Finger Lakes Named Best Wine Region in U.S.

Check out this great read.

The Finger Lakes have been named the best wine region in the U.S.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2018/09/21/finger-lakes-best-wine-region/?fbclid=IwAR2HZGZDBt37kTPLYfCVRhp_SgTsuz0uF9HJ9nMKIFULVAtQQxY5ufdRvW4

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 Wines Clean Up on Medals at California Show

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

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2014 Vidal Ice Wine won "Best of Show" at the recent International Eastern Wine Competition/East Meets West in Sonoma, Calif. 

I wrote that sentence a month ago, but now that same wine took Best of Class at the Great American International Wine Competition held last weekend in Rochester, NY.  That double win is a tribute to both the quality of the wine and the quality of the judges. 

Another Best of Class winner was Wagner Vineyards 2015 Semi-Dry Riesling, with Wagner's 2015 Dry Riesling winning a Double Gold as well.  Other Double Gold winners were Hazlitt Light Port, Merritt Estate Bella Ice, and Silver Springs Merlot.

Gold medals were awarded to 240 Days 2015 Rose; Atwater 2014 Dry Riesling; Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2015 Late Harvest Riesling; Coyote Moon Fire Boat Red; Glenora 2015 Vidal Blanc Iced Wine; Hazlitt Red Cat, 2013 Gewurztraminer, and Cider Tree; Idol Ridge 2014 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine; Knapp 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2014 Dry Riesling; Long Point 2014 Syrah; Montezuma Ice Apple Cider; Schulze Catawba; Silver Springs Pinot Grigio; Swedish Hill 2015 Vidal Blanc; and The Winery at Marjim Manor Heart of Gold.

New York wines won a total of 122 medals.

Grapes Take Center Stage for Ag Literacy Week

From Empire Farm & Dairy magazine

By LESLIE SHELDON

Second-graders across New York state will have the opportunity to learn about grapes during Agricultural Literacy Week, which is March 20 to 24.
 

The book to be read during Ag Literacy Week

In celebration of New York agriculture, volunteers will visit elementary schools to read the book, “The Grapes Grow Sweet,” by Lynne Tuft and Tessa DeCarlo.
 
The book is about 4-year-old Julian, who is finally old enough to help with the grape harvest at his family’s vineyard. The story follows the development of grapes from blooms to harvest.
 
The book was chosen because of the emergence and growth of New York’s grape industry. There are 1,600 family-owned vineyards in New York state.
 
New York ranks third nationally in grape production, with 75 percent of grapes produced made into grape juice and the remainder processed into wine and used in the craft beverage industry, according to the Ag in the Classroom website.
 
Students and teachers also will benefit from hands-on lessons and receive follow-up activities.
 
The book will be donated to the school or classroom library. Last year thousands of second-graders participated in this activity, and 2,000 books were donated to schools.
 
Ag Literacy Week is sponsored by the New York Ag in the Classroom program. The focus last year was apples, and topics other years were weaving fibers, beekeeping, poultry, maple syrup, cheese, planting trees, and gardening.
 
To volunteer or for more information, visit www.agclassroom.org/ny/programs/literacy.htm
National Agriculture Day is March 21, and this year’s theme is “Agriculture: Food for Life.” Visit www.agday.org to learn about events scheduled around the country.

NY Wines Win Big at Nation's Largest Wine Competition

News from Jim Trezise, president of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

I've been in northern California judging at the annual San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the nation's largest with 6,850 entries this year from around the United States.  

The competition is run by Bob, Cary and Scott Fraser, with the backroom coordinated by the incomparable Anne Vercelli overseeing about 100 volunteers serving some 60 judges evaluating the wines over three and a half days.  What a job!

Best of Class awards went to Atwater Estate 2014 Riesling, and Merritt Estate Bella Ice.

Double Gold medals were awarded to Anthony Road 2015 Dry Riesling; Bellangelo 2015 Riesling, Gibson Vineyard; Merritt Estate Bella Rosa; Penguin Bay Percussion, and 2015 Riesling; Swedish Hill 2015 Riesling; and Wagner 2015 Dry Riesling.

Gold medals went to 1911 McIntosh Classic Apple Wine; Bellangelo 2015 Dry Riesling; Black Willow 2015 Diamond, and 2015 Bare Cat Blush; Brooklyn Winery 2013 Blanc de Blanc, and 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon; Buttonwood Grove 2015 Riesling; Coyote Moon 2015 LaCrescent, 2015 Concord, and 2015 Niagara; Keuka Spring Vineyards 2015 Riesling Humphreys Vineyards, and 2015 Vignoles; Merritt Estate 2015 Vidal Ice Wine, Edelweiss, and Pinot Grigio; Swedish Bill Blanc de Blanc; and Wagner 2015 Riesling.

