Ballots Out for Grape Research and Development Order

Ballots for a referendum on a research and development order for grape growers have been sent out.

Anyone who has not received a ballot should contact markmcmullen@agriculture.ny.gov

A Research & Development Order, also known as a market order, is a grower supported, grower funded and grower led funding stream administered in cooperation with the state Urban Development Corp. and the state Department of Agriculture & Markets for research that will benefit ALL New York grape growers. 

Every grower will contribute an assessment based on farm gate value. The capital generated from this order will fund research and extension projects that will assist grape growers – 5 percent of the funds will be used for administration of the program. 

Details on how the assessed funds are spent and results of research and extension will be public information. Growers will have a chance to reaffirm the order every seven years.

An Advisory Board (assembled from nominations submitted by growers) consisting of seven growers (3 from Lake Erie, and 1 each from the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, Long Island, and the North Country regions), one processor of juice grapes, and one processor of wine grapes will ensure proper administration of the program and will approve all research and extension projects undertaken.

Processors in New York state will reserve the funds from payments to growers and submit them on their behalf to the Urban Development Corp. Growers who sell fruit out of state will be responsible for submitting those assessments directly and wineries who process their own fruit will be responsible for submitting the assessment based on the value of their fruit. 

All money will be directed to the Urban Development Corp.

The assessment can be up to ½ of 1 percent or .005 percent of the farm gate value of all juice and wine grapes grown in New York which is estimated to generate up to $240,000. For example, if you’re getting $250/ton for Concords, and the Advisory Board approves an assessment at ¼ of 1 percent, the amount would be 63¢/ton.

Go to https://www.newyorkwines.org/researchorder for more information.

New York Now Well Known for its Red Wines, Too

By JIM TREZISE
New York Wine & Grape Foundation
 
“If I proclaimed that the most exciting red wines in the United States come from New York State, would you believe me?”
 
That’s how Anna Lee Iijima of Wine Enthusiast began her breakthrough analysis and review of the evolution of red wines on Long Island, in the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley. Her piece is the equivalent for New York reds that Wine Enthusiast’s selection of New York State as Wine Region of the Year in 2015 was, recognizing the “30-year overnight success.”
 
The article is artfully constructed, blending terroir-focused background with winemaker interviews and reviews of the major varietials, featuring lots of scores of 90 and above. 
 
By category:
 
Merlot
** Paumanok Vineyards 2010 Tuthills Lane (94)
** Harbes 2014 Proprietors Reserve Hallock Lane (93)
** Wolffer 2012 The Grapes of Roth (93)
 
Pinot Noir
** Forge Cellars 2014 Les Allies (92)
** Millbrook 2013 Block Five East (91)
** N. Kendall 2013 Pinot Noir (91)
 
Cabernet Franc
** Hermann J. Wiemer 2014 Magdalena Vineyard (93)
** McCall 2012 Reserve (93)
** Shaw 2010 Reserve (93)
 
Cabernet Sauvignon
** Raphael 2013 Reserve (92)
** McGregor 2012 Reserve (91)
** Damiani 2012 (90)
 
It is truly striking that this selection of fabulous reds includes 12 different wines from 12 different wineries in three different regions, demonstrating quality across the board. While Long Island has traditionally been New York’s “red region,” and still makes wonderful wines, other regions are following suit.
 
Case in point: The past two years at our New York Wine & Food Classic competition, the Governor’s Cup for “Best of Show” was awarded to Finger Lakes red wines.
 
New York’s red revolution is also significant because truly great wine regions have to show superb quality in reds as well as whites. And now we do!

Changes Coming for Wine Industry in 2017

From Jim Trezise at the New York Wine and Grape Foundation

The 2015 holiday season seems like a month ago, and the grape harvest just yesterday.  

But here we are at the end of another year--and the beginning of the next.

Overall, 2016 has been a very good year.  In most regions, the harvest was excellent in terms of quality, and sufficient in quantity.  The number of wineries continued to grow in many parts of the State.  And New York wines kept getting ever more recognition for consistent quality.

2017 will be a year of change. Sam Filler will become executive director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation on January 1, and I will continue as president until March 31 in order to fully orient him on the challenges and opportunities he will face.

