SENATE OKs RITCHIE BILL TO PUT ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY WINES ON THE MAP

Newest Wine Trail to Draw Tourists, Create Jobs

State Senator Patty Ritchie’s plan to create a “St. Lawrence Wine Trail,” highlighting for tourists and local residents the growing number of wineries and quality wines produced in the North Country, was approved by the Senate today. The bill (S.6321) now goes to the Governor for his signature.

The proposed St. Lawrence County Wine Trail stretches more than 80 miles, meandering alongside Black Lake, through Morristown, Ogdensburg, Canton, Potsdam, Stockholm and Brasher Falls, and links three existing wineries in Hammond, Lisbon and Winthrop, as well as the county’s new craft brewery. The route was designed jointly by Senator Ritchie, local tourism leaders and wine producers themselves.

“From our beautiful rivers and lakes, to our quaint villages, woods, fields and farms, there’s already a lot to love about St. Lawrence County. Our new Wine Trail will help us show off all that the North Country has to offer, and one more thing, as well—our good taste,” said Senator Ritchie.

“The trail will be a boon to our local wine producers, as well as to businesses and communities all along the way—in addition to touring wineries and purchasing their fine products, tourists will see the many unique communities, rolling countryside and off-the-beaten-track attractions that help make this region so special, and their welcome tourist dollars can help fuel local economies and create jobs.”

The St. Lawrence Wine Trail will be at least the 18th, celebrating wine making across New York State. Senator Ritchie said she plans to introduce legislation that will seek to connect the routes in the future. For a list of the state's wine trails, click here.

The St. Lawrence Wine Trail bill is cosponsored by Senators Joe Griffo and Betty Little, who each represent communities in the county.

As Chair of the Senate’s Agriculture Committee, Senator Ritchie has been a leader in promoting New York’s growing wine and craft beverage industries. She sponsored several new laws to promote wine-making, craft brewing and cider-making. And she fought to reverse budget cuts for programs that support wine makers, and won $3.4 million in state budget funding for wine promotion.