The Chronicle tasting always kicks off the competition season, with Florida up next in early February. In 2016, New York wines won more than 1,000 Gold medals or scores of 90 or above in major wine magazines, and 2017 will probably be bigger and better.  

But a reminder to the wineries: If you don't enter, you can't win.

Message from In-Coming President of the NY Grape and Wine Foundation

A message from Sam Filler, in-coming president of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

Hello New York Grape and Wine World, and our Supporters.

I officially joined the New York Wine & Grape Foundation Jan. 1, and I spent my first week at the foundation's offices in Canandaigua. 

Filler

I received a warm and gracious greeting from Jim Trezise and our colleagues: Dana Alexander, Kim Hughes, Jenn Cooper, Susan Spence and Teresa Knapp.  I quickly learned that the staff is the heart of the organization. Their professionalism, hard work and positive attitudes drive forward everything we do at the foundation. 

I am excited to join their team and work with them to propel the New York grape and wine industry to new heights.

Jim will remain as president through March 31, and he kicked off the transition process with a thorough briefing on the ins and outs of how the foundation operates and an overview of its core programs.  Our foundation colleagues got me up to speed on their roles and functions; and they provided more in-depth detail about the programs that they manage.  

I am impressed at the breadth and scope of support that the Foundation provides to the industry each year.  I intend to continue this long tradition of support, and I plan on seeking out input on how the Foundation can build upon and expand its programming.

The foundation hosted its annual meeting of wine trails Jan. 5. The meeting provided me an opportunity to connect with the key leaders and representatives from our state's wine regions.  During the meeting, the trails' leadership exchanged best practices to boost member participation and marketing tactics to reach and attract more visitors. 

From my experience at Empire State Development and working with the I Love NY and Taste NY teams, I recognize the important role that trails serve to promote our wine regions and tasting rooms.  To that end, I plan on touring every wine trail and attending trail membership meetings during the first half of this year.
 

There will also be opportunities provided by the State this year for the foundation and wine trails to collaborate even more.  

 

Gov. Cuomo has proposed in his State of the State policy book several new initiatives to promote the craft beverage industry and agritourism.  For example, he pledges to make available $2 million through the Market NY REDC grant program for projects focused specifically on promoting destinations, attractions and special events related to the craft beverage and agritourism industry.  Additionally, he proposes to boost Taste NY's budget by $500,000 to support its presence at key food and beverage events.

These new investments will be complimented by the launch of New York State's first-ever New York Craft Beverage Week. This new promotion will be supplemented by a grant program for craft beverage producers to engage in joint marketing campaigns and stipends to enter products in national and international competitions.  

And, Gov. Cuomo proposes to establish the Taste NY Culinary Trail System, which will assist New York's branded trail systems with additional statewide promotion, as well as a one-stop shop within the Taste NY program to provide technical support.
 

This is going to be an exciting year of continued growth for the grape and wine industry.  It helps greatly that our state government remains committed to supporting our industry in many ways.  

I look forward to meeting many of you over the course of the year, and I welcome your ideas and questions, so feel free to email anytime at samfiller@nywgf.org.

No Such Thing as a Normal Harvest for Grapes in New York

From Jim Trezise at the New York Wine and Grape Foundation

This year's harvest once again proved that there is no such thing as a "normal harvest" in New York state, in contrast to some other regions where things are more predictable.

After a comparatively warm winter relative to the previous few years, what became the key issue was an unusual drought -- at one point classified as "extreme," beyond "severe"-- in the Finger Lakes and some other regions.  

But at the end of the day (or year), the 2016 harvest was generally one of superb quality, and the reduction in drought-induced quantity that was less than anticipated.  In the Lake Erie region (95 percent Concord and Niagara grapes for juice), the sugar levels were off the charts compared with "normal" years.

As always, Cornell Cooperative Extension's excellent "Veraison to Harvest" weekly e-newsletter during the fall was a valuable resource for growers and wineries to adapt to the conditions in order to maximize quality and quantity.  And the final edition included a great wrap-up of the year

At this point, the wines from the 2016 harvest are quietly developing in tanks or barrels, with great promise for great wines.

New York state now has 418 wineries and farm wineries, plus 82 branch offices/satellite stores, in 59 of the state's 62 counties. We're everywhere!

Coyote Moon Winery Wins Gold Medal at International Competition

Go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/coyote-moon-wins-gold-medal-champion-at-international-competition-20161028 to see the story.

Gillibrand Hosts New York Farm Day

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

New York wines and other farm-based craft beverages, farm-fresh food products, sensational seafood, and fine restaurants will soon travel to the nation's Capitol to tastefully remind Congress, the Administration and others that New York is a major agricultural state, and agriculture is a major part of the state's economy.