I will move on as president of WineAmerica, the national organization of American wineries, and continue as president of the International Riesling Foundation, as well as judging in major wine competitions.  A new administration will occupy Washington, presenting many uncertainties related to programs and policies affecting the New York and American grape and wine industry.

New York Wineries Included in "Best Wineries" List

Information from Jim Trezise of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

"The Daily Meal blog recently ran a piece on the "101 Best Wineries in America," which included seven from New York:

Red Newt Cellars (#42), Boundary Breaks (43), Dr. Konstantin Frank (54), Hermann J. Wiemer (68), Shinn Estate (74), Channing Daughters (86), and Bellwether Hard Cider & Wine Cellars (90).

Not surprisingly given its huge number of wineries, California had the most, with good representation also from Oregon and Washington, but it wasn't so long ago that New York would have been largely ignored.  No longer...and it's great to see."

Coyote Moon Named Winery of the Year

Go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/coyote-moon-wins-new-york-state-winery-of-the-year-20160615 to check out the story.

Magazine Names Finger Lakes Top Wine Region for 2015

From the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

Wine Enthusiast has named the Top 10 Wine Destinations of 2015, with New York's Finger Lakes region right at the top of the list.

Anna Lee Iijima, who has written about the region and tasted extensively (including as a judge at our New York Wine & Food Classic competition), has written a great piece about the wineries, wines, other attractions, and recommendations on where to stay and eat.

New York state has also been selected by the magazine as Wine Region of the Year based on the ever-increasing quality of its wines, close partnership with the state and strong growth. The Finger Lakes is by far the largest single region, with 128 wineries, hundreds of top awards in 2014 and about 4 million tourist visits annually.

The region's growth in all respects has commanded widespread attention in the world of wine.  

In 2004, there were 73 wineries, compared to 128 today, with the growth rate strong and increasing, especially in the past five years (38 new wineries). Similarly, in the past few years the number of Gold medals and ratings of 90 or above has steadily increased (from 557 in 2011 to 886 in 2014), reflecting the ever-increasing quality of wines.

The Finger Lakes led the top 10 list of wine country destinations, with the others being Piedmont, Italy; Hawks Bay, New Zealand; Rhone Valley, France; Orlando, Florida (for restaurants); Galicia, Spain; Okanagan, British Columbia; Loire Valley, France; Mendocino, California; and Isrtria, Croatia/Slovenia/Italy.

Tug Hill Vineyards in Lewis County Receives Funding

From Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand:

A total of $62,924 is being awarded to Tug Hill Vineyards in Lewis County to increase wine production at the facility. 

The federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program and will be used to purchase essential equipment needed to efficiently increase wine production at Tug Hill Vineyards.

Schumer

“This is federal funding is great news for Lewis County and Tug Hill Vineyards,” said Sen. Charles Schumer. “This funding will provide Tug Hill the funds needed to help them to expand and provide more consumers with their quality products. Making sure we support our agricultural businesses in Upstate New York will always be a priority of mine.”

 “New York’s world-class vineyards produce some of the finest grapes, grown by hard-working farm families,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee who wrote to USDA in support of Tug Hill’s project. 

Gillibrand

“This investment in the Tug Hill Vineyard will help ensure they get the resources they need to expand their business with the purchase of critical equipment. This will help bring their products to market and continue to drive economic growth in their region.”

“Increasing the diversity of agricultural production and adding value to the crops grown in Lewis County are key components of economic development. The economic impacts associated with Tug Hill Vineyards’ growth and success impacts all of Lewis County,” said Larry Dolhof, president of the  Lewis County Development Corp. “The Vineyard is directly responsible for an increase in local employment, retail sales of wine and berries, and tourism related to the wine industry and the vineyards special events capacity.”

“We are so pleased to receive this funding to support the expansion of Tug Hill Vineyards,” said Sue Maring, owner of Tug Hill Vineyards. “We look forward to procuring state of the art equipment necessary for increased wine production.”

Tug Hill Vineyards was established in 2007 and consists of 20 acres of grapevines on a 40-acre  estate. Tug Hill Vineyards produces red and golden raspberries as well as blueberries in addition to grapes. They also produce a variety of wines both dry and sweet.

USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grants are available to towns, State agencies, tribes and non-profits. They are used to support development of rural small businesses, distance learning networks and adult job training education programs. The RBEG program’s grants finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses to grow the economy.

