Would you like to partake in a sip or three of wine with 25 distinguished Hudson Valley authors? If so, come to Sip & Sign on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 12 to 5 p.m. at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery. Dubbed “The Hudson Valley’s flagship winery” by The New York Times, Millbrook is considered one of the top wineries in the country and boasts magnificent views of the Catskills from its perch in the hill country north of Millbrook.
Among those who will be signing their books are Michael and Margaret Korda, Bob Berman, Larry Beinhart, Monica Randall, Patricia Edwards Clyne, Ralph Beisner, Hardie Truesdale, Priscilla Buckley, Scott Ian Barry and many more. The books cover a wide array of topics, including history, astronomy, politics, organic living, magic, animals and divorce. The authors will be happy to discuss their projects and answer any questions.
“Combining books and tasting wine seems like a good idea, and I’d be happy to talk to anybody who is interested,” said Michael Korda, who will be signing his latest book, “Ike: An American Hero,” as well as two books co-authored with his wife.
“I wrote the book on Eisenhower because I don’t think people really understand how important he was to victory in World War II,” said Korda. “I wanted to bring alive a very exciting and dramatic piece of history.”
His other two books, “Cat People” and “Horse Housekeeping” deal with matters closer to home.
“Our book ‘Cat People’ has some very funny and touching stories about cats, and ‘Horse Housekeeping’ is a very useful guide about what to do if you are going to get a horse,” he said.
Michael’s wife, Margaret, is also looking forward to the event.
“I think it’s a great way to promote local authors, as well as a great place to get Christmas gifts,” she said.
Astronomer Bob Berman – who writes a weekly column for Almanac – is excited about sharing his newly released book, “Shooting for the Moon,” which relays odd events and little known secrets that occurred during the Apollo program.
“Since it’s become official that we’re going back to the moon in 2020 with an eye toward Mars, I thought it would be good to look at all the crazy things that occurred,” he said.
Berman knows that there is always something interesting to discuss when it comes to the universe. “I’ll be happy to talk about anything astronomical with people,” he said.
History a focus
Another author will be local historian Patricia Edwards Clyne. Clyne has been enamored with the history of our region since she was a little girl, and she will be signing her book, “Hudson Valley Faces and Places.”
“Everything about the Hudson Valley is interesting,” she said. “I love when people come and tell me stories; quite often, they have something new to teach me.”
Shawangunks expert Jeffrey Perls will be there to discuss his book, “Shawangunks Trail Companion.”
A longtime hiker and outdoorsman, Perls makes sure that his books are multi-use guides that include hiking and biking trails, cross-country skiing, as well as geological and historical information.
“I want people to have a richer, more rewarding experience of these places,” he said. “I make sure to go deeper than the average guidebook.”
For architecture buffs and children of all ages, legendary Wing’s Castle is right up the hill.
Peter Wing built the fabulous castle with his wife, Toni Ann, and it is perhaps the most unique home in the Hudson Valley. Made with 85 percent recycled matter, the castle is composed from all local material, even the cauldron bathtub. This Saturday only, Wing will keep the castle open from 12 to 6 p.m. to accommodate visitors from the Sip & Sign. Those with children should not miss the opportunity.
“People enjoy coming here because they really get to see an original dwelling,” said Wing.
For more information on the Sip & Sign, call the Millbrook Winery at 677-8383 or go to www.millbrookwine.com.
For more information on Wing’s Castle, call 677-9085 or go to www.dupontcastle.com/castles/wings.htm.