NYC targeted for state wine campaign

Astor Center, site of March 12 grand tasting.

NEW YORK -- The New York Wine & Grape Foundation began putting extra effort into promoting New York wines in the Big Apple last year. This year will be no different.

A new campaign called "New York Drinks New York" will be held through the first quarter of this year, centered on New York City. The multi-pronged campaign is for wine trade, media, and consumers, intended to set the stage for a long-term effort to raise awareness about the quality of New York wines.

The program of activities will include "cellar visits" by media and trade representatives to the Hudson River Region, the Finger Lakes, and Long Island; a multi-day market visit to New York City by the 38 participating wineries; in-store tastings at city retailers; an advertising campaign; and a dedicated website going live February 1. The Foundation also will introduce a new logo specifically designed for the initiative. The signature event will be a grand tasting at Astor Center in Manhattan on March 12, featuring wines from the 38 participating wineries.

The calendar of activities:

• January 22: Cellar visit to Hudson River Region (trade and media)
• January 29-31: Cellar visit to the Finger Lakes (trade and media)
• February 19-21: Cellar visit to the Finger Lakes (trade and media)
• February 26-27: Cellar visit to Long Island (trade and media)
• March 8-10: In-store tastings at participating retailers (general public)
• March 12: Grand tasting of New York wines at Astor Center (trade, media, and general public)

"We're not urging New Yorkers to buy New York wines because they're local, but because they're high-quality products at reasonable prices" said Jim Trezise, president of the Foundation, "but the added benefit of buying really good, affordable New York wine is that these consumers are also supporting their own state economy."

All New York wineries were invited to participate. Those that decided to do so, by region:

Finger Lakes -- Anthony Road Winery, Atwater Estate Vineyards, Chateau LaFayette Reneau, Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, Eagle Crest Vineyards, Fox Run Vineyards, Glenora Wine Cellars, Heron Hill Winery, Hosmer Winery, Inspire Moore Winery, King Ferry Winery, Knapp Vineyards & Winery, Lakewood Vineyards, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Pleasant Valley Wine Company/Great Western Winery, Red Newt Cellars, Sheldrake Point Winery, Standing Stone Vineyards, Swedish Hill Winery, Thirsty Owl Wine Company, and Wagner Vineyards.

Long Island -- Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard, Bedell Cellars, Channing Daughters, Macari Vineyards, Martha Clara Vineyards, Palmer Vineyards, Paumanok Vineyards, Raphael Vineyard, and Wolffer Estate Vineyard.

Hudson River Region -- Benmarl Winery, Brotherhood Winery, Clinton Vineyards, Millbrook Winery, and Stoutridge Vineyard.

Niagara Region -- Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and Spring Lake Winery.

Thousand Islands -- Thousand Islands Winery.

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ON THE WEB
• New York Drinks New York(goes live February 1)
• Dowd's Guides home page