Harvest Hosts Adventure at Rustic Ridge Winery & High Burl Brewery
Hello, fellow travelers and wine (or beer!) lovers. On my latest Harvest Hosts adventure, I found myself in the tranquil countryside near Cooperstown, New York, staying at the wonderful Rustic Ridge Winery. To my surprise, this charming spot also shares a “campus” with High Burl Brewery. Talk about the best of both worlds—wine and craft beer right at my doorstep! Let’s just say this overnight stop quickly became one of the most memorable and relaxing experiences I’ve had on the road.
Checking In: A Warm Welcome
When I pulled into the property, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. You never know how a Harvest Hosts check-in will go—sometimes the staff barely knows about the program; other times, they’re prepared and excited to host. Thankfully, I was greeted by the lovely Connie, who welcomed me with open arms and had been expecting my arrival. This small gesture alone set the tone for an easygoing and enjoyable stay.
Camping Among the Corn Fields
Connie directed me to a camping area just a short walk from both the winery and the brewery. This spot was adjacent to a cornfield and offered a breathtaking vista of the valley. The entire scene looked like something out of a movie: rolling hills, wide-open skies, and an unmistakable sense of peace. In fact, I was the only camper that evening, giving me a level of tranquility you’d be hard-pressed to find in a bustling RV park.
After getting my rig all settled, I simply stood outside for a moment to soak it all in. The calm rustle of the wind through the corn stalks made for a comforting soundtrack, and the sun cast a warm glow over the landscape. I couldn’t help thinking, “This is why I travel—moments like these where you can truly pause and appreciate nature’s beauty.”
Wine Tasting at Rustic Ridge
Of course, the main attraction (at least in the daytime) was Rustic Ridge Winery itself. With Connie behind the bar, I took a seat and began sampling their selection. According to Connie, the grapes come straight from the Finger Lakes region of New York, known for producing exceptional wines (Finger Lakes Wine Country, n.d.). I wasn’t entirely sure if they produce on-site or if the wine is finished elsewhere, but, truth be told, I was more interested in the flavors than the specifics of its origin.
My personal favorite ended up being a wine made from grapes developed by Cornell University (Cornell University’s Viticulture & Enology Program, n.d.). The taste had just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, perfect for sipping while gazing out at the scenic valley. Cindy, my travel companion, found a light-bodied white that matched her palette beautifully. All in all, we were both quite happy campers after the tasting session—pun intended!
A Perfect Evening at High Burl Brewery
After enjoying the wine, we returned to our campsite for a leisurely dinner and some downtime. As night began to fall, we strolled over to High Burl Brewery for another round of tastings—this time of the craft beer variety. The place was buzzing with a friendly crowd, and to our delight, live music was on the schedule that evening.
We ordered a flight of four different beers each. I’m a sucker for a hearty stout, while Cindy opted for the lighter ales. The real highlight was taking our samples outside to a picnic table, where we could hear the band strumming away under the stars. Sipping on local craft beer, surrounded by warm string lights and music, is my definition of a perfect summer night.
A Rainbow Finale & Quiet Night
Just as the music began winding down, raindrops started to fall—talk about timing! We headed back to the RV, only to witness a spectacular rainbow spreading across the sky. Shortly thereafter, the sunset bathed the fields in warm oranges and pinks, creating one of the most vibrant scenes I’ve seen in a while. I stood there in awe, phone in hand, trying (and failing) to capture its full beauty.
The rainstorm passed quickly, leaving behind a peaceful hush and the faint smell of wet earth. Being the only campers, Cindy and I had the whole place to ourselves for the evening. No car lights, no loud neighbors—just the gentle chirping of crickets and the distant hum of the night’s last vehicles on the highway. Moments like these are why I treasure Harvest Hosts experiences so much; they let you connect with your surroundings in ways a standard RV park just can’t match.
Some Local Things to Do Near Burlington Flats
If you’re traveling through Burlington Flats or the Cooperstown area, you’re in luck. Here are a few local attractions you might enjoy:
- Howe Caverns: Embark on underground boat rides, gemstone mining, and mesmerizing limestone formations at this iconic New York State attraction (Howe Caverns, n.d.).
- Leatherstocking Trail: A scenic hiking and biking route that traverses the rolling hills of central New York—ideal for taking in the region’s natural beauty.
- Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame: Immerse yourself in America’s favorite pastime with exhibits and memorabilia celebrating its greatest players (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, n.d.).
- Glimmerglass Festival: Summer opera at its finest, featuring world-class performances in a picturesque lakeside setting (Glimmerglass Festival, n.d.).
- Leatherstocking Golf Course: Enjoy sweeping views and challenging holes at this beautiful 18-hole course near Cooperstown.
- Fenimore Art Museum: Explore American art and cultural artifacts spanning from the 18th to the 21st centuries.
- Oneonta State Athletic Field: Check their events calendar for local sports matches and community gatherings that bring the region to life.
Wrapping Up
In the end, Rustic Ridge Winery and High Burl Brewery delivered everything I could hope for in a Harvest Hosts stay: friendly people, fantastic drinks, and postcard-worthy scenery. If you happen to be in the Cooperstown area—or even just passing through—do yourself a favor and spend an evening here. Between the delicious wine, the laid-back brewery vibes, and the open fields for camping, you’ll leave with a heart full of gratitude and a camera roll brimming with scenic shots.
As always, safe travels and happy tasting. If you’ve been to Rustic Ridge or any similar spots in central New York, I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment and share your own story! Until next time, cheers!
Resources:
- Finger Lakes Wine Country. (n.d.). Discover the Region.
https://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/ - Cornell University’s Viticulture & Enology Program. (n.d.). Home.
https://grapesandwine.cals.cornell.edu/ - Howe Caverns. (n.d.). Plan Your Visit.
https://howecaverns.com/ - National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. (n.d.).
https://baseballhall.org/ - Glimmerglass Festival. (n.d.). Tickets & Events.
https://glimmerglass.org/
