According to Jim Trezise of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

Happily, this week brought some more good news about the business climate for our industry.  Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that a sales tax exemption on samples of beer will also be extended to the wine, cider, and spirits sectors, saving money which can be invested into the businesses.  Second, the State of Pennsylvania finally became the 44th state to allow direct-to-consumer shipment of wine, which will begin as of August 8.  This is especially important for New York wineries because a huge number of out-of-state visitors to the regions are from Pennsylvania, yet their State’s bureaucratic, antiquated government monopoly system for wine sales essentially locks out New York wines.  Now, finally, consumers in the Quaker State can be free.

The first major law that demonstrated the importance of a positive business climate to the growth of the New York grape and wine industry was enacted 40 years ago: The Farm Winery Act of 1976.

It was a lifeline for struggling grape growers, a stimulus for industry growth, and a major event in the development of the modern New York wine industry.

In the late 1970’s, New York’s many winegrape growers were hit by a perfect storm: major changes in corporate ownership of the large wineries, a flood of cheap subsidized imported wines, and changes in consumer tastes. Prices for grapes were plummeting, and the market was drying up.

At that time, all wine grapes from independent growers went to a handful of large wineries, most in the Finger Lakes.

The Farm Winery Act created another option: Make and sell your own wine. It had to contain 100% New York-grown grapes (not necessarily your own, however), and at first the annual limit was 50,000 gallons (now 250,000 gallons), but you could sell your wines directly to consumers, as well as directly to restaurants, wine retailers, and of course wholesalers.

This was new freedom!

Information taken from New York Wine and Grape Foundation Newsletter, May 22, 2016

According to James Tresize at the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

Wine & Spirits magazine’s “Top 100 Values of the Year” included both Dr. Frank 2014 Semi-Dry Riesling (92*, $15) and Wagner Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Franc (88*, $15).

Wine Enthusiast’s “Spring Ahead” article touting the delights of Dry Rieslings as a summer sipper included several recommendations from major Riesling producing regions around the world.  Keuka Spring 2014 Dry Riesling (90*) from the Finger Lakes.

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The numbers in parentheses* are the score from each wine magazine.  Any score in the upper 80’s or 90’s is extraordinary.  The top rating would be 100, but this is a nearly unattainable score.

It’s a great time to enjoy Riesling in the Finger Lakes!!!!

Hops are in short supply because of increase in the popularity of craft breweries. Therefore, farmers throughout the region are coming back to this age old industry of growing hops. Hops are cone shaped plants that are grown on an 18 foot tall trellis system. With new laws in New York State, there is a huge need for more hops. The new laws require that local craftsmen use an increasing percentage of local hops, barley, and oats. Maple and Hickory sap are also used to give the crafts beers additional flavors! Wow! Who knew?!!!!