WINE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION APPLAUDES CUOMO ADMINISTRATION FOR CREATING NEW TASTE NY EXPERIENCE AT STATE FAIR

SYRACUSE, NY (08/27/2013)(readMedia)-- "Showcasing New York products has never been better at the New York State Fair than it is this year," said Scott Osborn, president of the New York Wine Industry Association. This year, the fair's Empire Room is offering a variety of New York wines, beers, cider and spirits.

"Our association members are delighted with the support Governor Andrew Cuomo, Lt. Governor Robert Duffy and Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Darrel Aubertine have given to New York farmers and wineries this year," added Dave Mansfield, NYWIA officer and owner of the Three Brothers Wineries & Estates.

The State Fair was started by the New York State Agricultural Society in 1841 to show the value of New York agriculture to everyone attending the Great New York State Fair and this year's fair is no exception to that original goal.

New York wineries contribute almost four billion dollars to the state's economy. Not only do wineries pay sales and excise taxes to the government, but they also employ more than 17,000 people who pay income taxes. Grape growers keep the land green. According to Farm Credit East, our state's agriculture industry, including processing, contributes $38.4 billion to our state's economy.

New York's 340 wineries buy tanks made by local fabricators, employ local printers who print wine labels and promotional materials and they draw millions of people to upstate and Long Island to taste the product. These tourists also spend money at hotels, gas stations, restaurants, local stores and more.

And the New York wines are awarded 'best of class,' double gold medals and other top awards in international tasting competitions. Many award winners will be available for fairgoers to taste at the winery displays there.

The New York Wine Industry Association is a non-profit organization that was started in February of 2009 by a group of passionate grape growers, winery owners and allied suppliers across New York State. It is the only association of New York State wine and grape professionals aimed at informing, promoting, representing and defending the very unique interests of the wine industry. NYWIA expresses the concerns of the industry with one unified, unique and powerful voice.

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New York Wine Industry Association - PO box 44, Hector NY 14841-0044