Growing its partnership with former New York Yankees centerfielder and jazz guitarist Bernie Williams, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery in Millbrook, New York, has announced that Williams and his band will kick off the vineyards”™ 2023 Jazz Summer Concert Series on Saturday, June 17 at 7 p.m. Adding to the anticipation will be the second release of Bernie”™s Blend wines with the return of a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and the addition of two new wine varieties ”“ a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, crafted and blended by Williams and Millbrook”™s winemaking team, and adorned with label artwork by Williams”™ daughter, Brooklyn-based artist Beatriz Williams.
”¯“The cover art”¦ illustrates me superimposed over Cerro Gordo Beach in my hometown of Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, where I was born and raised,” said Williams. “Most importantly, we”™re able to give back, as a portion of the wine sale proceeds will be donated to the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation”™s SupportMusic Coalition, which unites nonprofit organizations, schools and businesses working to ensure that music education is supported in communities everywhere, and that all children have the opportunity to learn and grow with music, a cause that”™s near and dear to our family.””¯
”¯The relationship between Millbrook Winery and Williams began during a visit to the winery in 2021, when Williams, a longtime Westchester resident, was captivated by the vineyards and the wine. A chance encounter with the winery’s vice president and general manager, David Bova, led to a conversation about Williams’ background with the Yankees and his passions for both jazz and the art of winemaking, which ultimately led to the Bernie”™s Blend collaboration. Keen on releasing authentic wine varieties that he is proud of, Williams worked closely with Millbrook Winery”™s winemaker, Ian Bearup, to taste-test each of the wine barrels and thoughtfully blend and craft each of the wines.”¯
”¯“Working with a New York professional legend like Bernie Williams is an honor and a privilege,” said Bova. “It allows us to create something truly special, as well as reinforce our commitment to showcasing the very best of our community and its unique talents. Our partnership with Bernie not only represents the union of two passions ”“ wine and music ”“ but also allows us to bring an unparalleled level of culture and excellence to the Hudson Valley and to share it with our community and visitors alike.””¯
”¯Williams”™ performance follows on the success of his 2022 appearance, which earned rave reviews and sold more than 300 tickets. It”™s further fruit of a direction he pursued after retiring from the Yanks in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music in 2016.”¯”¯
”¯The 2023 Williams-curated wine releases will be available in limited quantities online and at the winery starting the evening of the event. Special edition prints of the bottle artwork can also be purchased beginning the day of the event. For more, click here.
