Yesterday was a long held dream for me. Governor Andrew Cuomo stepped up to the podium and delivered an excellent speech promoting New York wine - how good it is, what it means economically to the state, and how important it is to spread the word. George Will once wrote that Democracy is about accepting half a loaf. And while there are many things detractors could note, depending on their politics, I would have to say, for the New York state wine industry, this was a momentous occasion!! This Governor has done something no other Governor has since his father created the the NYWGF - he came out and promoted New York wine! And for that, and for an industry that brings in huge revenues and tourism into the state, we should all be truly grateful! I applaud the Governor and all he has done for New York state's farm beverage industry, of which, the wineries, are in fact the backbone of the entire industry. Having met the Governor, his staff, and many legislators, I rejoice with joy, that the state machinery has lurched forward to promote an industry that delivers on every level a state can ask for. he said yesterday that he was a partner in the wine business, as are all state residents, but finally, in the Governor's mansion, we truly have a partner!
A special note to Jim Trezise for congratulations for navigating the waters of this long and productive period in the state's wine industry, and I thank Tom Edwards and Jeff Shields an all the state's retailers and restaurants of New York for their continued support of New York state wine.
- C. DeVito, Editor
Andrew M. Cuomo - Governor
Governor Cuomo Launches ad Campaign Promoting New York State Wines and Announces Winner of 2013 Governor's Cup
http://livestre.am/4zPno
http://www.livestream.com/newyorkstateofficeofthegovernor/video?clipId=flv_3808fd69-aa87-4ad2-ae07-57269a258c20
Television ad premiered at the Governor’s Cup Wine Tour and Competition awards ceremony
Taste NY sponsored ad and website to drive local sales and boost tourism to wineries
Albany, NY (August 13, 2013)
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of a new television ad campaign to promote New York State’s award-winning wines and further grow the Taste NY experience. The thirty-second ad was developed in response to input received at the State's Wine, Beer, and Spirits Summit where the Governor pledged to support New York's position as a leader in wine production and boost tourism to grow the economy Upstate. Governor Cuomo premiered the television ad today at the Governor’s Cup Wine Tour and Competition awards ceremony.
At the ceremony, the Governor also announced Keuka Spring Vineyards’ 2012 Riesling of the Finger Lakes region won this year’s Governor’s Cup, a large silver chalice, recognizing the “Best of Show” or top prize from more than 800 entries in the annual New York Wine & Food Classic wine competition. In addition, McCall Wines from Long Island won the “Winery of the Year” award.
“This promotional advertising campaign delivers on another promise made at the Wine, Beer, and Spirits Summit where we pledged to help grow New York’s position as a global leader in wine production,” Governor Cuomo said. “New York’s wine industry supports thousands of jobs across the state and is an important partner to our agricultural and tourism industries. Our promotional efforts – including this ad campaign as well as initiatives like Taste NY and special wine events – are putting New York’s wine products on a national and international stage. Our local wineries are producing truly world-class wines, and we want these businesses to thrive and people to enjoy a taste of New York. And today’s winner of the Governor’s Cup, Keuka Spring Vineyards, is a testament to the high quality wines that we have to offer.”
To view the new ad, go to: http://livestre.am/4zPno.
To view photos from today’s wine tour, go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/governorandrewcuomo/sets/72157635057041879/.
The ad, which features rave reviews from wine critics around the country, encourages wine enthusiasts to buy locally made and produced products, and discover the distinctive varietals of New York State wines. In addition, the ad directs viewers to the newly launched Taste NY website, www.Taste.ny.gov, where they can purchase New York wines, learn more about the industry, and plan their next weekend getaway to one of the State’s hundreds of wineries.
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.
Since taking office, Governor Cuomo has worked to further develop this industry, which is a major driver of job creation and economic development in communities across the state. In July 2012, the Governor signed legislation designed to support New York's breweries and wineries, as well as increase demand for locally- grown farm products, and expand industry-related economic development and tourism. The 2013-14 State Budget introduced several new initiatives to help improve the marketing of New York State-produced products, including a total of $7 million for Market New York and Taste NY to support a multi-faceted regional marketing plan that will promote regional tourism and New York-produced goods and products.
The Governor also announced the following winners from the New York Wine & Food Classic competition.
The "Best of Category" awards, all eligible for the Governor's Cup, went to:
Best Sparkling Wine
Sparkling Pointe 2008 Blanc de Noirs
Best White Wine
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2012 Riesling
Best Rose Wine
McGregor Vineyard Winery 2012 Rosé D’Cabernet Franc, Estate Grown
Best Red Wine
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Franc
Best Dessert Wine
21 Brix 2011 Vidal Ice Wine
Best Specialty Wine
Earle Estates Meadery Raspberry Reflections
Best Spirit
Finger Lakes Distilling McKenzie Rye
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
Billsboro Winery 2012 Chardonnay
Best Unoaked Chardonnay
Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard 2012 Steel Fermented Chardonnay
Best Overall Chardonnay
Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard 2012 Steel Fermented Chardonnay
Best Gewürztraminer
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2012 Gewürztraminer
Best Dry Riesling
Paumanok Vineyards 2012 Dry Riesling
Best Medium Dry Riesling
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2012 Riesling
Best Medium Sweet Riesling
Swedish Hill Winery 2012 Riesling
Best Overall Riesling
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2012 Riesling
Best Pinot Grigio
Damiani Wine Cellars 2012 Pinot Grigio
Best Vinifera White Blend
Bedell Cellars 2010 Taste White
Best Cayuga
McGregor Vineyard Winery 2012 Cayuga White
Best Seyval
Raymor Estate Cellars Seyval Blanc
Best Hybrid White Blend
Tug Hill Vineyards 43 Degrees Lat White
Best Niagara
Lakewood Vineyards 2012 Niagara
Best Vinifera Rose
McGregor Vineyard Winery 2012 Rosé D’Cabernet Franc, Estate Grown
Best Native Rose
Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery Coriesa Hill-Iona Rosé
Best Catawba
Torrey Ridge Winery Catawba
Best Cabernet Sauvignon
Wölffer Estate Vineyard 2010 Cassango Cabernet Sauvignon
Best Merlot
Martha Clara Vineyards 2010 Merlot
Best Cabernet Franc
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Franc
Best Pinot Noir
McCall Wines 2010 Pinot Noir Reserve, Corchang Estate
Best Lemberger
Hosmer Winery 2010 Lemberger
Best Vinifera Red Blend
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars 76 West
Best Hybrid Red Blend
Swedish Hill Winery Viking Red
Best Fruit
Baldwin Vineyards Strawberry Wine
Best Cider
Earle Estates Meadery Wort Hog
Best Late Harvest Wine
Paumanok Vineyards 2012 Late Harvest Riesling
Best Ice Wine
21 Brix 2011 Vidal Ice Wine
Best Vinifera Sparkling White
Chateau Frank 2007 Blanc de Noirs