March 23, 2013

             NY Drinks NY, more New York Gold, Finger Lakes Wine Symposium, and Senate women.

             Cheers!          

             Jim Trezise

             It's over...but it's not.  Our Grand Tasting at Astor Center on Monday was once again a huge success, with a large turnout of enthusiastic media and trade representatives, followed by lots of consumers who didn't let the (really) bad weather get in the way of coming to taste some of New York's finest.  The buzz goes on.

              This concludes Phase II of our NY Drinks NY program in terms of formal activities, but not effects.  Already several media articles have touted the diversity and quality of New York wines.  One of the participating wineries called me after the event to say that all the wines they poured will be featured by Whole Foods in New York City. Members of the media and trade were highly complementary--about the wines, the event, and the outlook for New York wines in New York City. And among the 220 who attended the afternoon session for media and trade, many were new faces (not at least year's event), meaning that we continue to reach more and more "influencers" in the Big Apple. 

               This event, one like it last year, and many other parts of our program would not have been possible without funding from the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, with support from the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets.  So...at 4 am the next morning I filed a request for a Phase III grant to maintain (no, increase) the momentum.

               The event, and overall program, also would not have happened without the 40 participating wineries which have invested in penetrating the world's most competitive wine market; and the huge efforts of Jennifer Cooper in our office, along with the top-flight professionalism of Michael Gitter and Kayt Mathers of First Press Public Relations.  Many thanks to all. 

               Excelsior!                   

               Wagner Vineyards 2011 Riesling Ice Wine was rated Best Dessert Wine at the recent San Diego International Wine Competition, where New York wines also won five other Platinum medals and five Gold awards.

                The Platinum medals went to Chateau Frank Celebre; Coyote Moon Twisted Sister, Fire Boat Red, and LaCrescent; Fulkerson 2012 William Vigne Juicy Sweet Riesling; and Sparkling Pointe 2008 Blanc de Noirs.

                Gold medals were awarded to Dr. Frank 2010 Rkatseteli and 2012 Dry Riesling; Liberty Vineyards Noiret; Scarola 2010 Massena Merlot; and Sparkling Pointe 2003 Brut Selection.

                Results from the great Finger Lakes International Wine Competition should be available very soon.  The envelope, please.... 

                   That's one of my favorite sayings, and it's inspiring to see it coming true.

                   Yesterday there was a long article in the New York Times about the increasing number of women in the United States Senate, including our own Kirsten Gillibrand, a fabulous representative of New York agriculture (and other issues) and the host of New York Farm Day (which this year will be on September 17).

                    While women still represent only 20 out 100 Senators in what was long considered the "Gentlemen's Club", that number has increased significantly in recent years and made a difference in getting things done.  Generally speaking, women are more inclined to reach across the aisle on issues they have in common--like Senator Gillibrand (D) and Maine's Susan Collins (R) co-sponsoring the bill that repealed the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.  I have also seen first-hand that Senator Gillibrand is one of the hardest working people I know, has a firm grasp of even the most complex issues, and has assembled a first-rate staff that is incredibly responsive and effective.  She succeeded former Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, who became Secretary of State and shattered the glass ceiling for so many other women.

                     Happily, the trend isn't in just the U.S. Senate, but also on the State level where Senator Patty Ritchie exhibits the same level of passion and commitment as Chair of the Agriculture Committee; and Senator Catharine Young, Chair of the Rural Resources Committee.

                     Back in the House, let's not forget Representative Louise Slaughter, who for decades has advanced our interests in Congress, and before that in the New York State Assembly.

                     Whether in politics or business, the gender imbalance still exists, but the changes that are occuring are, in my personal view, very positive for the country, and also provide hope and encouragement that one day our daughters may find their way to their dream.

                      Now how about a Ms. President?

                    Today the Wine Symposium of the Finger Lakes takes place in Geneva, featuring a former White House chef, a top New York City sommelier, terrific winemakers, and lots of great wines.

                    It will also feature Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy, yet another indication of how the current Administration of Governor Andrew Cuomo is embracing the wine industry.

                    These events take months of effort and lots of sweat to put together, so it is a tribute to all the people who made it happen, and who were able to get the participation of the Lt. Governor as well.

                     Hopefully, this will be just the first of many.

 "Wine is liquid food." 

                                                           -- Robert Mondavi