Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?

Yes, guests can attend the tour without participating in tastings.

Are children allowed on the tour?

No, this tour is restricted to adults aged 21 and over due to alcohol tasting.

Is Sauvage Vodka gluten-free?

Yes, it’s crafted entirely from apples, making it completely gluten-free.

Can I purchase bottles on-site?

Yes, guests can buy bottles of Upstate Vodka at the distillery after the tour.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility details are limited; please contact Sauvage Distillery directly for accommodations.

How many apples are used per bottle?

Each bottle contains the essence of approximately 70 to 80 apples.

Inside Sauvage Distillery: A Craft Vodka Journey in Charlotteville, NY

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.

Inside Sauvage Distillery: A Craft Vodka Journey in Charlotteville, NY

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