Stop me if you've heard this one before. Two bright young urbanites relocate to the Hudson Valley to start afresh. Not a new story, not by a long shot, but it's one that continues—in all its permutations, from Sean Eldridge to Zak Pelaccio—to transform the region.
Meet Michael and Theresa Drapkin, owners of Kingston Wine Co, which opened this week in the city's Rondout section in the former Madden's Fine Wine and Spirits at 65 Broadway. First introduced to the city by unofficial ambassadors Julie Hedrick and Peter Wetzler at their Air BnB inside their home (inside a church), the Drapkins fell in love with Kingston and relocated from Brooklyn to open their dream business, a wine shop.
Michael spent many years working in the retail wine business, and Kingston Wine Co. reflects his contention that wine is best when it's traditionally made and it's a democratic drink enjoyed at table. For instance, two of the importers featured at the shop are Kermit Lynch and Neal Rosenthal, whose wines reflect their terroir, rather than an attempt at a high rating from Wine Spectator.
