Senate Resolution No. 19

BY: Senator PALUMBO

HONORING Lieb Cellars upon the occasion of its
designation as a Gold Medalist by the New York Wine
and Grape Foundation on July 12, 2022

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute
substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby
enhancing the economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Lieb Cellars upon the occasion of its designation as a Gold Medalist by
the New York Wine and Grape Foundation at its 36th Annual New York Wine
Classic on Tuesday, July 12, 2022; and

WHEREAS, The 36th Annual New York Wine Classic is a nationally
recognized competition highlighting the best of New York's wine; and

WHEREAS, Seeing an unprecedented growth over the past few years and
allowing wine enthusiasts to enjoy this unique part of the New York
experience across the state, this extraordinary vineyard has truly
showcased why New York State is a premier wine destination; and

WHEREAS, Lieb Cellars was awarded for its 2019 Estate; 2019 Estate,
Petit Verdot; 2020 Estate, Cabernet Franc; and 2020 Estate Pinot Blanc;
and

WHEREAS, Founded by Mark Lieb in 1992, Lieb Cellars has grown from a
modest 14-acre vineyard to three vineyard sites, two tasting rooms and a
full-service custom crush winery; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, Mark Lieb hired winemaker Russell Hearn and
released the first wine under the Lieb label; and

WHEREAS, By the year 2000, Mark and Russell built Premium Wine
Group, a full-service custom crush and winemaking facility and opened a
Lieb Cellars Tasting Room; in 2004, Bridge Lane Wine was introduced as
the second label for Lieb Cellars; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Mark sold Lieb Cellars and Premium Wine Group to a
group of private investors, including Russell, and a new management team
was formed; one year later, Lieb leases and farms an additional nine
acres of vineyards; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, Lieb and Bridge Lane labels were re-branded and
Lieb broke into the wholesale market; in 2015, a second Bridge Lane Wine
tasting room was opened as a home base for the growing brand; and

WHEREAS, Lieb Cellars was the first winery in New York State to
introduce canned wine under the Bridge Lane label in 2017; by 2020, Lieb
Cellars and Bridge Lane Wine became the most widely distributed Long
Island wine brands in 14 states and growing; and

WHEREAS, In 2022, Lieb Cellars celebrates 30 years of sustainable
viticulture and quality winemaking on the North Fork of Long Island; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished history, this esteemed vineyard has
demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which
it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Lieb Cellars is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its dedicated owners and staff, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the businesses and the communities they serve;
and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local
and state economies, and its vibrant role in improving the quality of
life in its community, fully confident it will continue to enjoy the
same sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lieb Cellars upon the occasion of its designation as a Gold
Medalist by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation on July 12, 2022; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lieb Cellars.