The Press Deck
News from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation
April 24th, 2019
Field Notes...
From Member Suzanne Hunt, Hunt Country Vineyards
Dear Friends,
The fossil fuel industry, that one guy at work, and your Uncle Larry can say whatever they want about climate change impacts, but the grapes don’t lie. Climate change is causing physiological changes in grape vines, increasing pest and disease pressure, changing the characteristics of wines (flavors), and is expected to result in the redrawing of the world wine map within my lifetime.

Fine wine grapes are fussy. They need narrow temperature ranges for optimal flavor development and ripening. That is why regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux and other areas with optimum microclimates have been so noteworthy. It also explains why my ancestors started planting grapes along the hillsides of Keuka Lake in the 1830’s. They sought out the microclimate created by the lake’s moderating effect on air temperatures and airflows along the surrounding terrain.

Experts are quick to point out that, due to the sensitivity of grapes (particularly vinifera), increases in local temperatures due to climate change could spell disaster in wine regions that are already bordering on too warm for premium wine production. While the precision of a given climate model or the accuracy of a certain prediction can be debated, there is no doubt that the impacts of climate change are already being felt – and tasted – by the winemakers of the world today. Warmer nights in parts of France have resulted in reduced acid levels – which results in “flatter” wines. Winemakers in parts of Germany have seen warming trends that help with ripening and increasing sugar content. But this warmer air also holds more moisture, and botrytis mold (dubbed “noble rot” because it develops late in the growing season giving late harvest wines complex desirable flavors of raisin, honey, and dried apricot) is starting to develop in the vineyards earlier in the season leading to sour rot (self explanatory and bad). And they are losing their famed Eisweines, which require very cold temperatures.

In New York, scientists have been recording grape bloom dates for about 50 years and budbreak (when tender new buds emerge from the vine) for about 35 years. With the generally warming winters, budbreak dates have moved about 10 days earlier over the last half-century on average, while bloom moved about eight days earlier. That may sound all fine and good, but we’re also experiencing more erratic and extreme (hot, cold, wet, dry) weather. Vines come out of their deep winter dormancy and become active when the weather warms and, historically, the threat of winter had passed. But the new reality of early warming and unpredictable cold snaps can hammer newly-emerged buds, which only need to die once to create crops losses of 100% for that year’s harvest. 

Climate change is affecting different wine regions, grapes, and wines in different ways. While some regions are likely to decline, others expect benefits, but all will experience more erratic and extreme weather – if they aren’t already. The vintners of the world are not taking this lying down. They are of course adapting. Modifying everything from trellis systems, to grape varieties, to yeasts used, to moving to new cooler and less flood prone regions. Here at Hunt Country Vineyards , we’re doing things like tying canes for each vine to wires on the ground in the late fall and covering them with hay to help protect the vines from polar air periodically being pushed farther south by the changing atmospheric dynamics. Because we’re here to stay.

Our family roots are sunk deep in the land here in the Finger Lakes, so our response is to do everything possible to address the root problems. By investing in less polluting energy systems that result in cleaner air and water. By using compost, mulch, cover crops and biochar to return excess carbon dioxide in the air back to the soil where it enhances soil health and vineyard resilience. And by stewarding the farm as a complete ecosystem made up of woodlands and streams and wildlife of all kinds, not just as isolated blocks of grapes.

