|
August 30, 2014
Farm-based craft beverage industry booms, entrepreneurial government, new TV ad, winning wines, "Wine Star" nominations, SWE Grand Award, nice ink. Happy Labor Day!
Cheers!
Jim Trezise
|
New York Craft Beverages Boom
| |
The New York industry has been growing strongly for several years, but that growth has accelerated since 2011 when Governor Andrew Cuomo took office. Since then, the number of farm wineries has grown by nearly 50%, from 195 to 291; the number of (commercial) wineries is also up 50%, from 52 to 79; and the number of farm winery branch offices has increased by 90% from 29 to 55. We know there about 10 winery licenses pending, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if we surpassed 400 by the end of this year.
Our colleagues in the other beverage sectors are also experiencing heady growth rates. Since 2011, 57 new farm breweries have opened which, like farm wineries, must use specific levels of New York-grown ingredients and have special privileges. The current 104 microbreweries in the state represent a 160% increase from the 40; and the number of restaurant brewers or brewpubs has increased by 230% from 10 to 33.
The number of farm distilleries has increased by 450% from 10 to 55; and the number of farm cideries has increased by 480% from 7 to 29.
New York State is fast becoming the farm-based craft beverage capital of America.
While consumers focus on the delightful end products, these farm-based businesses are also vital to New York's agricultural base by using raw ingredients--grapes, apples, other fruits, grains, and more--which are grown right here, providing valuable income for New York farm families. And the public policy benefits of a farm beverage license provides great incentives for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in New York.
Another important part of the equation is the business-friendly attitude of the Cuomo Administration through what the Governor calls "entrepreneurial government". The Department of Agriculture & Markets, Empire State Development, the Department of Transportation, and others have been very supportive of the industry. And the State Liquor Authority has undergone a total transformation, with a level of professionalism and an attitude of partnership that had not existed in the 30 years I've been in this industry.
In addition to the Governor's Cup Wine Tours in the Finger Lakes and Long Island, and similar support for the other beverages, the Administration has produced a new TV ad promoting New York wine, beer, spirits and cider. The "I Love NY" ad, produced by Empire State Development features renowned actor Stanley Tucci , was first shown at the Long Island event, and will be running this fall during the peak selling season.
Beyond the specific benefits of the policies and promotions, what's even more important is the message they're all sending to our industry: We value you, and we want you to succeed.
|
And More Awards...
| |
Several wineries recently received Gold medals, high scores and nice reviews in various places.
Casa Larga Vineyards, a top producer of ice wines, received a 93 and "exceptional" rating from Beverage Testing Institute for its 2010 Block One Ice Wine, which also won Gold at the Denver International Wine Competition along with the 2013 Vidal Blanc.
Silver Thread Vineyard scored three 90 ratings from Wine Spectator, for three single vineyard 2013 Rieslings: Doyle Vineyard; Randolph O'Neill Vineyard; and Gridley Vineyard.
Tug Hill Vineyards in the North Country won Double Gold medals for its 43 Lat Blush and 2013 Cuvee Rose wines at the International Cold Climate Wine Competition in Minnesota.
|
Free Run... | |
"Wine Star Awards" are presented every January by Wine Enthusiast magazine, and this year there are three nominees from New York: New York State as "Wine Region of the Year", Channing Daughters Winery as "American Winery of the Year", and Hudson Whiskey as "Distiller of the Year". We won't know for some time who will ultimately win, but just being nominated is an honor.
Grand Award of the Society of Wine Educators was recently presented to Dr. Ann Noble, creator of the Wine Aroma Wheel, and yours truly. I'm not sure I deserved it, but I thank my longtime colleagues Harriet Lembeck, Linda Lawry, Lorraine Hems, and Margie Jones for their kind support.
EdibleManhattan on line recently ran a great piece on "10 Wineries to Visit and Drink in the Finger Lakes" by Amy Zavatto, who once again served as a judge at this year's New York Wine & Food Classic. In fact, she is so good and fast that the piece appeared on the same day (August 13) that the Governor's Cup was announced. Wineries highlighted include Anthony Run, Atwater, Bellwether, Dr. Frank, Fox Run, Hermann J. Wiemer, Hosmer, Lamoreaux Landing, Ravines, and Thirsty Owl--a nice selection indeed.
|
| |
"Men are like wine--some turn to vinegar, but the best improve wih age."
--Pope John XIII
|
|
|