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will host "New York Farm Day" in the Senate Kennedy Caucus Room at the crest of Capitol Hill.  

Attendees will include other senators, the New York Congressional delegation from the House of Representatives, members of the Committees on Agriculture and the Congressional Wine Caucus, legislative chiefs of staff, agricultural specialists in Congress and the administration, members of the Washington media, top area restaurants and fine wine shops.

"Senator Gillibrand has been a great advocate for New York agriculture, including the grape and wine industry as well as other farm-based craft beverages," said Jim Trezise, president of the statewide New York Wine & Grape Foundation, which organizes the event.  

"New York produces some of the world's best wines, beers, spirits and ciders, as well as other farm products and seafood, and is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. We are honored to partner with Senator Gillibrand in tastefully proving that to official Washington."

Since its inaugural launch in 2002 (then hosted by former Senator Hillary Clinton), New York Farm Day has become the most popular event on Capitol Hill, with attendance normally exceeding 500 guests.  

A major part of the attraction is that the people presenting the beverages and foods are the same people who produce them--it's not just another catered event.

Foods to be enjoyed at New York Farm Day:

Wines of Long Island--A selection of award-winning wines from Bedell Cellars, Coffee Pot Cellars, Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard, Kontokosta Winery, Lieb Cellars, Macari Vineyards, Martha Clara Vineyards, McCall Wines, Osprey's Dominion Vineyards, One Woman Wines & Vineyards, Palmer Vineyards, Paumanok Vineyards, Raphael Vineyards, Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard, Suhru Wines, and Wolffer Estate Vineyard

K & B Seafood--Fresh Oysters and Clams 

Jewel--Seared Crescent Farm Duck Breast; Toasted Barley Salad with Raspberry-Coffee Vinaigrette and Petit Licorice Greens--by Chef Thomas Schaudel

Distilled Spirits of New York--Black Squirrel Distillery, Dark Island Spirits, Lockhouse Distillery, Tuthilltown Spirits, and Van Brunt Stillhouse

Orwashers Bakery--Morning Spelt, Levain Locale, Ultimate Whole Wheat, and Chardonnay Rustica & Sesamo Breads made with flour from Farmer Ground and North Country Farms, and starters made with grapes from Channing Daughters Winery                                        

New York State Maple Producers--Maple Cheesecake Delight made with maple granulated sugar and cream cheese sourced from New York dairies

Seaway Trail Honey--Seaway Trail Honey Raw Honeycomb Tidbits, Honey Cookies, Roasted Nuts and Honey, Bee Berry Melomel, Honey & Hops Mead

Cornell University--Cornell Big Red Cheddar

Wines of the Hudson Valley--A selection of award-winning wines from Benmarl Winery, Brotherhood Winery, Clinton Vineyards, Millbrook Winery, Robibero Family Vineyards, Stoutridge Vineyard, and Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery

Red Jacket Orchards--Black & Blue Stomp (black currant and blueberry juice); Apricot Stomp; Tart Cherry Stomp.

State University of New York at Cobleskill--Smoked Campus-raised Brown Trout on Micro Greens with Yogurt Cheese and Spicy Pumpkin Vinaigrette; Centennial Celebration Pumpkin Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream

                                                  

Wines of the Finger Lakes--A selection of award-winning wines from Fulkerson Winery, Goose Watch Winery, Hosmer Winery, Knapp Winery, Lakewood Vineyards, Red Newt Cellars, and Wagner Vineyards

New York Wine & Culinary Center--Chilled Buckwheat Noodle Salad tossed with Small World Organics Kimchee, Naked Dove Beer Braised Bostrom Farms Pork, and Marinated Chef Select Vegetables

Craft Ciders of New York--A selection of ciders from Brooklyn Cider House, Descendant Cider Company, Embark Craft Ciderworks, Good Life Cider, Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider, and Nine Pin Ciderworks

Upstate Niagara Cooperative--Intense Chocolate and Salted Caramel Milk, and Greek Yogurt

Li-Lac Chocolates--Hazelnut Truffles, Marzipan Squares, Non-pareils, French Mint and Butter Crunch Chocolate

                                            

National Grape Cooperative/Welch's--Red and White Sparkling Grape Juice

Cabot Creamery Cooperative--McCadam Adirondack, Cabot New York Extra Sharp, and McCadam Empire Jack Cheeses 

Wines of Lake Erie and Other New York Regions--A selection of award-winning wines from 21 Brix Winery, Johnson Estate Winery, and Liberty Vineyards & Winery (Lake Erie region); Coyote Moon Vneyards and Tug Hill Vineyards (North Country); Leonard Oakes Estate Winery (Niagara region); and Brooklyn Oenology (New York City) 

  

North Country Specialties--Moser's Maple Mini's, Adirondack Beef Company Beef Sticks, Lowville Producer's Squeaky Fresh Cheese Curd, Kraft-Heinz Philadelphia Cream Cheese (from Philadelphia, New York!), and Domaine Champlain Applesauce

Mercer's Dairy--Lemon Sparkling, and Cherry Merlot, Wine Ice Creams 

Dessert & Ice Wines of New York--A selection of award-winning wines from Casa Larga Vineyards, Fox Run Vineyards, Johnson Estate Winey, Lakewood Vineyards, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Osprey's Dominion Vineyards,  Penguin Bay Winery, Sheldrake Point Winery, and Thirsty Owl Wine Company.