Maybe you don’t even drink wine, but I’m guessing that you eat. The changing climate is impacting food crops as well, not just premium wine grapes. The proof of climate change is on the table right in front of us and we all need to do more about it.
Cheers,
Suzanne Hunt, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Brand Evolution, Hunt Country Vineyards
A Note About the Press Deck Newsletter Content...
The Foundation has long shared that diversity is a strength of New York State, and we try to share many featured articles and, more recently, ‘Field Notes’ written by Guest Member authors. Please note that the opinions expressed in these articles do not reflect an endorsement or statement by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. Our purpose is to act as an information conduit, a community connector, to give voice to unique perspectives, and to highlight varying regions, accolades, and general news from around our great state. If you have topics of interest to share within our Field Notes, or articles that you feel would be beneficial for our readers to view, we welcome you to  email them to us for review and consideration.  Read more...
Industry News...
Are You Selling Enough Wine Online?
Global online retail sales reached $2.3 trillion in 2017—a 24 percent increase over the previous year - and is expected to grow to $4.8 trillion by 2021, according to eMarketer. All around the world consumers are increasingly using their fingertips to shop rather than visit brick and mortar stores. When it comes to wine however, a recent survey of over 1,000 U.S. wine consumers shows that only 27 percent have purchased wine online. Part of the reason for this is onerous shipping regulations that differ by state, the need for an adult signature to receive alcohol, and high shipping costs. But could there be another reason? Read more...
Two Wine Pros Weigh In On The State Of Wine Marketing & Sales
Marketing and sales efforts have generally been a grind for small US wineries: to succeed requires money and expertise. The heating up of distributor consolidation over the past decade hasn’t exactly helped many small wineries get their products to consumers, but the digital revolution has facilitated an alternative: direct-to-consumer (DtC) sales. Read more...
Gallo Winery Unveils "Women Behind the Wine" Campaign
"There is a tremendous opportunity to support women wanting to enter the industry or advance their careers in wine and spirits," states Joe C. Gallo, Vice President of LUX Wines and Channel Marketing. "Our field is complex, challenging, and most importantly, growing. Women Behind the Wine empowers women with meaningful educational experiences and champions a more innovative and inclusive category." Read more...
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New York in the News...
Our 2019 Guide to Long Island Winery Tasting Rooms
We asked Long Island’s wineries to tell us about the history of their vineyards, the wine they make and what makes their tasting room a unique place to visit. Read up on the wineries to plan your next stop along the Long Island wine trail. This guide features write-ups on most Long Island tasting rooms and includes important information like the varieties of grapes grown and hours of operation .
Rosé Winners Announced
In the Sparkling Wine Category, Best in Show went to Napa’s Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé 2015 ($42), which beat out a strong field of bubblies from around the world. Segura Viudas Brut NV ($11), from the Penedes region of Spain was second and Atwater Estate Vineyards NV ($16), from New York’s Finger Lakes area came in third. Read more...
Winery Releasing Four Wines to Honor Hudson Valley Landmark
If you like wine and music, you'll want to grab a few of these bottles.
There have been many wines produced to honor important events. locations and people. Marking a milestone with a specially fermented bottle of wine is a tradition that dates back centuries. Now, a special anniversary of a local landmark is receiving not one, but four wines in its honor. Millbrook Winery announced this week that they are releasing four different varieties of BardaVino. The wine is being specifically made to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie. Read more...
North Star: The Charm of North Fork, Long Island
Today, vineyards account for more than 1,200 trellised hectares on the North Fork, where the vines soak up the sun and seaside air. I know a trek to the North Fork is not complete without sipping its famed fermented juice. There are dozens of wineries with tasting rooms from which to choose but I settle on a few strategic stops. Read more...
NYWIA Celebrates 10th Anniversary
NYWIA President Suzy Hayes, Miles Wine Cellars, provided an overview of liability for wineries and what standards are needed to avoid or defend lawsuits including TIPS training and measured pours. She also noted that “Ten years ago, when NYWIA was organized we never knew how much we could accomplish working together to make an impact on legislative, research and educational issues.” Read more...
"NY Drinks NY" In the News!
Drink like a New Yorker
If you live in New York, work in New York or are doing business in New York – there is only one appropriate drink to order…New York State wines. Sam Filler, the Executive Director of the organization stated, “New York is home to the first bonded winery in the United States, making our state one of the oldest wine regions in the country.” The objective of the NY Drinks NY Grand Tasting, “…is to showcase the diversity, artistry and accessibility of New York’s wine and food landscape.” Read more...
Welcome New Business Associate Members!
The Tailor & the Cook : Friends since childhood, owners Chris Talgo and Tim Hardiman forged a business partnership based on their common passions for great local food and drink, sustainable business, and improving the community. Opening the restaurant only made sense. After all, Tim had been managing other peoples’ restaurants successfully for years and had loads of experience as an executive chef. And Chris practically paved the way for the restaurant through the popularity of his first venture, The Nail Creek Pub & Brewery on Varick St. in Utica. Once they found the perfect location, all the pieces really began to fall into place.
American National Insurance Company was founded in 1905 and has evolved into a well-respected member of the life insurance industry, offering both longevity and stability to its policyholders. American National offers a broad variety of life insurance, retirement annuities, accident and health insurance, pension plan products and services, credit insurance, and property/casualty insurance for personal lines, agribusiness and targeted commercial exposures. Products are distributed through career agents, independent marketing organizations and multiple line exclusive agents as well as direct distribution channels.  
Colonie Senior Service Centers is an independent, community-based not-for-profit that supports, respects, and embraces the values and vitality of its senior citizens. For thirty-seven years, CSSC has been about people, families, and community—committed to providing the services and resources that seniors need to stay active and independent. Today CSSC is the largest provider of services for seniors in Colonie, serving the largest population of seniors in the Capital Region.
Member Corner: News, Benefits, Events & More
TIPS Training May 20th, 2019
TIPS On Premise Training May 20th 12:00-5:00pm
Join our certified trainer, Julie Purpura Hosbach, for the TIPS On Premise program, which is an approximately 5-hour program designed for servers at restaurants, bars, hotels, in-store tastings, or other establishments where alcohol is consumed on the premises. Employees learn strategies that ensure responsible alcohol service, promote professionalism, and enhance customer service skills. After successfully passing the exam, participants are nationally certified for three years. Members save $20 each participant. Register here...
The Vine Hotline: Financial, Accounting & Tax-Focused Help Desk for Members Only!
In order to help New York Wine & Grape Foundation members tackle the complex issues of alcohol regulations and excise taxes, tax credits, tax preparation, grant applications, business planning, and more, we’ve partnered with our Business Associate Member Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co., LLP to provide you with a Members Only Help Desk . NYWGF Members can now submit their confidential questions online here . These will be answered each week by Anthony Sandonato and his team at Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co., LLP. The answers will be sent directly to you within 48 hours.
Member Benefit: Plastic & Reusable Bags
As of May 1 st , 2019 the New York Wine & Grape Foundation will be making a slight adjustment to our Bag Program. After May 1 st , all orders will be shipped directly to your desired location. Our members will still be able to enjoy the lowest purchase price available on cases of bags. The ‘Uncork NY’ plastic bags will now be $80 per case for members and $100 per case for non-members. The reusable 4-bottle and shopping bags will be $60 per case and $75 per case for non-members. Please note that due to the recent adoption of the state budget , New York will be imposing a statewide ban on plastic bags in certain circumstances as of March 20 th , 2020. Due to that ban, the NYWGF will not be replenishing our stock of bags once they are gone. 
 
