Albany Airport Bartender Lands on TODAY Show, Millions Watching

Albany Airport Bartender Goes Viral

Sometimes the best stories, and the most viral content out of Upstate New York, happen in the most unexpected places, like an airport bar.

Matt Baumgartner, the man behind the very popular June Farms and its reality show, is going viral after a simple, heartfelt moment at Albany International Airport caught national attention on the Today Show.

The video, now racking up millions of views, shows Baumgartner surprising his favorite bartender, Catherine “Kathy” Winn, at the Hudson Valley Wine Bar near Gate B.

Her Reaction is Priceless

“Oh my God, how are you?” she says, lighting up as she sees him, immediately offering his usual drink and asking about his travels.

Baumgartner says Winn has become a calming presence before flights, especially since he admits he’s a nervous flyer. For years, he’s made it a point to stop and see her before heading out, and recently, he posted the video to his socials.

It got a good reaction, but he had no idea it would be picked up and discussed on the Today show.

"Kathy, We're Famous!"

After the TODAY Show feature, Baumgartner joked on Instagram, “Kathy, we’re famous!!!” while encouraging travelers to stop by and say hello.

And judging by the comments, plenty of locals already have.

Travelers shared stories of Winn remembering their families, lifting their moods, and turning quick stops into lasting memories. One even said she comforted their child before a flight, and never forgot them.

Winn, who’s worked there more than eight years, says connecting with people is what she loves most. In a place where people are always passing through, this Capital Region connection clearly stuck.

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A post shared by Matt Baumgartner (@junefarmsmatt)