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New state law makes wining easier
Jul 26, 2011 1:01 am
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Windham Vineyard grapes, from their website."]
[/caption]New York State wineries got some new revenue streams, and a little less red tape last week when Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Fine Winery Bill. "This bill is a huge boost for wineries across the state. Reducing the regulatory burdens on farm wineries will allow them to continue to thrive as a key tourism, agricultural, and economic engine for our state. I want to thank Commissioner Aubertine, Senator Young and Assemblyman Schimminger for their dedication to this bill," Governor Cuomo said. The bill grew out of recommendations from the New York State Wine Grape Task Force's 2008 report to the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Markets. It allows wineries to operate up to five branch stores, and also allows participation in unlimited charitable events, rather then just five. It cuts the reporting necessary to ship out of state, with only one license needed now, where micro-wineries previously had to apply for two. New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine said, "Governor Cuomo recognizes the significant role agriculture plays in the State's economy. With wine being one of the fastest growing sectors of that industry, this legislation offers numerous benefits to farm wineries that will have a ripple effect throughout the countryside. I thank Governor Cuomo, Senator Young and Assemblyman Schimminger for their hard work on this bill." Over 1,400 vineyards grow grapes for 306 wineries which add $3.76 billion to the state economy, according to industry officials. When New York's Farm Winery Law passed in 1976, there were less then 20 wineries here. Here in Greene and Columbia counties, there are a few local vineyards:
• Windham Winery
"Highest elevation vineyard and winery in the Northeast," website boasts. "We produce small batches of hand crafted fine wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, estate grown specialties, fruit wines & dessert wines." Windham Vineyard & Winery, County Route 10, Windham, NY, 12496. 518-734-5214
• Tousey Winery
Riesling, Rose, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and others, and a Chardonnay coming soon. Tousey Winery, 1774 Rt 9, Germantown, NY, 12526. info@touseywinery.com, 518-567-5462
• Hudson-Chatham Winery
The winery features a tasting room with hand-crafted wines, cheeses, and desserts, and includes vineyard tours and a gazebo with scenic views. 1900 Route 66, Ghent, NY, 12075. 518-821-7253
[/caption]New York State wineries got some new revenue streams, and a little less red tape last week when Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Fine Winery Bill. "This bill is a huge boost for wineries across the state. Reducing the regulatory burdens on farm wineries will allow them to continue to thrive as a key tourism, agricultural, and economic engine for our state. I want to thank Commissioner Aubertine, Senator Young and Assemblyman Schimminger for their dedication to this bill," Governor Cuomo said. The bill grew out of recommendations from the New York State Wine Grape Task Force's 2008 report to the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Markets. It allows wineries to operate up to five branch stores, and also allows participation in unlimited charitable events, rather then just five. It cuts the reporting necessary to ship out of state, with only one license needed now, where micro-wineries previously had to apply for two. New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine said, "Governor Cuomo recognizes the significant role agriculture plays in the State's economy. With wine being one of the fastest growing sectors of that industry, this legislation offers numerous benefits to farm wineries that will have a ripple effect throughout the countryside. I thank Governor Cuomo, Senator Young and Assemblyman Schimminger for their hard work on this bill." Over 1,400 vineyards grow grapes for 306 wineries which add $3.76 billion to the state economy, according to industry officials. When New York's Farm Winery Law passed in 1976, there were less then 20 wineries here. Here in Greene and Columbia counties, there are a few local vineyards:• Windham Winery
"Highest elevation vineyard and winery in the Northeast," website boasts. "We produce small batches of hand crafted fine wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, estate grown specialties, fruit wines & dessert wines." Windham Vineyard & Winery, County Route 10, Windham, NY, 12496. 518-734-5214
• Tousey Winery
Riesling, Rose, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and others, and a Chardonnay coming soon. Tousey Winery, 1774 Rt 9, Germantown, NY, 12526. info@touseywinery.com, 518-567-5462
• Hudson-Chatham Winery
The winery features a tasting room with hand-crafted wines, cheeses, and desserts, and includes vineyard tours and a gazebo with scenic views. 1900 Route 66, Ghent, NY, 12075. 518-821-7253