Retail Sales At The Grape Discovery Center Will Expand Market Reach For The Region's Grape Growers and Wineries

WESTFIELD – Visitors to the Grape Discovery Center now will be able to not only sample the region’s wide array of excellent wines, but also take a bottle of wine home with them to share with their friends and family.

A new law sponsored and passed by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) and Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I- Jamestown), has been signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to qualify the center for a farm winery license which legalizes the sale of local New York State wines for off-site consumption.

Operated by the Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association Inc., a non-profit organization of grape growers, processors, related grape industry businesses and regional organizations, the Grape Discovery Center is an educational attraction for residents and visitors who wish to learn more about the region’s agricultural roots and Chautauqua County’s long-standing grape and wine industry.

“Chautauqua County is home to many outstanding wineries, grape producers and processors, and the industry plays a pivotal role in our economy. By modernizing the law to allow the Grape Discovery Center to qualify for a farm winery license, the center can better showcase the area’s industry leading products,” said Senator Young.

“Patrons visiting the center are always asking to purchase a bottle of wine to take home with them. This change will also grow the audience for our local small businesses, as wine enthusiasts outside of Western New York gain easier access to the locally sourced products. I am tremendously proud to help make this change possible, because it will enhance the center’s ability to fulfill its mission,” said Senator Young.

Assembly Goodell noted that prior to the new law, the liquor license for the Grape Discovery Center allowed for taste testing but not for the purchase of any wine, leaving many tourists amazed and frustrated with our inability to sell New York wines at the regional tasting center.

Assemblyman Goodell also noted that the legislation he sponsored in the Assembly received strong bi-partisan support, with only two New York City Democrats voting against the bill.

“I was very pleased to see such strong support, especially from the Chair of the Assembly Economic Development Committee and the Chair of the Codes Committee. I am very pleased that Governor Cuomo has signed this important legislation,” Goodell said.

Helen Baran, past president and boardmember for the Grape Discovery Center, said, “The Grape Discovery Center is very grateful for the efforts of Senator Young and Assemblyman Goodell in getting this legislation passed. The change will allow the center to conduct business as the Canandaigua Culinary Arts Center does, and to continue to cooperate with the area wineries to promote and enhance the Lake Erie Wine Country, and all of the wineries in our region. We look forward to being able to serve people and to further promote this great grape growing and wine making area.”

Chautauqua County’s annual grape harvest accounts for approximately 65 percent of New York State’s total yearly grape harvest. A 2007 study found that the Concord Grape Belt supports over 1,900 jobs and contributes over $340 million to the region’s economy.

In 2013, Senator Young and Assemblyman Goodell helped cut the ribbon for the Grape Discovery Center in Westfield. A $1.3 million grant secured by Senator Young, aided the facility’s development and construction. The center includes a gift shop, an outdoor patio area and educational exhibits.