New York Apple Association--Fresh New York Apples and Red Jacket Orchards Cider    

                                    

Empire Brewing Company--Slo' Mo IPA, Skinny Atlas Light, Two Dragons, White Aphro

Wines of the Finger Lakes--A selection of award-winning wines from Anthony Road Winery, Billsboro Winery, Chateau Lafayette Reneau, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Fox Run Vineyards, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Treleaven by King Ferry, and Ventosa Vineyards

Chobani--Chili Lime, Roasted Red Pepper, Three Pepper Salsa, and Smoked Onion Parmesan flavored dips; and Apple Veg, Strawberry Banana, Mixed Berry, and Mango flavored drinkable yogurts

 

2 Finger Lakes Wineries Take Top Honors at NY Wine Competition

Results from the New York Wine & Food Classic as posted by Jim Trezise of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

Congratulations to Billsboro Winery and Keuka Spring Vineyards for top showing at this week's New York Wine & Food Classic.

 

Billsboro Winery 2013 Syrah from the Finger Lakes Region won the coveted "Governor's Cup" trophy as the best wine of the competition, with a very strong vote among all judges during the final "Sweepstakes" round. 

 

When the Classic began some 30 years ago, it was totally inconceivable that a dry red Syrah from the Finger Lakes region would take top honors, but here it is.

 

The "Winery of the Year" award went to Keuka Spring Vineyards, also from the Finger Lakes region, for the best overall showing in terms of the number and types of medals for various wines entered.  

 

 Keuka Spring is a past Governor's Cup winner whose wines have also won top awards at major international and national competitions, including twice for Best White Wine (once for a Riesling, once for a Gewurztraminer) at the San Francisco Chronicle Competition, the largest in the country..

 

This year's competition included 893 New York wines, 20 Hard Ciders and 38 Craft Spirits from several regions across New York state including Long Island, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, Niagara Escarpment and Lake Erie. 

 

The Billsboro Winery 2013 Syrah was also voted Best Red Wine and Best Syrah on its way to the ultimate award. Keuka Spring Vineyards won Best White Wine and Best Overall Riesling on its way to the Winery of the Year award, along with several Best of Class awards and other top medals. 

 

Other "Best of Category" grape wines in the final "Sweepstakes" round were: 

 

Sparkling Wine: Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery 2013 Brut, from Long Island

 

White Wine: Keuka Spring Vineyards 2015 Gewurztraminer, from the Finger Lakes

 

Blush or Rose Wine: 21 Brix Winery Ellatawba, from Lake Erie

 

Dessert Wine: Wolffer Estate Vineyard 2015 Descencia Botrytis Riesling/Chardonnay, from Long Island 

 

There are other special categories as well: 

 

A "Specialty Wine Champion" award recognizes consistent quality among the increasing number of wines made from fruits other than grapes, or honey. The 2016 winner was Coyote Moon Vineyards Razzle Dazzle.

 

A "Best Limited Production Wine" award, for wines produced with fewer than 100 cases, went to Finger Lakes Community College Viticulture & Wine Tech Corp 2015 Gather, Dry Riesling.

 

There are also awards for Best Spirit and Best Cider. The Best Spirit honor went to Finger Lakes Distilling McKenzie Bourbon Whisky while the Best Cider was Brooklyn Cider House Half Sour.

 

The awards were based on blind tastings by 22 expert judges-5 from California, 9 from New York, 7 from other states, and 1 from London. Judges included prominent wine writers, restaurateurs, retailers, and wine educators. Judging panels determined the initial awards, with top-scoring wines evaluated by all 22 judges for Best of Category and Governor's Cup awards.

 

Celebrating its 31st year, the Classic is organized by Teresa Knapp of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, with support from NYWGF colleagues Susan Spence, Dana Alexander, Jenn Cooper, and Kim Hughes, and a great crew of volunteers.

 

The Classic is open to all 406 New York wineries from all regions. In 2016, a total of 71 Double Gold, 106 Gold, 386 Silver, and 250 Bronze medals were awarded. In addition, "Best of Category" and "Best of Class" designations were awarded to wines rated as the finest in various areas. Double Gold medals require unanimity among a panel's judges that a wine deserves a Gold medal, whereas Gold medals require a majority vote.

