Bernie Williams Returns to Millbrook Vineyards & Winery for Fourth Annual Summer Jazz Concert

Celebrating music, wine and the Dutchess County community, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (Millbrook Winery) will host former New York Yankee centerfielder and jazz musician, Bernie Williams and his Band of Friends, for its fourth annual summer jazz concert overlooking the vineyard on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 6 PM with the lawn and food trucks opening at 4 PM.

As part of a shared commitment to music education and supporting future musicians, Williams and Millbrook Winery will donate $10 from every concert ticket sold, as well as a portion of wine sales that evening, to the music programs at Dutchess Community College (DCC). DCC’s music program offerings are as diverse as they are dynamic, providing a strong academic foundation for students preparing to transfer into four-year programs in performance, education, studio production, music therapy, business, and more. With instruction spanning styles from classical to jazz, the College prepares aspiring musicians, educators, and industry professionals for success. Beyond the classroom, DCC fosters a vibrant musical community through ensemble opportunities, private lessons, and non-credit classes open to learners of all ages and backgrounds. By making high-quality instruction accessible to both degree-seeking students and passionate community members, DCC reflects Williams’ lifelong advocacy for the arts and the winery’s affinity to supporting its local community.

“Returning to Millbrook Winery and being a part of something that blends music, wine and community is always one of the highlights of my summer,” said Williams, on the partnership. “Sharing the stage with the next generation of musicians and supporting music education makes it all the more meaningful to me.”
 
“The Performing Arts program is thrilled for the chance to have members of the DCC Jazz Ensemble open for the Bernie Williams annual concert at Millbrook Winery on June 28,” said John Howell, assistant professor of music and supervisor of the performing and fine arts music program. “The Jazz Ensemble consists of a wide range of musicians: DCC students and alumni, students from local Dutchess County high schools, and musicians from the community at large, and they welcome new members every semester. We are grateful to both Millbrook Winery and Bernie Williams for giving our students an opportunity to perform."
 
Coupled with the concert and philanthropic partner, the 2022 vintage of “Bernie’s Blend,” a red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, aged to perfection, along with a newly created 2023 Chardonnay and the 2021 Pinot Noir varietals blended by Williams himself and Millbrook’s Head Winemaker, Ian Bearup, will debut at the evening of the concert. Becoming a family tradition, the wine blends will be adorned by a custom label created by Williams’ daughter, Beatriz Williams, a Brooklyn-New York-based artist. The label artwork features a symbolic guitar held by two sets of hands — one older, one younger — representing the passing of musical knowledge from one generation to the next. This visual pays tribute to Williams’ own journey, inspired by his father, who first taught him to play guitar.
 
“Working with Bernie on each year’s wine blend is a true reflection of the passion and artistry that winemaking and music share,” said Bearup. “Each vintage of ‘Bernie’s Blend’ is crafted with care and it’s an honor to see our work come together each year, especially as we celebrate our 40 year anniversary this year.” 
 
Since retiring from the New York Yankees in 2006, Williams embarked on a successful second act as a jazz musician, earning a Bachelor of Music in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music. In 2021, a visit to Millbrook Winery sparked an unexpected connection. Captivated by the vineyards and the winemaking process, Williams struck up a conversation with David Bova, the winery's vice president and general manager. Their shared appreciation for baseball, music and the artistry behind winemaking led to a unique and fruitful partnership. Each year since, Williams has collaborated closely with the winery, taste-testing barrels and carefully crafting each vintage with precision and creativity.
 
The 2025 concert will kick off at 6:00 PM, featuring a special opening act by DCC Music Program students, who will join Williams and his Band of Friends during the second act. Led by director and saxophonist Joe North, the DCC ensemble includes standout performers, including DCC alum Ben Basile (upright bass) and current students Jevaughn Brown (keyboard), Teo Fairbanks (drums), Pedro Velez de Assis (bass), and Brianna Vivace (vocals).
 
Tickets are on sale now on the Millbrook Winery website and offered in three tiers – VIP Deck or VIP Lawn ($250 each), which includes a meet and greet with Williams and an open wine bar, and General Admission ($70 each) where guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. “Bernie’s Blend” red blend, Pinor Noir and Chardonnay will all be for sale the evening of the performance.
 
The Bernie Williams concert is one of many in Millbrook Winery’s summer jazz concert series, happening every Saturday evening, beginning June 21. A full concert schedule can be found on their website.
 
About Millbrook Winery
Established in 1982 on a former dairy farm in New York's Hudson River Valley, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery produces a range of high-quality wines. Guests are welcome for daily tastings in the restored Dutch barn, and guided tours are offered on weekends. Millbrook Vineyards & Winery was the first vineyard in the Hudson River Region of New York State dedicated exclusively to the production of vinifera grapes. Founded on principles of innovation and experimentation, today, it produces between 13-15,000 cases of wine annually. The 38 acres of vines include plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Tocai Friulano, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Gamay Noir, and Traminette. In addition to consistently earning top ratings on Trip Advisor, the winery is regularly recognized by publications such as Wine Spectator, The New York Times, and Bon Appetit Magazine.
 
Guests can visit the winery year-round. It is open daily from 12 pm to 5 pm. For more information, visit MillbrookWine.com or connect with the winery on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.