Millbrook Vineyards & Winery Names Ian Bearup as General Manager, Continuing His Role as Head Winemaker

The next chapter at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery is taking shape, as the Hudson Valley’s flagship winery announces that Head Winemaker, Ian Bearup has been appointed general manager. In his dual role, Bearup will oversee all day-to-day operations of the winery, including strategy, team leadership, hospitality, sales and the guest experience, while continuing to direct the winery’s acclaimed wine production. From vineyard coordination and harvest decisions to fermentation, blending and bottling, he will ensure the quality and character that define Millbrook’s award-winning portfolio.
 
“Millbrook has always been a special place,” said Bearup. “My goal is to honor what’s been built here while continuing to elevate both the wines and the experience. I’m excited to showcase not only what we do, but what Hudson Valley wine is truly capable of.”
 
This transition follows the retirement of David Bova, whose leadership helped grow Millbrook Winery over its 40-year history into one of the most respected wineries in the Hudson Valley. His contributions have been instrumental in establishing the winery’s reputation for quality, consistency and community connection. On the transition, Bova commented, "It has been an honor to help build Millbrook into what it is today. I could not be more confident in the team and the direction, and I look forward to watching the next chapter unfold."
 
Prior to his role at Millbrook Winery, Bearup led the production at vineyards across the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast in California, the Willamette Valley in Oregon, and in New Zealand. His background also includes managing large-scale production, leading cellar teams, coordinating with clients and overseeing all aspects of lab analysis, fermentation and quality control – experience that positions him well to lead both the business and winemaking operations in his newly expanded position.
 
Supporting this next phase is Millbrook Winery’s owner, John Dyson, a Millbrook native, whose influence spans the American wine industry coast to coast. With deep pride in the region’s grapes, Dyson is returning to help guide a renewed vision, one that honors the winery’s heritage while embracing a more refined, Old World-inspired approach to both winemaking and the guest experience.
 
“As someone who has spent a lifetime in the winemaking industry, I’ve always known the Hudson Valley is capable of great things,” said Dyson. “Ian brings an extraordinary depth of winemaking experience to Millbrook and a fresh, young perspective to help us showcase that in an even more meaningful way.”
 
Looking ahead, Bearup’s appointment signals a thoughtful evolution. Rooted in tradition, yet forward-thinking, the winery is set to elevate its offerings through immersive tastings and heightened focus on craftmanship. Under his leadership, Millbrook Winery will enter its next chapter, defined by expertise and a renewed commitment to excellence.
 
For more information about Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, visit www.millbrookwine.com
 
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 wines by the glass and bottle on our vineyard lawn. Millbrook Vineyards & Winery was the first vineyard in the Hudson River Region of New York State dedicated exclusively to the production of Vitis vinifera grapes. Founded on principles of innovation and experimentation, today, it produces between 10,000 and 13000 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 TripAdvisor, the winery is regularly recognized by publications such as Wine Spectator, The New York Times, and Bon Appétit 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.