Wine Enthusiast magazine names New York State 'Wine Region of the Year'

Thomas F. O'Mara

Wine Enthusiast magazine has honored New York State with its 2014 "Wine Region of the Year" award.

Read more about this prestigious distinction HERE,

and HERE.

"It's one of New York's great cultural and economic success stories," said Senator Tom O'Mara, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.  "This national and international recognition from Wine Enthusiast is truly a testament to the hard work and commitment to quality of everyone who's had a hand in the indusry's growth over the past generation, but especially to our own Finger Lakes winemakers and grape growers, and their fellow growers and producers across New York State."

Adam Strum, Publisher and Editor of Wine Enthusiast, said, “The New York wine industry has made a remarkable comeback in the past thirty years in terms of the quality of wines, number of wineries, and economic impact. All of those positive indicators have accelerated tremendously during the past four years, making New York State one of the most vibrant and promising wine regions in the world.”

Jim Trezise, President of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, said, “Being named ‘Wine Region of the Year’ in Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Awards is a huge honor and a reflection of our overall goal—‘To have the New York grape and wine industry recognized as a world leader in quality, productivity, and social responsibility.’ As proud as we are of New York wines, we are even more proud of the many people responsible for achieving this prestigious recognition that New York is truly a world-class wine region. We’re the 30-year overnight success!”

Kathryn J. Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said,"Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences congratulates the growers, vintners, business entrepreneurs, policy makers, and all stakeholders whose hard work and dedication to this flourishing industry in New York State makes this international distinction possible. We are so pleased to be your partners in these endeavors, across the spectrum of our research, education, and extension programs, to support and advance your work, and we look forward to our continued efforts and collaborations."

Dean Norton, President of New York Farm Bureau, said, “New York’s wine industry has expanded tremendously in past years, with much of their success coming from the changing business climate and regulatory reforms for farm based beverages in New York. Our grape growers and viticulturists produce some of the country’s best wines and create a wonderful product that is enjoyed worldwide. We look forward to the continued growth of wineries in the state.”