May 21, 2014

             The grape economy, great food and wine, Lakewood turns 25, Yankees unveil official wine, great value wines, Long Island shines, and much more happening in New York wine country.

             Cheers!          

             Jim Trezise

                 This week was the annual pilgrimage to our nation's capitol by members of WineAmerica and Winegrape Growers of America to not only learn what's going on in Washington, but also to try and influence it by letting our Senators and members of Congress know our industry's priorities and policies.  It's also a great time to remind them of the size and economic importance of the American grape and wine industry.  To wit:

o Grapes are the highest value fruit crop in the U.S., and the sixth largest overall, valued at nearly $5 billion annually

o There are nearly 1,000,000 acres of grape bearing land producing 7,000,000 tons of grapes on 25,000 farms

o The U.S. accounts for 5% of the world's grape acreage, and 10% of production, an indication of the productivity of American vineyards

o All 50 states have wineries, 7,839 and counting, with more than 900,000,000 gallons of wine produced, accounting for 8% of the world's wine production

o California produces 90% of U.S. wines, with Washington State second and New York third (but fourth in number of wineries, after Oregon)

o U.S. wine exports reached $1.5 billion in revenues last year, up 16% from the prior year

o Wineries receive more than 30,000,000 tourist visits annually

o More than 50,000 people are employed

In short, the grape and wine industry is a major economic engine for the American economy, which in 2008 generated $162 billion in economic benefits.  Winegrape Growers America is an association of associations throughout the country, and WineAmerica is the national organization of American wineries.

As I have said many times, and will again: All wineries in America should be members of WineAmerica. 

                     As mentioned last week, the upcoming Wine Symposium of the Finger Lakes will be a great showcase of the region's wines and foods in an international context, with a lineup of expert speakers blended with superb wine and food.  The seminar food pairings with cool climate wines were described last week, as an introduction for this mouth-watering luncheon on Saturday prepared by several prominent chefs:

o Spinach Souffle with a Smoked Oyster Sauce, paired with Fox Run Vineyards 2011 Blanc de Blancs (Chef Donald Agate, Hospitality Concepts Group and The Gould Hotel)

o Salmon and Lively Run Chevre Arancini, paired with Knapp Winery 2012 Dry Riesling (Chef John McNabb, Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant)

o Pork "Taco" -- pulled pork in corn tortilla with coleslaw and citrus vinaigrette, paired with Kelby Russell 2013 Rose (Chef Samantha Buyskes, Chef/Culinary ambassador to the Finger Lakes)

o Cabernet Braised Brisket in a Mushroom demi, Grilled Spring Asparagus with Black Cherry Beurre Blanc, paired with Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Chef Sean Agate, BeauVine Chophouse & Wine Bar)

o Stewed Stone Fruits with Lively Run Chevre, paired with Billsboro Winery 2012 Cabernet Franc (Chef Caitlyn Heinz, Bagels and Cakes)

                      But there's much more to the Symposium than just great food and wine, like several fabulous speakers: Thomas Pastuszak, Dan Berger, Rob Giesbrecht, keynoter Joshua Greene of Wine & Spirits magazine, and moderator Michael Warren Thomas.

                      You can get more information and make your reservations by visiting http://winesymposiumfingerlakes.com/program. 

                    Lakewood Vineyards is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a winery tomorrow evening, and we all toast their past and future success. 

                   The Stamp family is one of those that are truly rooted in Finger Lakes soil, with three generations currently carrying on the tradition of two previous ones. Even more impressive and important than their longevity is the family's involvement in virtually every aspect of the industry. 

                   The late Monty Stamp, everyone's friend and big brother, was Treasurer of the New York State Wine Grape Growers for decades, as well as President of Winegrape Growers of America years ago.  His wife Bev, still very active at the winery, has also held leadership positions in the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Women for New York State Wines, and other industry organizations.  Three of their kids--Chris (winemaker), Dave (vineyard manager), and Teresa (tasting room) are actively involved, along with sisters-in-law Liz and Kay.  And now two of Chris and Liz's kids, Ben and Abby, have joined the Lakewood team as well.

                    As I often say about this industry, "the product is a pleasure, but the people are the treasure." There is no better example than the Stamps.  Cheers!

                     The great LA International Wine Competition was last week, and while awaiting the results (which should be available soon), it's worth reflecting on the signifcance of what happened at Riverside International.  There were five top "Sweepstakes" awards, and New York won two: Chateau Frank 2008 Blanc de Blanc (Sparkling), and Thirsty Owl 2013 Traminette (White).

                    The other three winners--a Pinot Noir Rose, a Pinot Noir, and a Late Harvest Gewurztraminer--were from California, and they were all great wines as well.  But what's remarkable is that California makes 90% of all US wines, New York only 3%, but we were nearly even when it came to top awards.

                    It's a tribute to the wineries, not just for the quality of their wines, but also for entering them in competitions which reaffirm New York's rightful place in the world of fine wines. 

                    Long Island wine country received great coverage in a recent three-page feature in the Wine Spectator, with a focus on three leading wineries: Bedell Cellars, McCall Wines, and Wolffer Estate.

                   "Long Island Trailblazers" on the cover is the teaser to an article titled, "Long Island's Rising Tide", which describes the impact that the three wineries have had in elevating the awareness and respect for the region.  The article also includes a description of the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing (LISW) initiative, which Bedell in particular has been deeply involved with.

                   There are even other accomplishments not noted in the article worth mentioning.  The Bedell 2009 Merlot was served as the red wine at the Presidential Inauguration Luncheon in January 2011.  McCall Wines won our "Winery of the Year" award at last year's New York Wine & Food Classic, reflecting excellent quality across the board. And Wolffer has long been a brand whose consistent quality and visibility have boosted the region's reputation.