State Begins new Ag Task Force

A new Strategic Interagency Task Force on Lessening Obstacles to Agriculture (SILO) has been formed in New York state to address barriers to the growth of New York’s agricultural economy. 

Task force members, comprised of leadership from state government and representatives from the field of agriculture, will work together to ensure that state agencies that deal with farmers are communicating regularly, interacting efficiently, and lessening regulations on farms. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo already has conducted a number of "summits" to learn more about various parts of the agriculture industry to try to help them grow. The summit approach already has paid dividends for New York agriculture. 

Since the inaugural Yogurt Summit, where state government listened to the needs of industry and acted accordingly, New York has become the yogurt capital of the nation and reclaimed its status as the number three producer of milk nationwide. New York has also experienced a 72 percent increase in farm-based beverage licenses since 2011, in part as a result of reforms enacted at the first Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit.

Additionally, New York is traditionally the second highest producer of apples in the nation and by many accounts, 2013 was the best year for the state’s apple industry in a generation. New York also ranks first in cabbage production, second in maple production, and third in wine and grape juice production. 

Industry members of the Task Force are as follows:

      Brian Reeves, co-owner, Reeves Farms, Baldwinsville, NY

Jeff Williams, Director of Public Policy, New York Farm Bureau
Jim Bittner, President and General Manager, Singer Farms, Appleton, NY
Cathy Martin, Co-Owner, Martin Farms, Brockport, NY
Ken Schmitt, retired vegetable farmer, Melville, NY
Dave Fisher, Owner, Mapleview Dairy, Madrid, NY
Tim Stanton, Owner, Stanton’s Feura Farm and Markets, Feura Bush, NY
Tonya Van Slyke, Executive Director, Northeast Dairy Producers Association

State agencies taking part in the Task Force are as follows:

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets 
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 
New York State Department of Labor 
New York State Department of Transportation 
New York State Public Service Commission
New York State Department of Health
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Empire State Development 
Department of Tax and Finance
State Liquor Authority

Glowing Reports for Hudson River Region Wines

From Jim Trezise at the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

The Hudson River Region has been in the news a lot lately, with a glowing Wall St. Journal piece about Hillrock Estate; Hudson-Chatham Winery's appearance on the Food Network's Farmhouse Rules show; a feature on Aaron Burr Cidery in Town & Country magazine; a huge feature on the Shawangunk Wine Trail in edible Hudson Valley magazine; and Whiskey Advocate magazine's mention of Ralph Erenzo (Tuthilltown Spirits) as one of the 10 most influential people in the spirits business.

In addition, the "Fall in Love With Hudson Valley Wine" campaign featured more than 100 events attracting more than 16,000 people, concluding with the Pride of New York Harvest Fest in Albany.

Richard Ball nominated as Commissioner of Ag and Markets

This is from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office:

Richard A. Ball has been nominated as commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets. 

“Richard Ball is a lifelong farmer and advocate for sound farm policy who will bring fresh ideas and strong leadership to the Department of Agriculture and Markets,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. 

“Agriculture is a vital sector of the state’s economy, providing thousands of jobs, food for people around the globe, and a way of life for generations of New Yorkers. Richard embodies the proud tradition of farming here in New York state and will be a superb addition to this Administration,” Cuomo said. 

A native New Yorker, Ball has made a living in agriculture his entire life. His inspiration to become a farmer came from his grandparents, who were lifelong dairy farmers. 

At 18 years old, Ball began his career in agriculture as a farm worker at a vegetable farm in Rhode Island. He later became operations manager of that same farm. After 20 years in Rhode Island, Ball moved back to the Empire State with an opportunity to become a farm owner. 
For the past 20 years, he has been the owner and operator of Schoharie Valley Farms in Schoharie, NY, which consists of 200 acres and produces a wide range of vegetable crops, small fruits and greenhouse crops. 

The farm serves both retail and wholesale consumers through an onsite farm market known as “The Carrot Barn” and ships to brokers and restaurants in the local area as well as New York City. 

