The Press Deck
News from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation
May 1st, 2019
Field Notes...
From Sam Filler, Executive Director
Dear Friends,
The NYWGF Team and I maintained a rigorous pace of action throughout April. We used the month to start our new fiscal year by preparing a clear plan of action to most effectively deploy our budget resources. Advisory panels were formed to provide input on NY Drinks NY Phase 9, and the 2019-2020 Export Program (starting July 1). Also, our Board’s Research Committee convened to plan our research project commitments. Amidst all this strategic planning work, we prepared to relocate our Foundation office from Canandaigua to Penn Yan, and I literally traveled to every corner of the state from Riverhead to Fredonia and from Ithaca to Clayton. We are committed to generating value for the grape and wine industry and being an effective partner for every grape growing and wine producing region. 
 
As part of our office move, we are excited to share we’ve added a new Administrative Assistant position to our team to help us provide greater service to our industry. I am pleased to announce that Amy Ellsworth joined our team last week. She has an extensive background in the craft beverage industry working in sales and communications. When you stop by our new office please be sure to introduce yourself to her.  
 
In mid-April, I traveled to Washington D.C. to attend WineAmerica’s National Wine Policy Conference . I was joined by Scott Osborn ( Fox Run Vineyards and WineAmerica Board Member) and Steve Bate ( Long Island Wine Council ). The conference provided the opportunity to meet with our colleagues across the country, and we shared with each other our regional victories and struggles. Scott, Steve, and I also spent time visiting with our New York Congressional Delegation to advocate for the permanent extension of The Craft Beverage Reform and Tax Modernization Act and to bring attention to the ADA website compliance lawsuits. I commend the work that Jim, Tara, and Michael have done at WineAmerica to advocate for our industry, and I encourage all New York wineries to seriously consider membership to support the critical work being done on a national level. 
 
Last week, I participated on a consumer engagement panel at the NY State Tourism Industry Association’s annual conference in Buffalo. I presented on the wine consumer profiles that we developed through our New York Wine Tourism Marketing Toolkit , which we launched this past March. I had the privilege to serve on a panel with tourism colleagues who focus on fostering inclusion and diversity in tourism marketing and hospitality practices. I think that our industry would benefit from engaging further in this conversation, so stay tuned for future webinars to be hosted by my colleagues from the panel. 
 
