Hudson Valley Mourns Loss Of Liquor Store Namesake

There are a lot of things in our area that make up the foundation of the Hudson Valley, right? Those 'you know you're from the Hudson Valley when...' types of conversations. Things like the Walkway Over the Hudson being in our backyard, visiting with Eggbert the Christmas Egg during the holidays, and for many of us in Dutchess County specifically, a particular wine and liquor store that's been around for what feels like forever.

Heart of Wappingers' 'Liquor Landmark' Passes Away

For nearly 50 years, Viscount Wine and Liquor has been providing fine wine and spirits to the Hudson Valley and beyond. Mike Viscount, whose family explained 'had a vision and dream and Viscount Wines & Liquor was born,' was the force behind the successful and well-known/loved Wappingers store.

In a social media post on February 29th, Viscount Wines & Liquor shared the following update:

It is with sad hearts that we share that Mike is no longer with us in body but will always be here in spirit.

 

Thoughts, prayers, memories and messages of support for family, friends, and the 'Viscount family' poured in following the news of Visconti's passing.

'Mike was a wonderful man; he helped me out several times when I really needed it; Viscount always supports our fundraising efforts and we are so grateful for the helpful, thoughtful, giving ways he has instilled in his staff.'

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Viscount's Community-Oriented Industry Leader Passes Away

Called a wine and liquor industry leader, and someone who was greatly appreciated by his employees, Mike Visconti's dream come to life, Viscount Wines & Liquor has been recognized nationally as one of America's best wine and liquor stores, and here in the Hudson Valley, hold's the title for largest with 40,000 square feet containing a selection of more than 12,000 items.

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Viscount has constantly been recognized for their community service efforts, receiving Market Watch's Community Service Award for raising and donating millions to the local community.

Personally, Viscount Wines & Liquors was the place I drove to on my 21st birthday all those years ago; coming home from college to make my first legal purchase (a bottle of Disaronno Amoretto) at the store I had visited my entire life with my parents for every special occasion or holiday.

Plus, I know many of us took advantage of the pre-ordering they offered during COVID-19, I was a regular when it came to ordering wine for curbside pickup....

As the Viscount team shared, even when he retired and three of his long-time employees purchased and took over the business, 'Mike was still the heart of Viscount.'