 

 

Best of Class awards go to Double Gold or Gold medal wines in classes of at least 7 wines. The "Best of Class" awards went to:

 

Best Oaked Chardonnay

Whitecliff Vineyard 2014 Reserve Chardonnay (Hudson River Region)

 

Best Unoaked Chardonnay

Lieb Cellars 2015 Bridge Lane Chardonnay (North Fork of Long Island)

 

Best Gewürztraminer

Keuka Spring Vineyards 2015 Gewürztraminer (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Dry Riesling

Keuka Spring Vineyards 2015 Humphreys Vineyard Riesling, Single Vineyard Series (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Medium Dry Riesling

Dr. Konstantin Frank 2015 Riesling, Semi-Dry (Finger Lakes)

  

Best Medium Sweet Riesling

Keuka Spring Vineyards 2015 Semi Sweet Riesling (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Sweet Riesling

Wagner Vineyards 2013 Riesling Select, Estate Grown & Bottled (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Overall Riesling

Keuka Spring Vineyards 2015 Semi Sweet Riesling (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Pinot Grigio

Duck Walk Vineyards 2015 Pinot Grigio (Long Island)

 

Best Other Vinifera White Varietal

Palmer Vineyards 2015 Albarino (North Fork of Long Island)

 

Best Vinifera White Blend

Bedell Cellars 2015 Taste White (North Fork of Long Island)

 

Best Vinifera/Hybrid White Blend

Keuka Spring Vineyards Celebrate (Finger Lakes)

Best Cayuga

Swedish Hill Winery 2015 Cayuga White (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Seyval

Benmarl Winery 2015 Seyval Blanc (Hudson River Region)

 

Best Traminette

Seneca Shore Wine Cellars Traminette, Estate Bottled, DeMarco Vineyards (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Vidal

J.R. Dill Winery 2015 Vidal Blanc (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Cold Climate White Varietal

Coyote Moon Vineyards Brianna (Thousand Islands)

 

Best Hybrid White

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard White Stag (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Niagara

Americana Vineyards Crystal Lake (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Catawba

21 Brix Winery Ellatawba (Lake Erie)

 

Best Native Varietal

Coyote Moon Vineyards Fire Boat Red (Thousand Islands)

 

Best Vinifera Rosé

Wagner Vineyards 2015 Rosé of Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Cabernet Sauvignon

Osprey's Dominion Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (North Fork of Long Island)

Best Merlot

Clovis Point Vineyard & Winery 2013 Vintner's Select Merlot (North Fork of Long Island)

 

Best Pinot Noir

Osprey's Dominion Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir (North Fork of Long Island)

 

Best Cabernet Franc

Kontokosta Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc (North Fork of Long Island)

 

Best Other Red Vinifera Varietal

Influence Wines 2015 Malbec (North Fork of Long Island)

 

Best Syrah

Billsboro Winery 2013 Syrah (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Vinifera Red Blend

Harbes Vineyard 2014 Red Blend, Proprietor's Reserve (North Fork of Long Island)

 

Best Cold Climate Red Varietal

Tug Hill Vineyards White Out, Estate (Thousand Islands)

 

Best Fruit Wine

Coyote Moon Vineyards Razzle Dazzle (Thousand Islands)

 

Best Cider

Brooklyn Cider House Half Sour

 

Best Spirit

Finger Lakes Distilling McKenzie Bourbon Whisky

 

Best Port

Goose Watch Winery 2015 Finale White Port (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Late Harvest

Wolffer Estate Vineyard 2015 Descencia Botrytis Riesling/Chardonnay (Long Island)

 

Best Ice Wine

Sheldrake Point Winery 2014 Riesling Ice Wine, Wild Ferment, Estate Bottled (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Vinifera Sparkling White

Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery 2013 Brut, Methode Champenoise (North Fork of Long Island)

 

Best Vinifera Sparkling Pink

Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery 2013 Topaz Imperial, Methode Champenoise (North Fork of Long Island)

 

Best Hybrid Sparkling White

Swedish Hill Winery Blanc de Blancs (Finger Lakes)

 

Best Native Sparkling Wine

Lakewood Sparkling Catawba (Finger Lakes)

 

 

Hudson Valley Wineries Create 'Signature Wine'

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon...Oregon Pinot Noir...Long Island Merlot... Finger Lakes Riesling--just a few of the regions that have become famous by adopting a "signature wine" that they can do consistently well across vintages and wineries.

And now a group of Hudson Valley wineries has decided to hitch their wagon to Cabernet Franc, a medium-bodied red wine that grows well in the cool-climate region and is rapidly increasing in popularity.

