Our Story

Blake grew up in a small town in North Carolina where his grandparents had a background in farming. After studying advertising and communications at Appalachian State University Blake moved to D.C. to intern for the Discovery Channel. Upon completing his internship, Blake began volunteering with World Teach in the Marshall Islands and spent the next few years traveling, teaching, waiting tables, and bartending. In 2013 Blake took an internship at the Hudson Valley Seed Library and made the move to upstate New York where he met Jacob Meglio. Blake started the Hop Farm that fall. Shortly after, Blake and Jacob co-founded Arrowood Farms Brewery and the rest is history! When not at work, you can find him in the garden, hanging with friends, hiking local trails or exploring foreign lands.

Jacob was born and raised in the picturesque Hudson Valley. His love for beer began as a home brewing hobby in 2007. In 2013 Jacob finished his undergraduate studies at SUNY New Paltz with a double major in biology and economics. After Jacob met Blake through a mutual friend they began brewing beer and the vision of a sustainable farm brewery. Thus was born Arrowood Farms Brewery! Jacob filled the role of head brewer in the infancy years and now works as a managing partner. When he is not dreaming up new ideas for Arrowood, Jacob enjoys sailing, rock climbing, and snuggling with dogs!

Luz was born in Michigan and moved to the Hudson Valley in the early 80s. Life has taken Luz to many locations in the US but she has continually found her forever home in the beautiful Hudson Valley. This truth was solidified upon meeting her most handsome viking (our very own Justin) and the decision to raise their beautiful daughter here. She has made a name for herself in the hospitality industry and most recently filled the role of wedding and event coordinator at Arrowood. Luz loves love! She is the gal to make your event memorable, easy, and as flawless as possible. When Luz isn’t planning out all the nitty-gritty details of her client’s big day, you can find her biking, spending time with her adorable family, and living her best life!

Justin grew up in western New York and moved to the Hudson Valley over 10 years ago. He got his start in the beverage industry working as a distiller for a local Hudson Valley distillery. While practicing his hobby of home brewing Justin fell in love with the craft. He eventually found himself at Arrowood Farms and has been brewing professionally ever since! When Justin is not working or entertaining his beautiful daughter, he finds himself in the local rivers while planning his next backpacking adventures through the Adirondacks.

Matt’s relationship with brewing runs deep. With over nine years of experience in commercial distilling, cider and wine making Matt is the expert brewer helping Arrowood grow toward our goals as a farm brewery. He came on board in the spring of 2017 bringing his knowledge of craft brewing and his sense of humor with him. When Matt isn’t brewing our beer, you can find him playing music, rock climbing, mountain biking, and trail running.

Jaclyn grew up in Rosendale calling the Hudson Valley home for most of her life. Her expertise has brought her all over the US and overseas opening restaurants. Upon becoming homesick for those famous blue mountains, Jaclyn returned home to work at Arrowood for a summer. She’s since filled the shoes of our general manager, serving guests our beer with a contagious smile! When she’s not slinging beers, you can find Jacyln scoping out the areas swimming holes, playing with her pup, and spending time with her family!

Maya was born and raised in NYC’s west village and moved to New Paltz with her family at age 11. Her love for traveling has taken her around the globe where she immersed herself in the cuisines and libations of other cultures. A love turned into a passion that she has brought back with her to the Hudson Valley and Arrowood. When Maya isn’t behind the bar at Arrowood you can find her taking photos, gardening, hiking, and snuggling with her cat, Penny!

Born and raised in New Paltz, Tiffany has always had a love for the food industry. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked in New York City before returning back to the Hudson Valley. Moving her focus from just food to food and craft beer has given her  new found excitement and passion. When she’s not cooking up something delicious in our kitchen, you can find Tiffany cooking with her sister, watching true crime shows, and hanging with her family!

Joel Elder is from a town in Missouri that you’ve never probably heard of. He now lives in Rosendale with his stunning wife, two Geminid teens and a Nuyorican toddler. Joel has been working in breweries and distilleries for nearly 20 years and is very proud of the things he’s produced that no one has ever tasted. You’ll just have to take his word for it. He’s since come on board as our operations manager and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

Dylan grew up in the mountains of North Carolina where he spent his time hiking and rock climbing. After studying fermentation sciences at Appalachian State he answered the call to adventure, following his love of brewing and the outdoors to the Hudson Valley, sight unseen where we welcomed him on as an assistant brewer. Dylan spends his free time among the ridges in the Shawangunks, searching for unclimbed boulders.

Max grew up on Long Island and fell in love with cooking at a young age. His love of cooking took him to the Culinary Institute of America. Upon graduating, Max moved to Kingston to follow his passion for the beverage side of the restaurant industry brewing for Arrowood. In his free time, you can find Max experimenting with new recipes and checking out local breweries.