Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI) held its 11th Annual Awards of Distinction ceremony on November 13, 2024, at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park, N.Y. The Awards of Distinction continue to showcase the county’s tourism industry, from hotels and restaurants to attractions and experiences, and highlight the extraordinary work of those dedicated to enriching the visitor experience and promoting Dutchess County as a premier destination in the Hudson Valley. Spotlights about each winner and finalist can be found at www.DutchessTourism.com/awards. 

“When Dutchess County Tourism was created 40 years ago to attract visitors to the area, I don’t think its first director, Karen Woods, could have imagined how our organization and Dutchess as a destination would evolve,” said current DTI President and CEO Melaine Rottkamp. “It’s such an honor for us to showcase and support these 22 incredible finalists and winners who expertly welcome and elevate the tourism experience for locals and visitors in our community. Congratulations to all!” 

Dutchess County Sue Serino added, “Together, we are setting the standard for how tourism should be done — with dedication, heart, and a shared vision for making Dutchess County a truly remarkable destination. It’s that collective spirit that sets us apart and drives our success, reflected in another record-breaking year — over three-quarters of a billion dollars in visitor spending in 2023.” 

WINNERS 

The Dutchess County Executive’s Award for Overall Excellence: Barton Orchards, Poughquag 
Finalists included: Mount Gulian Historic Site, Beacon; and Omega Institute, Rhinebeck 

Newcomer Award of Distinction: Dassai Blue Sake Brewery, Hyde Park 
Finalists included: The Inn at Bellefield, Hyde Park; and Willa Bar, Millerton 

Event Award of Distinction: Folklórico de Poughkeepsie’s La Guelaguetza de Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie 
Finalists included: Millbrook Vineyards & Winery’s Bernie Williams Jazz in the Vineyard, Millbrook; and Pawling Concert Series, Pawling 

Collaboration Award of Distinction: Boutique Wines, Spirits and Ciders, Fishkill 
Finalists included: Big Gay Hudson Valley’s Pride in the Sky Event, Poughkeepsie; and Howland Cultural Center, Beacon 

Storytelling Award of Distinction: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Red Hook 
Finalists included: The Dutchess County Historic Tavern Trail (Dutchess County Department of History), County-wide; and Vassar Alumnae House, Poughkeepsie 

Accessible Hospitality Award of Distinction: Hudson Valley Renegades at Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls 
Finalists included: Fisher Center at Bard College, Annandale-On-Hudson; and Trevor Zoo, Millbrook 

Hospitality Service Award of Distinction:  

• Cheryl Brown, Executive Housekeeper, Hampton Inn Fishkill 
• Joseph Caster, General Manager, Shadows on the Hudson 
• Mary M. Hackett, Sales and Experience Coordinator, The Inn at Bellefield 

Mary Kay Vrba Spirit Award Honoree: David Bova of Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, Millbrook 

As Vice President and General Manager of Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Bova has overseen the winery’s growth to an annual production of over 15,000 cases, with 35 acres of vinifera vines planted in the Hudson Valley. Bova’s innovative, outside-the-box approach to promoting quality grape-to-glass wines has made Millbrook Vineyards & Winery a tourism gem in the Hudson Valley. In addition to their Jazz in the Vineyard summer concert series, Millbrook Vineyards has partnered with former New York Yankees centerfielder, acclaimed jazz musician and wine aficionado Bernie Williams to create “Bernie’s Blend.” Bova served on DTI’s Board of Directors from 2016 to 2023, including time as board chair in 2021 and 2022 — a pivotal time in the tourism industry with the pandemic — and as past chair in 2023. His dedication to promoting tourism and hospitality in Dutchess County reflects the spirit of innovation and community that Vrba, former president and CEO of DTI, embodied throughout her career.  

Bova said, “Mary Kay has long been an icon of passionate support for Dutchess Tourism, and it is with great honor that I carry on her legacy here at Millbrook Winery. Her dedication to showcasing the beauty and charm of our region has inspired so many, and I am excited to continue her work in promoting the wines, landscapes, and experiences that make the Hudson Valley so special.” 

Attendees enjoyed a breakfast catered by Simply Gourmet, highlighting locally sourced and donated ingredients such as maple syrup from Soukup Farms, teas from Harney & Sons, freshly roasted coffee from Ready Coffee and dairy products from Hudson Valley Fresh. 

The Awards of Distinction event is supported by diamond sponsors Changing Our World and iHeart Media of the Hudson Valley, and platinum sponsors Central Hudson, Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott Poughkeepsie, Empire Merchants North, Hudson Valley Renegades, The Inn at Bellefield, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Nuvance Health and Vassar College.