Wine Press FINAL 10-14-10


February 26, 2015  

 

At Annual "Unity Banquet". . .

 

Wine & Grape Foundation Says: "Thank You!"

 

            ROCHESTER, NY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 - The New York Wine & Grape Foundation said a big "Thank You" to several individuals and businesses at its annual "Unity Banquet" on Thursday, February 26 at the Rochester Institute of Technology Conference Center, site of Cornell Cooperative Extension's three-day B.E.V. NY symposium.

           

            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 over 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.

           

 

Court of Honor

 

            The 2015 recipient of the "Unity Award" is Phyllis Feder, owner of Clinton Vineyards in the Hudson Valley, who also long served as President of the Dutchess Wine Trail and was Chair of the Board of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation for three years.  She is a person of vision, passion, and commitment to the entire industry whose leadership was crucial to ensuring the Foundation's continued success.

 

             The "Industry Award"-presented to an individual who has made a major contribution in advancing the interests of the New York grape and wine industry-was presented to Mr. Dennis Rosen, outgoing Chairman of the New York State Liquor Authority.  Since he was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo four years ago, Mr. Rosen has transformed that agency from an adversary to a partner with the wine industry, greatly reduced the time required to obtain a winery license, worked with industry representatives to shape new regulations and legislation, provided new marketing opportunities, and created a business climate that stimulates growth. Since 211, the number of wineries has increased by over 60%, from 52 to 84; and the number of farm wineries by over 50%, from 195 to 303.

 

             The "Grower Award", which recognizes vineyardists who have made exceptional contributions to the New York grape and wine industry, was presented to Michael Migliore of Whitecliff Vineyard in the Hudson Valley.  Michael, his wife Yancey, and their son Tristan, have made Whitecliff a model of sustainability and commitment to the regional industry, and Michael has long served as the volunteer Chairman of the Hudson Valley Wine & Grape Association.

 

             The "Winery Award"-recognizing wineries which have advanced the widespread recognition and quality reputation of New York wines-was presented to Fox Run Vineyards on the west side of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes.  Co-owned by Scott and Ruth Osborn and celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015, Fox Run has long been known for the consistently high quality of its wines. Fox Run is also an excellent model of collaboration in terms of production (Peter Bell working with other winemakers) and industry advancement: Scott Osborn is currently serving as volunteer president of not one but two separate organizations created to protect and advance industry interests.

 

            The "Research Award", for major contributions in research and education to benefit the New York grape and wine industry, was presented to Dr. Brad Rickard of Cornell University. While most Cornell research focuses on viticulture an enology, Brad's focus is on economics and the business side of the business.  He is the author of several notable peer-reviewed articles in the Journal of Wine Economics and other publications.

 

             The "Restaurant Award"-for excellence in promoting New York wines as part of a fine dining experience-was presented to Tom Schaudel of Long Island. Tom is the chef/owner of several highly popular Long Island restaurants--Jewel, A Mano, A Lure, Cool Fish, Petulant Wino--which proudly feature Long Island wines and local foods.  He is also a regular attraction at New York Farm Day in Washington, wowing consumers with his fresh fish creations, and the author of a hilarious book about being in the restaurant business: Playing with Fire: Whining & Dining on the Gold Coast.

 

             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 2015 award was presented to Ryan's Wines & Spirits of Canandaigua, which carries more than 900 New York wines, all of which were on sale during the holiday season.  Stephanie Rudat of Ryan's judges at the New York Wine & Food Classic, where she does some of her unofficial "shopping" for the store each year.

 

              A "Distributor Award" recognizing extraordinary support of New York wines was presented to Dina Opici, owner of Opici Family Distributors which has the largest selection of New York wines of any distributor.  The Opici company has made a major commitment to promoting New York wines with a seasoned and dedicated sales staff.

 

             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 Judi Betts of Long Island, who in addition to being an avid appreciator of wine is a passionate promoter of Long Island and New York wines.  She has worked for Pindar Vineyards and other East End wineries over the years.

 

-end-

 

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

 

 

 

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