Ball has held a number of positions within agriculture and community organizations at the local, state and national level, including: 

** Vice president, New York State Vegetable Growers
** Board of directors, member of executive committee, member of audit committee, chair of labor committee, New York Farm Bureau
** Member of labor committee and past chair, American Farm Bureau
** Representative for Schoharie County on the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council
** Board of directors and past president, Schoharie County Farm Bureau
** Chair, Schoharie Recovery Inc., a nonprofit formed to help the recovery effort from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee
** Past president of the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce 

Ball, his wife Shirley and his three children are actively engaged in farming with a growing number of future farmers among the grandchildren.

Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau, said, “New York Farm Bureau could not be more pleased with the Governor’s outstanding selection of Richard Ball to be the next Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture and Markets. As a farmer, Richard understands the needs and challenges we all face on our farms. 

"That knowledge and the respect he has among his peers will serve the state’s agricultural community well. We look forward to continuing Farm Bureau’s strong partnership with Richard and Governor Cuomo to support every farmer in New York,” said Norton. 

Kathryn Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, said, “On behalf of the faculty and staff at CALS, I extend my congratulations to Richard Ball on this appointment. We look forward to working closely with Mr. Ball on key issues facing New York State’s farmers and producers. This is an exciting time for agriculture, and I am confident that his experiences and expertise will help New York State continue to lead the way.”

Mark Henry, president of the New York State Vegetable Growers Association, said, “The New York State Vegetable Growers Association is proud and excited to hear about fellow vegetable farmer, Rich Ball’s, nomination as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets. 

"Rich is first and foremost a farmer. He’s watched his land flood, worked through blizzards, and watched the first green tips push their heads above soil every spring in spite of all the challenges. With the nomination of Rich Ball as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, the New York State Vegetable Growers Association feels that 2014 is starting out on a positive note,” Henry said. 

Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association, said, “I’ve known Richard Ball for a number of years and have worked with him on many different initiatives, including the Pride of NY program. He has an astute knowledge of all aspects of agriculture. His operation in Schoharie is a destination for thousands every year and I think he is an absolutely wonderful choice as our state’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets.” 

GrowNYC Executive Director Marcel Van Ooyen said, “On behalf of GrowNYC, I’d like to congratulate Richard Ball on this well-deserved nomination as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets. Richard Ball understands the importance of building relationships between upstate agriculture and downstate consumers, and we look forward to working with him to expand opportunities for New York agricultural producers across New York City in the future.”

Jim Trezise, president of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, said, “Governor Cuomo’s selection of Richard Ball as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets is a strong choice, and great news for the state’s vibrant wine and grape industry. Mr. Ball understands that pro-growth agricultural policies lead to a robust farm sector. 

"We’ve seen it already with the growth of our farm-based beverage industry and in a number of other industries across the state. I look forward to working with Commissioner Ball on Taste NY and other state initiatives designed to promote New York products,” Trezise said.

Cuomo Signs Bills Enhancing New York State Wine Industry

This news comes from the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo:


Bills were signed today that will allow wine to be sold at roadside farm markets and will designate portions of state highways near wineries and vineyards as "Wine Trails."

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said his signing of these bills continue the state's efforts to better market and promote New York wine.

“These new laws will build on our continuing efforts to promote New York’s wine industry across the state and beyond, boosting tourism, local economies and job growth,” Cuomo said. 

“We are increasing market opportunities for local producers and farmers and expanding our wine trails to attract tourists to communities across Upstate New York," he said. "Our state is home to hundreds of wineries that produce some of the best wine in the world, and we want both New Yorkers and visitors to come and enjoy them.” 

The farm markets legislation (S.267/A.1512) will create a new site for New York wineries to sell their products by allowing roadside farm markets to sell wine manufactured and produced by up to two licensed farm wineries, special wineries or micro-wineries located within 20 miles of the roadside farm market. 

The governor also signed four wine trail laws: one establishes a new wine trail; one expands an existing wine trail; one both expands two existing wine trails and changes their names; and one simply changes the name of an existing wine trail.

Wine trails help guide tourists to local attractions, vineyards, and wine tasting rooms, and to experience all that New York’s wine regions have to offer.

There are currently 16 wine trails designated by state law. 

“By allowing New York’s wide variety of quality wines to be sold at roadside farm markets, we are opening another door for this important industry," said Assemblyman William Magee, of Nelson, Madison County, chair of the state Assembly agriculture committee. "This is a measure that will support the growth of local businesses in our communities, and provide an important boost to wine producers across the state.”