Spearheading the effort, Doug and Mary Ellen Glorie of Glorie Farm Winery, along with the publishers of Hudson Valley Wine Magazine, spread the idea and received an eager audience of industry colleagues.  As a result, the Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition was formed to encourage more vineyard plantings of the grape and boost recognition of the region's distinctive Cabernet Franc wines.  (In other parts of the State, there are the Long Island Merlot Alliance, and the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance focused on Riesling.)

Used primarily in a cameo role as a blending grape in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc has become increasingly popular among New York producers due to its cold-hardy nature, medium body, food friendliness, and other characteristics. Coincidentally, it is one of the "parents" of both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties.

Some people fear that choosing a "signature wine" will type-cast a region as a one-trick pony, but long experience has proven otherwise.  What it does ideally is draw attention to the region for consistent quality of that wine as an enticement to try others.  Works like a charm.

Best wishes for success to our Hudson Valley colleagues.

National Wine Day is Today!!

Grapes at Thousand Islands Winery

Today is National Wine Day.

This is not to be confused with National Drink Wine Day, which is celebrated in February.

Today, May 25, we will celebrate wine and those who make it, especially all those vintners in New York state. New York is the second largest producer of wine in the country after California and New York producers make top notch wine that constantly win national and international wine contests. 

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or other fruits -- in fact there are wines made from fruits such as apples, pears and cherries made right in New York state.

So on National Wine Day, enjoy a glass of their favorite wine with dinner, for dessert, with friends, at a restaurant, at home or at a wine-tasting event.

New Executive Director Chosen for New York Wine and Grape Foundation

News from the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

               

Filler

Samuel Filler will become the executive director of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation as of Jan. 1, said foundation board chair Trent Preszler.

He will replace outgoing President Jim Trezise, who has served in that position since the foundation was created over 30 years ago.

"When Jim announced his intention to step aside at the end of this year, the board began conducting an extensive search," Preszler said. "During that process, Mr. Filler clearly rose to the top and his appointment was approved unanimously by the board. 

"I am confident that his experience in economic development and his passion for the New York grape and wine industry make him a perfect fit for NYWGF at this particular moment in our history. I anticipate in the coming months and years we will see our vital organization rise to even greater heights," Preszler said.

Since 2012, Filler has been director of industry development for Empire State Development Corp. and directed the "One Stop Shop" and served as a vital liaison between state government and New York's wine, beer, spirits and cider industries. In that role, he administered $9 million in funding for craft beverage advertising, marketing, and tourism projects.

"Sam's direct experience with our industry in the regulatory, financial, and promotional arenas make him the ideal choice to propel the Foundation and industry forward into an even brighter future," said Trezise. "He is well-known and highly respected throughout the industry, and brings the energy and talent required to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

Filler also has worked in economic development and public service positions in New York City, Washington D.C., and California. He completed leadership training as part of the Empire State Fellows Program, and is  enrolled in Cornell University's LEAD NY program for leaders in the food, agriculture and natural resources industries.  

Filler has a bachelor's degree from Vassar College, and a master's of urban planning from New York University.

"I am honored to be selected as executive director, and excited about this opportunity," said Filler. "The New York Wine and Grape Foundation has an extraordinary history of catalyzing the transformation of an industry from an economic crisis into a major economic development engine. 

"I am excited to build on the solid foundation created by Jim Trezise and the staff of NYWGF, and I look forward to using my experience in economic development and the knowledge I have acquired about this industry to advance that success," Filler said.

Filler will remain at ESD for the rest of 2016. Trezise will remain president of NYWGF until March 31,  working closely with Filler to ensure a smooth transition into the future. 

New York Wineries Exhibit at Boston Wine Expo

Nearly two dozen New York state wineries showcased their products under the Taste NY Pavilion at the 25^th annual Boston Wine Expo this past weekend. 

The Boston Wine Expo is the Northeast’s largest wine and food event and draws about 8,000 distributors and consumers. New York wineries from Western New York to Long Island connected with new business opportunities and reached new consumers during the two-day event.
“New York state is home to some of the best wines in the world," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.  “Through the Taste NY initiative, New York wineries have earned well-deserved national and international acclaim, and we are thrilled to build on that success this weekend.”
This marks the second year New York state has had a presence at the Boston Wine Expo. Eight wineries from Western New York, the Finger Lakes and the Capital Region will be participating for the first time. 

The Boston Wine Expo is regarded as one of the premier wine trade and consumer shows in the country. Now in its 25^th year, the event features seminars, tastings and networking events, and continues to be open to both distributors and consumers.
To help consumers purchase and remember their favorite wines, the Expo has partnered with the Drync app. Consumers get wine details in seconds by taking a photo of the front label and can order New York state wines through the app for in-store pick up or delivery from their favorite retailer. 

