March 3, 2016 At Annual "Unity Banquet". . . Wine & Grape Foundation Says: "Thank You!" ROCHESTER, NY, MARCH 3, 20156- The New York Wine & Grape Foundation said a big "Thank You" to several individuals and businesses at its annual "Unity Banquet" on Thursday, March 3 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. For the first time, three awards were named after people who were shining examples of the characteristics reflected by the awards. The Phyllis Feder Unity Award honors the owner of Clinton Vineyards in the Hudson Valley (celebrating its 40th anniversary this year), who served as Chair of the Foundation Board for three challenging years. Phyllis was unable to attend the banquet but will be presented her award in New York City. The Jim Finkle Industry Award is named after a gentle giant who for so many years and in so many ways contributed to the grape and wine industry on state, national and international levels. Jim tragically passed away last fall, and this award will later be presented privately to his wife Nancy Finkle. The Ron Reals Distributor Award is named after the person for whom the award was first created, based on his passion for and commitment to the New York wine industry. Ron passed away unexpectedly early this year, and this award was presented to his wife Shari Reals and the rest of his family. Most of the awards were presented at the Unity Banquet, with a few to be presented at the NY Drinks NY Grand Tasting on March 8 in New York City. Court of Honor The 2016 recipient of the "Phyllis Feder Unity Award" is Roman Roth, partner and winemaker at Wolffer Estate Vineyard on Long Island as well as owner/winemaker of Grapes of Roth. In addition to his superb talent as a winemaker who has helped put Long Island wines on the map, Roman is a revered industry leader who generously gives of his time and effort to advance the common good. He spearheaded the annual East End Harvest celebration each summer; has led the Long Island Merlot Alliance; is currently President of the Long Island Wine Council; and is a constant promoter of Long Island and New York wines. The "Jim Finkle 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 two people in similar positions as directors of member or grower relations: Rich Erdle, retired from National Grape Coopeative/Welch'; and Rich Stabins of Constellation Brands. Rich Erdle spent many years as Director of Member Relations for National, interacting with the grower members who own the cooperative, which in turns owns Welch Foods. Rich was also deeply involved in several industry organizations including the New York State Grape Production Research Fund, the planning committee for Viticulture 2000, and as a Board member of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. Rick Stabins has also been responsible for interacting with the grower community as Director of Cellar Operations for Canandaigua Winery, where he has worked for nearly 39 years. During his tenure, and especially last year, Rich has consistently gone "above and beyond" to ensure that the growers he works with would have a viable market for their grapes. The "Grower Award", which recognizes vineyardists who have made exceptional contributions to the New York grape and wine industry, was presented to Sayre Fulkerson. The Fulkerson family has been in the grape business for seven generations and over 200 years, with large vineyard acreage on the west side of Seneca Lake. Sayre also added Fulkerson's Grape Juice Plant, offering juice to home winemakers, and opened the award-winning Fulkerson Winery about 25 years ago. In addition, Sayre has always been a reliable industry partner and supporter of many organizations including the New York State Wine Grape Growers, New York Wine & Grape Foundation, and Seneca Lake Wine Trail. The "Winery Award"--recognizing wineries which have advanced the widespread recognition and quality reputation of New York wines--was presented to Liberty Vineyards & Winery. The Burmaster family--Gary, Pam, and their daughter Beth who handles marketing--are a fifth (and sixth) generation grape farming family. They opened the winery in 2008 with five different wines, compared with nearly 30 today. Their wines routinely win top awards in major wine competitions around the country, including two "Best of Show" awards in Florida in February for a Sparkling Riesling and a Catawba Ice Wine. In addition, the Burmasters are very engaged and cooperative members of the grape and wine community. The "Research Award", for major contributions in research and education to benefit the New York grape and wine industry, was presented to Dr. Marc Fuchs. An internationally recognized researcher into grape viruses, Marc has studied such vineyard problems as Leaf Roll and Red Blotch viruses in terms of origin, potential damage, and economic impact. He has also been involved with other scientists and government officials on grape certification and other projects. The "Restaurant Award"--for excellence in promoting New York wines as part of a fine dining experience--will be presented to The Marshal of New York City. A native of Washington State who grew up a true "locavore", Charlie Marshall opened the ultimate "locavore/locapour" restaurant in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood a few years ago with people betting him he'd never survive. Not only did he win the bet, but he's going stronger than ever. The Marshal's wine list and menu, which lists the sources of ingredients in the foods, is the ultimate combination of locavore dining. 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 2016 award was presented to Whole Foods Market Wine Store of New York City. Whole Foods is recognized as one of the top food retailers in the country, and in states where it is allowed includes wine in its grocery stores. In New York, there is a separate retail store which features many New York wines, particularly from the Finger Lakes and Long Island regions. This award will also be presented at the Grand Tasting. The "Ron Reals Distributor Award" recognizing extraordinary support of New York wines was presented to New York Wines Sarl, Luxemburg. Just as Ron followed his passion to create Finger Lakes Premium Wines many years ago, Christian Claessens of Luxemburg pursued his vision of getting fine New York wines distributed in Europe, and partnered with a few Finger Lakes wineries to begin that process. Scott Osborn of Fox Run Vineyards accepted the award on Christian's behalf, and will present it to him in person next week at the Prowein trade show in Germany. 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 Lorraine Hems of Rochester. Lorraine is a very popular teacher of wine courses at the Rochester Institute of Technology, the New York Wine & Culinary Center, and elsewhere. She is also very active in the Society of Wine Educators, American Wine Society, and as a judge at the New York Wine & Food Classic. -end- MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Trezise, 585-394-3620, jimtrezise@nywgf.org | 