New York is home to nearly 500 wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries. Producers account for more than $22 billion in annual total economic impact in the state and support tens of thousands of jobs statewide.

The state ranks third in the nation in wine and grape production, has the second-most distilleries, and three of the top-producing 20 brewers in the United States are located in New York.

Forbes Blogger Takes on Finger Lakes Rieslings

Go to http://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2013/07/11/get-fresh-with-new-york-state-rieslings/ to read the blog post.

North Country Wines Please the Palate

Nice story http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21968/20130513/north-country-wines-survive-the-cold-please-the-palate from North Country Public Radio about the Adirondack Wine Trail.

Check back later for some more news about the North Country wineries.

Today is Wine Tourism Day in the Finger Lakes

Check out http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/Wine-Tourism-Day.aspx for more information.

Love of Finger Lakes Wines Finally Catching On in NYC

Check out http://blog.syracuse.com/cny/2013/05/lover_for_finger_lakes_wines_is_spreading_in_new_york_city.html this story from syracuse.com

Finger Lakes Wines Judged High in National Competition

Here is news from Jim Trezise of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

Some of Dr. Frank's wines

Dr. Konstantin Frank (Keuka Lake) 2012 Dry Riesling was awarded Best of Show (of all wines), and Sparkling Pointe (Long Island) 2003 Brut Seduction was Best of Show Sparkling Wine at the recent U.S. National Wine Competition sponsored by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine.

On its way to the ultimate prize, the Dr. Frank Riesling also took Best of Show White, meaning that New York wines topped two of the five major categories (White and Sparkling).

Sparkling Pointe also won a Gold for its Brut, and Chateau Frank won a Gold and Best of Class for its 2007 Blanc de Noirs along with a Gold medal for its Celebre.

Other awards included Gold medals for Anyela's Vineyards (Skaneateles Lake) 2010 Noiret; Coyote Moon (North Country) 2011 River Time (also Best of Class), and 2011 Brianna; Goose Watch (Cayuga Lake) 2011 Viognier; Swedish Hill (Cayuga Lake) Vidal Blanc and Spumante Blush (both of which also won Best of Class honors).

Study Planned on Economic Impact of Finger Lakes Grape and Wine Region

More news from Jim Trezise of the New York State Wine and Grape Foundation:


The economic impact of the Finger Lakes grape and wine industry is featured in a newsletter from the New York State Department of Labor.

Written by Kevin Jacks, the article starts with a great quote from the New York Time's Eric Asimov ("Really, if you haven't tried any wines from the Finger Lakes in recent years, you're missing out."), and then highlights the various ways in which our industry is a major economic engine.

Read it at  http://www.labor.state.ny.us/stats/PDFs/enys0313.pdf 

Of course, we've known that for years, with studies to prove it. I'm delighted to report we will soon be launching an updated and expanded economic study that hopefully will be done by the end of the year. The last one, based on 2008 data, showed our industry generates annual economic benefits to the state exceeding $3.76 billion.

New York State Wine and Grape Foundation Updates Website

Here's news from the New York State Wine and Grape Foundation about changes to its website:


New look, new content, and new features are all part of our new www.newyorkwines.org website -- a more visually attractive, educational and user-friendly resource for the thousands of visitors eager to learn about New York grapes, grape juice and wine.

The new look includes updated graphics throughout the site as well as photos that rotate on the home page.  Among other new features:

-- A Winery page lets visitors use their current location to find nearby wineries

-- A Regional page shows all the wineries in New York's various wine regions

-- A Facts and Figures page features all statistical data in one place, including a photo archive and downloadable "New York's Great Grapes" merchandising materials

-- An Awards and Accolades section lists Gold medals, high scores, and other forms of recognition for New York wines, and is searchable by winery, wine competition, wine type, and year

-- A Media page contains information most commonly sought about our industry

-- An Industry page is focused on giving updates information and links to our industry members

In addition, New York wineries will be able to update their information on the web site as often as they wish.  The new site, at www.newyorkwines.org is compatible with the most popular browers, including Internet Explorer 9, Moxilla Firefox 14, Google Chrome 21, and Apple Safari 6.