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We're delighted that our "New York Drinks New York" program focused on New York City will continue, thanks to a new grant from the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority with support from the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Our three-month program earlier this year was immensely successful, but would have been just a flash in the pan without additional funding. We can now build on that success by bringing key New York City wine media and trade representatives to the various regions, taking winery representatives into New York City--sort of an exchange program--and supporting all of this with ongoing public relations and advertising, starting with the "Eat Drink Local" program in late June. First Press Public Relations of Manhattan is again orchestrating the program for us.
"This was a very successful program, and we are pleased that it can continue with additional funding," said New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine. "The grape and wine industry is an important part of our agricultural economy, tourism, and quality of life in New York State, so this is a sound investment for the State of New York that I fully support."
Senator Gillibrand, the first New York Senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years, also actively supported the grant request. "From Niagara to Long Island, the Finger Lakes to the North Country, New York is the third largest producer of wine in our country," she said. "This is an opportunity to showcase New York's renowned vineyards and their products across the globe. In addition, we encourage tourists to come visit our local vineyards and wineries. New York vineyards are a critical part of our local economies and agricultural sector, and I will continue to help bring New York wines to the New York City markets and beyond."
We will also be taking New York wines--along with many New York foods--to Washington on September 12, when Senator Gillibrand will again host New York Farm Day to remind official Washington that New York is a major farm state with some of the best foods, wines, and restaurants in the world.
Jim Trezise of Penn Yan has been the President of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation since 1985 and President of the International Riesling Foundation since 2011.
