More than four decades after Pat and Jack Baldwin planted their first grape seeds in Pine Bush, Baldwin Vineyards is ready to cork its last bottle.

“After careful consideration, we have made the decision to retire in order to prioritize our time with family and friends,” said Wendy Baldwin-Landolina, daughter of the founders. “We believe that life’s true joys lay in the moments shared with loved ones, and we want to fully embrace that. We are excited to embark on this new chapter of our lives.”

Baldwin-Landolina announced the closing in a Facebook Post last week.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of our family winery after 42 wonderful years in business. We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support and loyalty you have shown us throughout the years,” the post read.

Jack and Wendy’s love of fine wine began prior to their arrival in Pine Bush, with membership in Les Amis du Vins, a nationwide organization of wine tasters. That passion led to a search for the perfect piece of land, through their home state of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and eventually to the Hudson Valley. They eventually chose a 37-acre site in Pine Bush to fulfill their dream.

In May of 1982, they planted their first five acres of grapevines and produced 50 gallons of wine. A year later, they planted six more acres and produced 3,000 gallons of wine, producing a variety of Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Reisling wines, as well as some French-American Hybrids.

Wendy is proud of the fact that her mother Pat was one of the first women in the wine industry, while her father was one of the original members who created the Shawangunk Wine Trail.

“We broke the market on fruit wine in the northeast,” Wendy says, “starting with our strawberry wine, which won three awards.”

Like so many other businesses, the winery suffered from the effects of the Covid pandemic on the economy.

“Profits are down, the number of customers coming through is quite a bit less than they used to be,” remarks Wendy, pointing out the rapidly increasing cost of operating a business.

Baldwin Vineyards will host two farewell events, in addition to a New Year’s Eve celebration. There will be live music, food, wine auctions, discounts, and prizes on December 16 and 17 from 12 to 5 p.m. That weekend will be memorable, as well as a chance for customers to stock up on wine before they close for good.

Sangria weekend will be held on the 30 and 31 of December from 12 to 5 p.m.

“While this chapter may be coming to a close, the memories and connections we have forged will endure,” the family notes in its farewell statement. “We hope that our wines have brought as much joy to your lives as you have brought to ours.”