Photo credits: Peter Lyons Hall
By Peter Lyons Hall
In the heart of Orange County’s storied Black Dirt Region, Warwick’s Indoor Farmers Market in Pine Island continues to set the pace for fresh, locally sourced food—long before the outdoor market season even begins. Operating year-round, the market has become a cornerstone for residents and visitors seeking high-quality produce, specialty goods, and a direct connection to the region’s agricultural roots.
At the center of the market’s offerings is Dan Madura Farms, a name synonymous with exceptional quality and variety. While many know the farm for its impressive selection of gourmet mushrooms, its reach extends far beyond fungi. Dan Madura Farms supplies the market with an abundant array of freshly harvested vegetables, including vibrant leafy greens, hearty root vegetables, and seasonal specialties.
Their mushroom selection alone sets them apart, featuring eight distinct varieties grown year-round. From delicate oyster mushrooms to rich, earthy shiitakes, the diversity and freshness elevate everything from simple sautés to gourmet dishes. Equally notable are their microgreens—particularly pea sprouts and sunflower sprouts—which add both texture and flavor to salads and sandwiches, offering an easy way for home cooks to enhance everyday meals.
But the Indoor Farmers Market isn’t just about produce—it’s also becoming a destination for craft beverages with deep local roots. A recent addition, Liquid Mercantile of Pine Bush, brings a distinctive farm distillery experience to the market.
“We were founded in 2015 by Gable Erenzo—whose father, Ralph Erenzo, established the pioneering Tuthilltown Spirits, home of Hudson Whiskey—Liquid Mercantile carries forward a legacy of innovation in New York craft distilling,” said representative, Mark Chiancone. “Following Gable’s passing in 2021, the distillery has continued under the stewardship of his collaborators from Speak Easy Motors Whiskey Company, a brand he helped launch.”
Liquid Mercantile embodies the principles of a true farm distillery, with a strong emphasis on local sourcing and hands-on production. Apple brandy is distilled on-site, while other spirits are aged in Pine Bush after being sourced from the Finger Lakes. The team works closely with nearby farms and producers, incorporating apples from Neversink and other ingredients grown just minutes away. Even their distinctive sour cherry nocino is rooted in place—crafted from black walnuts foraged directly from trees on the property and cherries from nearby Hudson Valley orchards.
Their creativity extends to collaborations as well. A coffee vodka, for example, is produced using beans from respected local roasters like Noble Coffee Roasters and Urban Beaver, further reinforcing their commitment to regional partnerships. Though currently a small operation with around 50 barrels, the distillery is poised for growth, with plans underway for a new facility in nearby Shawangunk pending town approval.
Together, vendors like Dan Madura Farms and Liquid Mercantile exemplify what makes Warwick’s Indoor Farmers Market, 115 Liberty Corners Rd, Pine Island, NY 10969, so special: a vibrant, evolving hub where tradition meets innovation, and where the Black Dirt Region’s agricultural heritage continues to thrive year-round. Open Sundays from 10AM-2PM 12 months throughout the year.