Expo attendees also used the app to vote on their favorite wines at the show by scanning the labels, which Drync and the Expo will broadcast as the "Top Trending” wines.
Jim Trezise, president of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, also conducted a seminr at the expo titled, “Class by the Glass: The Taste of New York Gold.” He showcased a range of New York state wines, all of which have won gold medals at major wine competitions.

Visit the Grape Discovery Center

Hey folks.

This looks like a great place to visit. A lot of people in New York forget about western New York as a grape and wine region. This is where all those deep, purple Concord grapes are grown for grape juice. That section of the grape industry contributes a lot to the economy.

The Grape Discovery Center opened in May 2013. Read more at http://www.grapediscoverycenter.com/?www.grapediscoverycenter.com

New York Wines Win at California Competition

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

The recent Grand Harvest Awards held in Sonoma, Calif. once again yielded some more New York Gold, including four Best of Class, three Double Gold, and eight Gold medals.
 

Best of Class awards went to Dr. Frank 2014 Dry Riesling (also a Double Gold and Best of Finger Lakes AVA); Heron Hill 2013 Semi-Dry Riesling (also Gold and Best of New York State AVA); Liberty Vineyards 2014 Traminette (also Gold and Best of Lake Erie AVA); and Thirsty Owl 2014 Diamond (also Gold).

Additional Double Gold medals went to Swedish Hill 2014 Late Harvest Vignoles and Thirsty Owl 2014 Gewurztraminer.  And other Golds went to Dr. Frank 2014 Gruner Veltliner; Heron Hill 2012 Cabernet Franc, and 2013 Semi-Sweet Riesling; Liberty Vineyards 2014 Reds, Whites & Blues Rose; and Swedish Hill 2013 Blue Waters Pinot Noir.

New Initiatives Come Out of Wine, Beer, Spirits and Cider Summit

This information about the Wine, Beer, Spirits and Cider Summit is from Jim Trezise of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced more than $16 million in new investments to grow New York's craft beverage industry.  

Included is $5 million for promotion including direct spending ($2 million), tourism promotion ($1 million), and targeted advertising ($1 million)--plus a $3 million competitive matching grants program.  

In addition, $400,000 is specifically dedicated to getting tourists from New York City to the eastern Long Island wine region.

On the research side, nearly $7 million was committed to the New York State Food Venture Center at the Geneva Experiment Station, which will accelerate the growth of the craft beverage sectors.  This investment reflects the importance of Cornell University and Cooperative Extension in the industry's advancement, complemented by Finger Lakes Community College.

In addition, the incredibly valuable "One Stop Shop" ombudsman service of state government, first created at the 2012 Summit and staffed by Sam Filler and Molly Bauer, will be enhanced with a subset within the State Liquor Authority, since about 90 percent of all industry inquiries involve the Alcohol Beverage Control law or SLA rules, so direct calls make more sense.

There were also about a dozen new initiatives designed to cut bureaucracy in various ways: allowing salespeople to work for multiple craft beverage manufacturers; letting craft beverage manufacturers collaborate in operating a "branch office" (satellite store); permitting the sales of off-premise beer in growlers; letting wineries operate "home winemaker centers" where hobbyists can use the facilities and equipment to make their "homemade" wine; and simplifying the licensing for bona fide wine educators.

Geneva Winery Wins Governor's Cup

Winners of the 2015 Governor’s Cup wine competition have been announced.

At an award ceremony today in Canandaigua, Ontario County, Lt. Gov..Kathy Hochul presented the 2015 Governor’s Cup to Ventosa Vineyards from Geneva for its 2011 Lemberger, Estate Grown. 

This ceremony followed the state’s first-ever Taste NY Culinary Tour, which provided more than a dozen of the region’s leading chefs and restaurateurs with a first-hand look at the quality and diversity of New York agriculture in the region.
The Governor’s Cup award is a large silver chalice, recognizing the Best of Show or top prize from 910 entries in the annual New York Wine & Food Classic competition, organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. 

In addition, Paumanok Vineyards from Long Island’s North Fork won the Winery of the Year award.
This year's competition included 858 wines, 20 hard ciders and 32 spirits from across the state. The awards were based on blind tastings by 22 expert judges, four from California, 10 from New York, seven from other states and one from France. 

