'New York Drinks New York' Celebrates NY Wines

If you're going to New York City in March, the Big Apple is taking on wines from throughout New York in its  "New York Drinks New York" events.

It's important for New York state wine producers to get their products out into the New York City market. Jim Trezise of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation said "New York City is the world's most competitive wine market, and we get no break as New Yorkers; we have to prove ourselves like everyone else.  But we've got the quality, the passion, and the determination to get our slice of the Big Apple."

During March, New Yorkers will have the pleasure of sampling wines from their own state at free tastnigs, wine flights, winemakers dinners, and other events throughout the month. 

Here is more from Trezise:

The highlight of the month is the NY Drinks NY Grand Tasting on March 18 at Astor Center, with a special session for media and trade from noon to 4 pm, followed by a consumer tasting from 6 to 8 pm.  More that 200 wines will be presented by 40 wineries from the Long Island, Hudson River, Finger Lakes, Niagara Escarpment, Lake Erie, and Thousand Islands regions.

Complementing the wines will be a selection of all-New York cheeses, charcuterie and hors d'oeuvres provided by the New York Wine & Culinary Center based in the Finger Lakes.

The consumer tasting, including all food and drink, costs only $35, with tickets available at www.nydrinksny.com/tasting until they are sold out.  (People started buying tickets before the event was even advertised this year, since last year's event sold out.)

Several fine restaurants are also hosting wine dinners and offering special limited-release wines as well as wine flights, including Terroir Park Slope, Sample, and Seersucker.

In addition, more than 30 free in-store tastings have been scheduled at fine wine stores throughout the City such as 67 Wines, Brooklyn Wine Exchange, and Union Square Wines & Spirits.  A full listing of participating wineries, restaurants and stores, and more information about the special events, is available at www.nydrinksny.com/partner-events.