I’m signing off until May 16 as Maura and I are traveling to France to see Paris, Provence, and Bordeaux. Pay attention to my Instagram account (@ledonfiller,) as I will be posting photos of our trip and visits to French wine country.
Cheers,
Sam Filler, Executive Director
New York Wine & Grape Foundation
American Society for Enology and Viticulture
Digital Viticulture Symposium
A special vineyard tour and symposium entitled “Digital Viticulture: New Tools for Precision Management” will be featured as part of the annual American Society for Viticulture and Enology - Eastern Section (ASEV-ES) conference at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY on July 16 through July 18. The two-day program and vineyard tour will bring together suppliers, researchers, and growers to explore the tools and concepts of precision viticulture. New technologies, such as inexpensive sensors, digital imaging, geographical information systems, and precision machinery are converging to make precision viticulture possible. This field tour and symposium will focus on tools, concepts, and platforms for putting it all together to manage vineyards.
Industry News...
Let’s All Say It Just Once: There’s Nothing Wrong With Liking Sweet Wine
“America is two-sided about sweet wines,” says Regine Rousseau, CEO of Shall We Wine, a Chicago company that hosts wine, beer, and spirits tastings. On the one hand, juicy, jammy wines out sell dry varieties. “But if someone says, ‘oh, I love sweet wines,’ people look at them like, Oh my God you’re so uncouth.” It’s a pervasive dichotomy, revealing the vast divide between what Americans think we should like, and what most people actually enjoy. Read more...
When It Comes to Wine, Weird is the New Normal
In fairness to Parker, he also championed a lot of inexpensive wines and wanted to upend fusty old classifications. But if the changes weren’t immediate — Parker’s de facto retirement only came in 2016 — the stage for dramatic change was set at the same time the world economy was tanking. While I like to think today’s more inclusive (if not yet inclusive enough) wine world was a question of new aesthetics, and the more nuanced tastes of a new generation, it could not have gotten there without economics. Read more...
The TTB is Stepping Up Enforcement
This is a public service post for people in the U.S. wine (and spirits, and beer and cider) industry. The TTB is stepping up enforcement, and might be coming to look at your records soon. And they won't be as friendly about it in the past.
Starting in fiscal year 2017, Congress gave the TTB (the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau)  $5 million per year  specifically for enforcement. At the beginning the agency mostly used that money for educational seminars, to try to warn industry members against breaking the law. But lately the TTB is cooperating with state law enforcement agencies in an aggressive manner that the industry is not accustomed to. Read more...
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New York in the News...
Finger Lakes Growers Seek Sustainable Wine Plan
On Tuesday, about 40 from the wine and grape industry met at Heron Hill Winery to chart a sustainable future for the Finger Lakes wine region. The group included area growers and winemakers, along with experts from Cornell University and New York Wine & Grape Foundation. They talked about a plan first promoted more than a decade ago — VineBalance Guide to New York Viticulture — that outlines best practices to manage vine growth, weeds, diseases, insects, and soil fertility. Read more...
New York Hemp Industrial Park Update
Canopy Growth Corporation is pleased to announce a key milestone in establishing its Hemp Industrial Park in the Southern Tier region of New York State. The Company has secured a 308,000 sq. ft. facility on a 48-acre property in Kirkwood, NY. Design activities will commence immediately with construction commencing this summer. The vision for the property is to build the infrastructure necessary to support hemp-derived cannabinoid extraction and related manufacturing together with providing an opportunity for participation by other businesses in the hemp industry. Read more...
NY Wine Industry Association Eyes Opportunities
It’s fair to say that the Finger Lakes Region benefits from a stable, advancing wine industry. That’s exactly what the New York Wine Industry Association is aiming to accomplish. The not for profit advocates for stability and advancement of the wine industry in New York through advocacy and public education. It’s the only association of wine and grape professionals across the state, which focuses on informing, promoting, representing and defending the diverse interests of New York’s wine industry. Read more...
Lake Erie Wine Country Wineries Strike Gold
Eight local wineries went up against over 650 competing wineries from all over the world and came away with a disproportionate share of the top honors. There were over 2800 wines entered in the 19th Finger Lakes International Wine Competition held on April 13 th and 14th in Rochester NY. This event has become the largest charitable wine competition in North America, as each of the entries contributed over $50 to Camp Good Days and Special Times, a camp dedicated to bringing smiles and memories to children with cancer.  Read more...
Discover Long Island VIP Campaign Screening
Over a year in the making and filmed at thirty-eight locations across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, this ambitious project is a stunning showcase of all that Long Island offers from arts, history, culture, entertainment, adventure, relaxation and so much more. The cornerstone of this campaign, a :90 video, will be shown publicly for the very first time during the Screening and additional campaign assets including print and digital creatives will also be on display. Read more...
Welcome New Business Associate Member!
Corning & the Southern Finger Lakes - In Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes you’ll find quintessential small town Americana without compromising on world-class experiences. Between the extraordinary landscape and outdoor adventures, the charming small towns, the variety and affordability of activities, the accessibility of the region, the first-rate culinary options, world-renowned art, and the laid-back, unpretentious vibe that distinguishes the region’s personality, it’s difficult to find anywhere quite like Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes.
Member Benefit: Plastic & Reusable Bags
As of today, (May 1 st , 2019,) the New York Wine & Grape Foundation is making a slight adjustment to our Bag Program. 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.
Member Corner: News, Benefits, Events & More
Member Benefit: Job posting
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.

Deer Run Winery
Deer Run Winery, located at the North end of Conesus Lake, is the Westernmost winery in the Finger Lakes. Established in 2003, Deer Run Winery's business has grown to include an expansive list of well-attended events and portfolio of award-winning wines made by our Father and Son team of winemakers, George and Scott Kuyon. We are seeking part-time weekend summer Tasting Room Associates at Deer Run Winery.  Read 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.
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...
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