Judges included prominent wine writers, restaurateurs, retailers and wine educators. Judging panels determined the initial awards, with top-scoring wines evaluated by all 22 judges for the Best of Category and Governor's Cup awards.
The Governor also announced the following winners from the 2015 New York Wine & Food Classic competition:
The "Best of Category" awards, all eligible for the Governor's Cup, were:

· Best Sparkling Wine – Goose Watch Winery Pinot Noir Brut Rosé · Best White Wine – Paumanok Vineyards 2014 Semi-Dry Riesling · Best Rosé/Blush Wine – Lime Berry Winery Bunny Bunny Blush · Best Red Wine – Ventosa Vineyards 2011 Lemberger, Estate Grown · Best Dessert Wine – Sheldrake Point Winery 2014 Riesling Ice Wine

The "Best of Class" awards, which are given to Double Gold or Gold medal wines in classes of at least 10 wines, were:

· Best Oaked Chardonnay – McCall Wines 2013 Chardonnay Reserve
· Best Unoaked Chardonnay – Glenora Wine Cellars 2014 Chardonnay
· Best Gewürztraminer – Mazza Chautauqua Cellars 2014 Gewürztraminer · Best Dry Riesling – Dr. Konstantin Frank 2013 Dry Riesling
· Best Medium Dry Riesling – Dr. Konstantin Frank 2013 Riesling, Semi-Dry  
· Best Medium Sweet Riesling – Paumanok Vineyards 2014 Semi-Dry Riesling
· Best Sweet Riesling – Glenora Wine Cellars 2014 Riesling  
· Best Overall Riesling – Paumanok Vineyards 2014 Semi-Dry Riesling
· Best Sauvignon Blanc – Martha Clara Vineyards 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Reserve
· Best Pinot Gris – Dr. Konstantin Frank 2013 Pinot Gris · Best Other Vinifera White Varietal – Inspire Moore Winery 2014 Rhythm  
· Best Vinifera White Blend – Casa Larga Vineyard 2014 Chard-Riesling  
· Best Traminette – Goose Watch Winery 2014 Traminette  
· Best Hybrid White Blend – Tug Hill Vineyards 43° Lat White
· Best Niagara – Americana Vineyards Crystal Lake
· Best Vinifera Rosé – Kontokosta Winery 2014 Rosé
· Best Cabernet Sauvignon – Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve  
· Best Merlot – Harbes Vineyard 2013 Hallock Lane Merlot
 · Best Pinot Noir – Martha Clara Vineyards 2013 Pinot Noir, Estate Reserve  
· Best Cabernet Franc – Idol Ridge Winery 2012 Cabernet Franc
· Best Lemberger – Ventosa Vineyards 2011 Lemberger, Estate Grown  
· Best Other Red Vinifera Varietal – Standing Stone Vineyards 2013 Saperavi
· Best Vinifera Red Blend – Fox Run Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Franc/Lemberger
· Best Hybrid Red Blend – Raymor Estate Cellars Sunset Red
· Best Fruit – Baldwin Vineyards Strawberry Wine
· Best Cider – Kaneb Orchards St. Lawrence Cider  
· Best Spirit – Black Button Distilling Citrus Forward Gin
· Best Late Harvest – Swedish Hill Winery 2014 Late Harvest Vignoles
· Best Ice Wine – Sheldrake Point Winery 2014 Riesling Ice Wine  
· Best Vinifera Sparkling White – Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery 2005 Brut Seduction, Methode Champenoise

First-Ever Taste NY Culinary Tour
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets led the tour, visiting four farms and processors across Yates and Ontario counties.-- Wegman’s Organic Farm (vegetable farm), Hemdale Farms (dairy farm), Climbing Bines (hops farm) and Birkett Mills (buckwheat).
The tour, which was the first of three to be held across the state, kicked off at the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua and participants visited four farms and processors. 

At Wegman’s Organic Farm, restaurateurs toured the 5-acre organic vegetable farm that grows about 25 different vegetables and herbs, including cherry tomatoes, leeks, beets, squash, dandelion greens, eggplant, cilantro, basil and parsley, for its restaurant and several Wegmans stores. 

The farm strives to grow the best-tasting varieties and extend growing seasons, making local farms more economically sustainable. 

The group also toured Hemdale Farm, which opened its milking parlor more than half a century ago and today has grown to an 11,000 cow, 21^st century dairy operation. The farm uses 19 automatic, robot milking systems and produces 80,000 pounds, or more than 9,000 gallons, of milk daily.
The tour moved to Penn Yan and visited Climbing Bines Hop Farm, a 1.5-acre site that consists of seven cultivars and nearly 1,500 hills.The farm is dedicated to growing premium New York state grown hops for the local brewing industry and beyond. 

At the final stop, participants visited The Birkett Mills, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of buckwheat products. The mill has over 200 years of buckwheat, soft white wheat, and custom grain milling experience. Throughout the year, finished products are shipped across the United States, Canada and Western Europe.

Two additional Culinary Tours are planned for the coming weeks. A tour will be held on Long Island later this month and in the Hudson Valley in October.