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The New York Wine & Grape Foundation has initiated a new program focusing on getting New York wines better established in the New York City market. The initial phase of the program will be concentrated in the first three months of 2012 as a launching pad for additional activities in the future.
The statewide trade organization headquartered in Canandaigua, NY has retained First Press Public Relations in Manhattan to create and coordinate the multi-faceted program, which will involve initial market research; "cellar visits" to the main wine regions by New York City media and trade representatives; a multi-day market visit to New York City by participating wineries; media outreach and advertising; and a dedicated web site for New York wines in New York City.
"We are very excited about this promotion, and about working with First Press on it," said Foundation President Jim Trezise. "New York wines are poised to be a bigger part of New York City's renowned culinary landscape, and First Press's experience, talent, and savvy will propel us in that direction." Among many clients in the wine and food sectors, First Press has represented the Napa Valley Vintners Association, Wine Institute of California, Cakebread Cellars, and others.
Over the past several years, the quality of New York wines has improved dramatically, with many now routinely receiving scores of 90 or above in major wine consumer magazines and winning top awards in international wine competitions. Still, they remain vastly underrepresented in their major home state market, which also happens to be the world's most competitive.
"We're not urging New Yorkers to buy New York wines because they're local, but because they're high-quality products at reasonable prices," said Trezise. "But the added benefit of buying really good, affordable New York wines is that these consumers are also supporting their own state economy."
Thirty-eight New York wineries from various regions will participate in the promotion, including 21 from the Finger Lakes region, 9 from Long Island, 5 from the Hudson Valley, 2 from the Niagara region, and 1 from the Thousand Islands region. All New York wineries were invited to participate.
Finger Lakes participants include Anthony Road Winery, Atwater Estate Vineyards, Chateau LaFayette Reneau, Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, Eagle Crest Vineyards, Fox Run Vineyards, Glenora Wine Cellars, Heron Hill Winery, Hosmer Winery, Inspire Moore Winery, King Ferry Winery, Knapp Vineyards & Winery, Lakewood Vineyards, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Pleasant Valley Wine Company/Great Western Winery, Red Newt Cellars, Sheldrake Point Vineyards, Standing Stone Vineyards, Swedish Hill Winery, Thirsty Owl Wine Company, and Wagner Vineyards.
Long Island participants include Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard, Bedell Cellars, Channing Daughters, Macari Vineyards, Martha Clara Vineyards, Palmer Vineyards, Paumanok Vineyards, Raphael Vineyard, and Wolffer Estate Vineyard.
Hudson River region wineries are Benmarl Winery, Brotherhood Winery, Clinton Vineyards, Millbrook Winery, and Stoutridge Vineyard.
Niagara region wineries are Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and Spring Lake Winery; and from the Thousand Islands region is Thousand Islands Winery.
About a year ago, the Foundation sponsored a statewide strategic planning exercise to get industry input on potential programs, and a focus on the New York City market was one of the top priorities. This three-month program is intended to set the stage for a long-term effort to earn New York wines the place they deserve in the fine restaurants, wine bars, and wine shops of New York City.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Trezise, 585-394-3620, ext. 203, jimtrezise@nywgf.org |
