Cuomo Congratulates State's Vineyard Owners on Great Year

From the governor's office:

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has congratulated New York's wine and grape industry on a bountiful harvest this year, which will help this fast growing industry maintain its standing as a national leader in producing high quality wines.

Grape growers from all across the state report an abundant harvest, and Cuomo encourages New Yorkers to help these growers by purchasing and tasting New York wines this upcoming holiday season.
"The successful harvest for New York?s grape growers is giving our state?s wine industry a boost in production at exactly the right time," Cuomo said. "Over the last several months, New Yorkers and wine enthusiasts around the world have been learning and enjoying the incredible wines our state has to offer.

"As we continue efforts to improve the business climate for the wine industry, I congratulate our grape growers and wine producers on a prosperous year in 2013," he said. "As the holiday season approaches, I encourage those looking to find a great gift to support New York's growers and purchase a locally-produced wine."

While figures from this year's harvest are not yet available, reports from all sections of the state have been extremely positive with many grape growers reporting an abundant harvest of superb fruit. Long Island had the best harvest in terms of warm, dry weather throughout the fall. 

While the rest of the state had more variable weather, it still ended up with a great quality harvest. New York grapes, particularly varieties from Western New York, are also used in a number of other products including various juices and jellies.

New York ranks third nationally in wine and grape production, (after California and Washington) with the crop value estimated at $52.3 million in 2012.