To place your order for bags, please email Kim Hughes or call our office at p. (315) 924-3700.
Job Posting Member Benefit
Members are encouraged to send us their job listings. As the listings are added, we will update our website page and include in the Press Deck. Please send any job opportunities to Julie Purpura Hosbach , our Communications Manager.

Bet The Farm Winery
Bet The Farm Winery is searching for a tasting room assistant who is personable, who has a genuine enthusiasm & passion for becoming part of the Finger Lakes wine industry and enjoys interacting with people. For more information, please click here...

Goose Watch Winery
Goose Watch Winery is looking for an upbeat, energetic, Tasting Room Manager. This position will be responsible for providing excellent customer service, employee training, and inventory control.  For more information, please click here...
And The Winners Are:
Results from the 2019 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition:
Best Ice Wine awarded to Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2014 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine Best Sparkling Wine awarded to 21 Brix Winery NV Brutella
Best Fruit Wine awarded to Baldwin Vineyards NV Apple Wine
Best Chardonnay awarded to Whitecliff Vineyards 2017 Reserve Chardonnay. Double gold awarded to Deer Run Winery Cabernet Franc 2016
Double gold awarded to Demarest Hill Winery NV Dry Fig Grappa
Double gold awarded to Johnson Estate Winery 2017 Semi Dry Riesling
Gold awarded to 21 Brix Winery NV Ella's White
Gold awarded to Arrowhead Spring Vineyards 2015 Meritage Reserve
Gold awarded to Brimstone Hill Vineyard and Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc Gold awarded to Fox Run Vineyards 2016 Lemberger
Gold awarded to Goose Watch Winery Traminette 2017
Gold awarded to Penguin Bay 2017 Semi-dry Riesling
Gold awarded to Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards NV Solera Sherry
Gold awarded to Heron Hill Winery 2017 Eclipse White
Gold awarded to Hunt Country Vineyard 2016 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine
Gold awarded to Johnson Estate Winery, LLC 2017 Riesling
Gold awarded to Johnson Estate NV Estate Maple
Gold awarded to Johnson Estate NV Solstice Sangria
Gold awarded to Knapp Winery NV Triple Berry Wine
Gold awarded to Lakewood Vineyards 2017 Dry Riesling
Gold awarded to Liberty Vineyards & Winery NV Lucy's in the Sky
Gold awarded to Sheldrake Point Winery 2018 Dry Rosé
Gold awarded to Swedish Hill Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc
Gold awarded to Three Brothers Wineries and Estates 2016 Bourbon Barrel Aged Estate Barbera
Gold awarded to Three Brothers Wineries and Estates 2017 Wanderlush
Gold awarded to Wagner Vineyards 2017 Riesling Semi Dry
Gold awarded to Wagner Vineyards 2017 Riesling Select
Great American International Wine Competition
Upcoming Wine Trail Events