Bernie Williams Returns to Millbrook Winery for the Fifth Annual "Jazz in the Vineyard"
The former Yankees center fielder and jazz musician headlines with a fifth vintage of "Bernie's Blend" wine—proceeds support music education..
August 1, 7pm | Millbrook, NY | Tickets from $60
Bernie Williams brings his Band of Friends back to Millbrook Vineyards & Winery on August 1 for the fifth annual Bernie Williams Jazz in the Vineyard concert, an event that has become a fixture of the Hudson Valley summer since Williams first connected with the winery in 2021.
The pairing started almost by accident. Williams—who won four World Series with the Yankees, before retiring in 2006 and going back to school for a Bachelor of Music in jazz performance at the Manhattan School of Music—visited Millbrook that year and struck up a conversation with then-vice president and general manager David Bova about baseball, jazz, and winemaking.
The conversation turned into an annual collaboration: Williams works with winemaker Ian Bearup each year to taste-test barrels and blend a custom red, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, released the night of the concert. This year marks the fifth vintage of "Bernie's Blend," debuting alongside the winery's own 40th vintage. The label artwork is made each year by Williams's daughter, Brooklyn-based artist Beatriz Williams.
A portion of Bernie's Blend proceeds goes to the NAMM Foundation's SupportMusic Coalition, which funds music education programs in schools, including several in the region—a cause Williams has described as one of the most rewarding parts of the whole partnership.
Hudson Valley jazz pianist Larry Ham opens the evening; Williams and his band take the stage after. VIP tickets ($250, limited to 51) include deck seating, an open wine bar, a bottle of Bernie's Blend, and a photo meet-and-greet; VIP lawn tickets (also $250, limited to 20) offer the same package with lawn seating. General lawn seating is $60 per person. Food trucks are on site, with wine available by the glass or bottle.
The concert is part of Millbrook's regular summer jazz series, which runs weekly through mid-August with acts including the Larry Ham/Ali Ryerson Quartet and Mary Ann Palermo & First Take Band.
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, 26 Wing Rd., Millbrook, NY. Tickets at shop.millbrookwine.com.
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After a decade of writing for RI (along with many other publications and organizations) Jamie took over as editor in 2025. He has a masters in journalism from NYU, a wonderful wife, two kids and a Carolina dog named Zelda.
