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Explore the art of craft vodka-making at Sauvage Distillery in Charlotteville, NY, where local apples and expert distillation blend into award-winning Upstate Vodka. Discover why this adults-only tour is a unique stop in the Catskill region.
Explore the art of craft vodka-making at Sauvage Distillery in Charlotteville, NY, where local apples and expert distillation blend into award-winning Upstate Vodka. Discover why this adults-only tour is a unique stop in the Catskill region.
Book with Sauvage Distillery
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Operated by Sauvage Distillery · Charlotteville, New York
Located in the heart of Charlotteville, New York, Sauvage Distillery stands as a distinctive craft vodka producer nestled within the Catskill watershed. This adults-only 45-minute tour invites guests to experience the art and science of vodka-making through the lens of local apple sourcing and hand-crafted techniques. Far from a typical spirits tour, Sauvage offers a genuine slice of upstate artisanal craftsmanship, complete with an exclusive tasting of their award-winning Upstate Vodka.
Charlotteville’s surrounding landscape is renowned for its lush apple orchards, a crucial ingredient for this distillery’s signature spirit. Sauvage sources every apple locally, embodying a commitment to community and terroir that’s rare in the world of distilled spirits. Visitors step onto tranquil grounds where history and innovation coexist, beginning with the story of Sauvage’s founding and its deep connection to the Catskill region.
Tour participants receive an intimate glimpse behind the scenes, witnessing the distillation process powered by two-column stills designed to isolate the essence of the apples. The vodka starts from fermented apple juice — essentially a hard cider base — and through expert distillation, the “heart” of the spirit is captured at a potent 190-proof. This essence is then carefully diluted with spring-fed Catskills water and bottled entirely by hand. Each batch is numbered and sampled by the Head Distiller, ensuring a consistency of quality and flavor that stands out in a crowded spirits market.
What makes Upstate Vodka unique isn’t just the local apples but the fact that it’s completely gluten-free, as it contains no grains—just the pure, slightly sweet flavor of 70 to 80 apples distilled into each bottle. Tasting it, visitors can expect a smooth mouthfeel, a delicate apple aroma, and a creamy finish that reflects the craft and care invested in every drop.
Sauvage Distillery is more than just a production facility; it’s a vital part of Charlotteville’s growing outdoor and farm-to-table culture. It offers visitors an authentic experiential journey that ties place, people, and product together seamlessly. Whether you’re a spirits connoisseur or an outdoor adventurer looking to explore local flavors after a day in the Catskills, this tour delivers an exceptional blend of education and enjoyment.
Step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in a unique slice of New York’s craft vodka scene—where apples, water, and hands-on distillation come together to create a truly memorable experience.
easy.
45 minutes.
No special fitness required; suitable for most adults.
Yes, guests can attend the tour without participating in tastings.
No, this tour is restricted to adults aged 21 and over due to alcohol tasting.
Yes, it’s crafted entirely from apples, making it completely gluten-free.
Yes, guests can buy bottles of Upstate Vodka at the distillery after the tour.
Accessibility details are limited; please contact Sauvage Distillery directly for accommodations.
Each bottle contains the essence of approximately 70 to 80 apples.
Charlotteville’s apple orchards date back to the 19th century, contributing to the Catskills' rich agricultural heritage.
Sauvage Distillery emphasizes local sourcing and sustainable practices, supporting the Catskill watershed ecosystem.
Sauvage Distillery is a small craft distillery located in Charlotteville, New York that focuses on artisan vodka production and transparent, ingredient-driven processes. The distillery offers a single guided Distillery Tour for adults that walks guests through each stage of production, from local apple sourcing and fermentation to distillation and hand-bottling. Visitors learn about the origins of ingredients, observe equipment and techniques used in small-batch spirit making, and conclude the experience with a tasting of Upstate Vodka. The tour emphasizes factual, process-based information about craft vodka and highlights that Upstate Vodka is crafted to be gluten-free and apple-infused. Staff present clear explanations about sanitation, bottling practices, and tasting portions to support responsible enjoyment. Sauvage Distillery partners with local growers for apple supply when available and maintains a focus on artisanal methods rather than large-scale industrial production. The guided experience is adults-only and is suited to guests interested in craft spirits, local sourcing, and hands-on education about distillation. Advance booking is recommended when tours are scheduled, and visitors receive practical guidance during the tasting portion. Sauvage Distillery’s Distillery Tour provides an educational, transparent look at small-batch vodka-making in Charlotteville, NY for those who value ingredient stories and artisan technique.
Book with Sauvage Distillery