Senator Cathy Young today joined with wine retailers in The Last Store on Main Street coalition to launch this year's Fall and holiday promotional campaign to boost sales of New York state wine.
This is the fourth straight year that the coalition has run this type of extensive promotion, and begins just a week after Governor Cuomo announced plans for a historic Beer and Wine Summit to help the industry.
"New York wine is not just great to drink, its big business that provides jobs across New York State," Sen. Young said. "I applaud the retailers who are stepping up to the plate in partnership with our wineries, and look forward to the governor's summit to see what steps state government can take to help boost this vital industry. The state can and should help promote New York wines because it's an investment that will pay us back many times over with more jobs and increased wine tourism."
"New York brewers, distillers and vintners have made their mark by producing exceptional products and driving tourism. Senator Young and I have been working to create synergies among these growing industries to further benefit New York agriculture and the regions that depend on their economic success. I look forward to working with the governor to introduce the state's high quality products to the rest of the nation," Assemblyman Kevin Cahill said.
During October and November, retailers throughout the state will participate in the "Fall in Love with New York Wines" campaign through in-store advertisements, special deals and events like wine tastings highlighting the selection of New York wines available in their stores. Just before Thanksgiving, stores will switch over to a seasonal promotion and encourage customers to include New York wines in their holiday menus or to give as holiday gifts.
"Wines made in New York state are some of the best in the world. Unfortunately, many New Yorkers are unaware of that fact and look elsewhere when buying or ordering wine. It is our mission to help educate New Yorkers about the great variety of quality wines made right here at home," Jeff Saunders, founder of the Last Store coalition and president of the Retailers Alliance, said.
The coalition has provided participating retailers with large, festive, full-color posters to attract the attention of consumers and draw them to specially-arranged displays of New York wines.
"As the leaves turn this Fall, all New Yorkers should give a New York wine a chance," Michael Correra, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Package Store Association and a Coalition leader, said. "With so many options, from Rieslings to pinot noir to chardonnay, from the Finger Lakes to North Fork to Niagara, there is always something for every New Yorker. When you think Buy Local, you should think New York wine."
New York ranks third in wine production, behind California and Washington, and second in wine consumption; however, Empire State wines are often overlooked when New Yorkers select a vintage. The Last Store on Main Street is determined to help the New York wine industry grow by educating and introducing consumers to local wines.
"There is no better time to get into a 'New York state of wine' than this holiday season. With Governor Cuomo's help, we know that New York wines will soar to new heights of popularity here at home. That will mean jobs and revenues for every region of the State," Stefan Kalogridis, a Coalition leader and the president of the New York State Liquor Store Association, said.
