If you’ve ever made it to the Greenmarket during grape harvest months, you know that comparing the huge seedless grocery store varieties to the New York-grown treasures is a lot like articulating the difference between Two Buck Chuck and your favorite special occasion cabernet sauvignon: there’s really no contest. It follows naturally that great wine would be made of these grapes, and you can decide for yourself at NY Drinks NY, a tasting event at the Astor Center on March 10 featuring more than 100 wines made in the state.
New participants this year include Chateau Lafayette Renau, winner of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s “Governor’s Cup” prize. Whitecliff Vineyard, a new leader in environmental sensitivity, will also be present. The vast majority will be using 100 percent New York grapes, and most wineries are using grapes exclusively grown in their region.
Jim Tresize, president of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, told us that New York’s $4.8 billion dollar wine industry is growing rapidly with the help of new changes in legislation. “The ability to produce all four farm-based craft beverages (wine, beer, spirits, and cider) under one roof stimulates production and diversification by reducing costs and risks,” he told us this week. Visit their website to buy tickets and learn more about the tasting.
This post was made possible by NY Drinks NY. Featured photo credit: Lindsay Morris