June 21, 2014

             Major climate change, New York Gold, Winestock, Summer of Riesling, Long Island Merlot Alliance,  and more happening in New York wine country 

             Cheers! 

             Jim Trezise

                  This week marked the end of the 2014 legislative session in Albany, which is always a time of frenetic and chaotic last-minute activity.  Happily, part of that was the Craft Act initiated by Governor Andrew Cuomo, drafted by State Liquor Authority Chairman Dennis Rosen and Special Counsel Tom Donohue, and deftly shepherded through the legislative process by Deputy Secretary for Agriculture Patrick Hooker.

                  This new law brightens the business climate for all farm-based craft beverages--wine, beer, spirits, and cider--by streamlining administrative requirements, saving time and money, providing production efficiencies, and creating new opportunities for marketing and sales.

                  The bill was nearly a year in the making, and was promised by Governor Cuomo at his Wine, Beer, Spirits & Cider Summit in April, based on requests his Administration had received from industry representatives.  The SLA deserves great credit for working closely with all sectors of the industry over many months to fashion a comprehensive bill that represents major progress on all fronts.  We are also grateful to the legislature for partnering in the bill's passage.  And members of the craft beverage sectors worked together beautifully in contacting legislators for support.

                  I am working with the SLA to set up industry meetings in the Finger Lakes, Albany, and Long Island to go over the bill in detail (and so I can ask them to take a bow).

                 Meanwhile, also this week, Chairman Dennis Rosen was unanimously confirmed by the New York State Senate for another term in that position, which is great news for all.  His tenure has created a whole new attitude and level of professionalism at the SLA, which has encouraged the growth of our industries, which in turn contribute more to the state.  It's a win-win-win.

                  It's all a great example of what Governor Cuomo calls "entrepreneurial government".

                     Dr. Frank Wine Cellars and Wagner Vineyards recently captured  some New York recognition at the Critics Challenge Wine Competition in California.  Dr. Frank 2012 Gruner Veltliner recived a Platinum award and Best of Class, the 2012 Rkatsiteli received a Gold, and the Chateau Frank 2007 Brut won another Platinum.  Wagner Vineyards took Golds for its 2012 Riesling Ice, 2012 Dry Riesling (Caywood Vineyard East), and 2012 Riesling Select.

                   Coincidentally, Kayt Mathers of First Press Public Relations (our agency) gave a bottle of Dr. Frank's "Gruner" to a wine writer on her way to Austria for meetings with the industry.  The Austrian winemakers were stunned by its quality (and perhaps a little concerned, since Gruner is their specialty.)

                  This weekend I'm judging at the fabulous San Francisco International Wine Competition, where New York wines shine, then at Long Beach in mid-July, and Indy in late July before our own New York Wine & Food Classic--the Oscars of the New York Wine Industry.  We have lots of entries and a fabulous line-up of judges (revealed next week).

                  Wineries which enter competitions, and win major awards, are helping the entire New York wine industry by spreading the reputation for quality.

                  If you don't enter, you can't win.

                  Winestock 2014 is next Saturday afternoon (noon to 5) at Three Brothers Wineries and Estates on the northeastern end of Seneca Lake, and it's going to be a great celebration of New York wine and a fun educational opportunity with seminars throughout the afternoon which include talk and tastings.

                   The fifth annual Winestock celebration is organized by the New York Wine Industry Association, with 18 participating wineries and several local food vendors, as a way to educate consumers not only about the wines and foods but also the many contributions the industry makes to the economy and quality of life.  Tickets are only $15 in advance through June 26 at www.winestockny.org and at many Wegmans stores.

                   Summer of Riesling starts today and will last for the next three months, so now's the time to get out your favorite bottle, apply your Riesling tattoo, and enjoy life.  Fittingly, "Best White Wine on Earth", the book by Riesling expert Stuart Pigott, is being launched today in New York City with a special tasting followed the next few days by a series of Riesling-focused dinners with noted producers.  The book covers the major Riesling regions of the world--starting with the Finger Lakes!  Cheers!

                   Long Island Merlot Alliance (LIMA) has been very active recently, starting with the addition of a new Executive Director, Deborah Brenner, the creation of a Merliance Wine Trail, and the hiring of a Research Fellow, Robin Epperson-McCarthy. 

                   LIMA was created several years ago to educate media and consumers about the quality of merlot and merlot-based blends produced on Long Island.  Participating wineries include Sherwood House Vineyards, Clovis Point, T'Jara Vineyards, McCall Wines, Lieb Cellars, Raphael, and Wolffer Estate Vineyard.

                    The participating wineries collaborate in creating Merliance, the only cooperative wine made on Long Island, as the tangible symbol of what brings them together.