Wine Press FINAL 10-14-10


February 6, 2013  

 

At Annual "Unity Banquet". . .

 

Wine & Grape Foundation Says: "Thank You!"

 

            ROCHESTER, NY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 - The New York Wine & Grape Foundation said a big "Thank You" to several individuals and businesses at its annual "Unity Banquet" on Wednesday, February 6 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Rochester.

            The Unity Banquet was a highlight of Viticulture 2013, a three-day conference and trade show held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center for members of the New York grape and wine industry organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and Cornell Cooperative Extension. In addition to New Yorkers, attendees came from 25 other states and four foreign countries.

            The Foundation is a statewide, not-for-profit trade association representing grape growers, grape juice manufacturers, wineries and others in the Lake Erie, Niagara Escarpment, Finger Lakes, Hudson River, Long Island and other regions. Part of its mandate is to stimulate coordination and cooperation among all segments of the industry in all regions. Its overall goal is "to have the New York grape and wine industry recognized as a world leader in quality, productivity, and social responsibility."

            The Unity Banquet was created some 25 years ago as a way to recognize, encourage, and celebrate cooperation among grape growers, wineries, grape juice producers and others to advance the entire industry. "Diversity is our strength, and unity is our power," said Foundation President Jim Trezise. In addition to the "Unity Award", several others have been added in different categories over the years.

            This year's banquet was highlighted by remarks from New York State Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Darrel Aubertine, a strong supporter of the grape and wine industry, and the Foundation.

 

Court of Honor

 

            The 2013 "Unity Award" was presented to Richard Olsen-Harbich, winemaker at Bedell Cellars and a leader in the Long Island wine industry for decades. Among many other accomplishments, he was responsible for securing the official recognition of Long Island's American Viticultural Areas (AVA's) and more recently spearheaded the creation of the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing program.

             The "Industry Award"-presented to an individual or organization which has made a major contribution in advancing the interests of the New York grape and wine industry-was presented to Cornell Cooperative Extension. For decades, "Extension", as it is commonly known, has played a vital role in communicating the results of research and other important information to grape growers, winemakers, and others throughout New York State.  

             The "Grower Award", which recognizes vineyardists who have made exceptional contributions to the New York grape and wine industry, was presented to Richard Jerome of Jerome's U-Pick Farm near Naples. Rich has provided extraordinary service for decades as a Board member of New York Farm Bureau, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, and other organizations.

             The "Winery Award"-recognizing wineries which have advanced the widespread recognition and quality reputation of New York wines-was presented to Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines high above Keuka Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. In 2012, the winery celebrated its 50th anniversary, won over 80 Double Gold and Gold medals in international competitions, and captured both the Governor's Cup and Winery of the Year at the New York Wine & Food Classic. It's broad distribution throughout the U.S. also helps spread the word about New York wines.

            The "Research Award", for major contributions in research and education to benefit the New York grape and wine industry, was presented to Dr. Martin Goffinet. A world expert in the structure, anatomy and growth of the grapevine, Martin's research for over 30 years has provided important fundamental understanding of how grapes grow as well as  the anatomical bases of many of practical problems.   

             The "Restaurant Award"-for excellence in promoting New York wines as part of a fine dining experience-was presented to the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel and Blue Pointe Grille. Since its opening in 2006, the elegant Harbor Hotel at the south end of Seneca Lake has done an extraordinary job featuring local wines and hosting major wine industry events such as the New York Wine & Food Classic.  

             The "Retailer Award" recognizes wine stores and/or people who do an exceptional job in educating consumers about the quality and variety of New York wines. The 2013 award was presented to Jay Roelof, recently retired from Suburban Wines & Spirits in Yorktown Heights and now continuing his work as a wine educator.

              A "Distributor Award" recognizing extraordinary support of New York wines was presented to Phil Adams, a veteran wholesaler with the former Eber Bros. in Rochester before it was acquired by Southern Wine & Spirits. Mr. Adams as long been a strong proponent of New York wines, and has been instrumental in getting placements in other states as well.

             The "Consumer Award" recognizes individuals who enthusiastically support New York wines and enjoy wine in moderation as part of a healthy and happy lifestyle. This year's award went to Cheryl Gnade-McGrattan of Amsterdam (NY), who formerly promoted New York wines officially at the Department of Agriculture & Markets and has continued that missionary work on her own.

 

-end-

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Trezise, 585-394-3620, [email protected]

 

 

 

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