifically chosen and cultivated to make high quality brandy. The 12,000 square foot distillery and hospitality venue provides a vibrant and engaging space with a full bar, dining, library lounge, private tasting salon and outdoor patio spaces to enjoy. The world class offerings to include elevated & immersive tasting, tours and events that will highlight the artisanal craft and spirit of the Capital Region and the upper Hudson Valley.

ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Klocke Estate distillery and tasting room is a great example of the investments being made by New York State's craft beverage producers that are creating jobs, supporting our farms, welcoming tourists and growing our regional economies. ESD is proud to grow the agritourism sector in New York State which creates jobs and investment across the state."

John Frishkopf, Klocke Estate Founder and CEO, said, "The ways we grow our apples and grapes, care for our land, distill and age our spirits, and apply our craft create a cycle of enrichment, sustainability, respect, and quality. It is my hope that Klocke Estate will not only define a new category of American Brandy in the Hudson Valley but that we will create an experiential destination and a legacy of excellence to transcend generations, positioning Klocke as a leader in the world of extraordinary spirits and elevated hospitality."

Klocke Estate focuses on a sustainable and organic approach to the land, with 60 of the 160 acres carefully cultivated using regenerative farming methods. The distillery promotes biodiversity by planting beneficial plants that provide pollinator habitats and create a balanced ecosystem. Klocke Estate will offer limited releases of unaged brandy, but is primarily maturing its product in French Limousin oak barrels. The company is also planning to distribute brandy that will be bottled and released as it matures over time. Klocke has also developed a red and white vermouth for its launch, available exclusively at the distillery until it can be distributed more widely.

Empire State Development is supporting this project with a $125,000 capital grant and up to $400,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program Tax Credits in exchange for the creation of 26 jobs. Additionally, Klocke Estate was awarded a $275,000 Market New York grant from I LOVE NY to support special events at the distillery aimed at promoting and generating regional tourism.

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "The Hudson Valley is world-renowned for its scenic vistas, natural beauty, and culinary and craft beverage offerings, and the new Klocke Estate distillery offers visitors a taste of each. I LOVE NY looks forward to promoting the agritourism and craft beverage experiences available at Klocke Estates as part of the unparalleled opportunities in the region that make it so easy to love New York."

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "New York State’s innovative craft beverage producers are not only making world-class products, they’re also supporting new jobs, tourism, and growth in our agricultural sector at the same time. I’m excited to see that Klocke Estate is poised to become a leader in this space, with a commitment to producing and sourcing locally that benefits New York farmers and the agricultural economy as a whole. I congratulate Klocke Estate on their grand opening and thank them for continuing the tradition of excellence in New York State’s craft beverage industry."

State Liquor Authority Chair Lily Fan said, "The Hudson Valley is already known as one of the best places in America to get your apples, and now Klocke Estate Brandy Distillery brings that excellence to the liquor cabinet. Another manufacturer using New York products and ingredients grown on-site, can only mean better things for the New York distilling industry. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership we want to wish Klocke Estate Brandy Distilling success in joining the industry and becoming a future staple at the dinner table."

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, "With 60 acres of organic and regeneratively grown orchards and vineyards, Klocke Estate Distillery is set to be a triple threat for Columbia County—introducing new locally-produced spirits to our burgeoning craft beverage market, creating new jobs, and opening a new hospitality venue for all to enjoy. I had the pleasure of visiting Klocke Estate when it was still under construction, and it’s exciting to now see this business officially open in our community."

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, "The grand opening of the Klocke Estate distillery is a welcome addition to the region, creating world class farm-to-bottle brandies right here in the Columbia County. I have worked closely with John and his team from day one on this endeavor, and have seen Klocke Estate emerge as an exciting model at the nexus of economic development, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. I thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their support of this stunning new destination."

Klocke Estate is launching its pilot program of tours on Saturday, August 3, and will be offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tours will be limited to eight people, cover Klocke’s history, agriculture, brandy, vermouth, and eau-de-vie-making processes, and finish with a tasting.

About Empire State Development        

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

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