Larkin Invites All Hudson Valley Fruit Growers To Preview New Distillery In Gardiner

William J. Larkin Jr.

June 5, 2005

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today invited all Hudson Valley fruit growers to a gathering at the historic TUTHILLTOWN GRISTMILL on Thursday, April 14th, to preview the new TUTHILLTOWN SPIRITS distillery.

Distillery owners Brian Lee and Ralph Erenzo will be on hand to conduct a brief tour of the facility, which is expected to begin operations in July 2005. Discussion following the tour will focus on the use of distillation of fruit as a means of increasing the value of Hudson Valley and New York State fruit by conversion to fruit brandy. The main goal of the gathering will be to propose the creation of Fruit Brandy Regions throughout New York State and to organize interested growers who wish to specialize in this market.

In addition to providing a nearly inflation-proof product base for growers, the creation of a Fruit Brandy Region will increase local tourism. "Small farm wineries will have the opportunity to become known for their unique local brandies and be able to offer them at their individual orchards," said Senator Larkin.

The meeting takes place at the TUTHILLTOWN SPIRITS distillery located in

Gardiner, New York; from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Thursday, April 14th.

For more information, contact:

Ralph Erenzo

TUTHILLTOWN

Gardiner, NY 12525 US

tel/fax: 845.255.1527

www.tuthilltown.com