March 26, 2008
At Annual "Unity Banquet". . .
Wine & Grape Foundation Says: "Thank You!"
GENEVA, NY, March 26, 2008 - The New York Wine & Grape Foundation said a big "Thank You" to several individuals and businesses at its annual "Unity Banquet" on Wednesday, March 26 at Belhurst. The Unity Banquet was the highlight of a three-day conference, the 37th Annual Wine Industry Workshop, for members of the New York grape and wine industry.
The Foundation is a statewide, not-for-profit trade association representing grape growers, grape juice manufacturers, wineries and others in the Lake Erie, Niagara Escarpment, Finger Lakes, Hudson River, Long Island and other regions. Part of its mandate is to stimulate coordination and cooperation among all segments of the industry in all regions. Its overall goal is "to have the New York grape and wine industry recognized as a world leader in quality, productivity, and social responsibility."
The Unity Banquet was created some 20 years ago as a way to recognize, encourage, and celebrate cooperation among grape growers, wineries, grape juice producers and others to advance the entire industry. "Diversity is our strength, and unity is our power," said Foundation President Jim Trezise. In addition to the "Unity Award", several others have been added in different categories over the years.
The 2007 "Unity Award" was presented to Elizabeth "Liz" Stamp of Lakewood Vineyards, who has worked tirelessly to promote cooperation and collaboration among industry members through her participation and leadership in various groups. She has served as President and Treasurer of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, created the concept of the "Deck the Halls" holiday weekend that has now been copied by other wine trails throughout the state and country, shares her knowledge and experience with others as a speaker, and judges in various wine competitions.
The "Industry Award"-presented to an individual who has made a major contribution in advancing the interests of the New York grape and wine industry-was dedicated to State Senator Catharine Young, Chair of the Agriculture Committee. Representing the Chautauqua/Erie region where about two-thirds of New York's grapes are grown, Senator Young has taken a leadership role in advancing the interests of all agricultural sectors, as well as creating the Legislative Wine & Grape Caucus. Because of pressing legislative business in Albany, Senator Young could not attend to receive the award, which will be presented to her in her home district this summer.
The "Grower Award", which recognizes vineyardists who have made exceptional contributions to the New York grape and wine industry, was presented to the Simmons Family of Penn Yan. In addition to the original Simmons Vineyards owned by Neil and Joyce, Darren and Julie Simmons have a separate vineyard, with son Jeffrey also owning acreage. Neil Simmons has been a leader in the grape industry for decades, served as Chairman of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, and created the tri-annual Viticulture conferences which draw about 1,000 people from many states and countries.
The "Winery Award"- recognizing wineries which have advanced the widespread recognition and quality reputation of New York wines-was presented to Wagner Vineyards on the east side of Seneca Lake. Bill Wagner, who celebrated his 80th birthday last year, has always been an intrepid pioneer as a grape grower, winery owner, restaurant creator, and micro-brewery founder. While Bill remains involved in the business, his son John and daughter Laura have taken on more of the responsibility, always keeping Wagner at the forefront of constructive change.
The "Research Award" for major contributions in research and education to benefit the New York grape and wine industry was presented to Dr. Terry Bates of Cornell University's Lake Erie facility. Terry is the viticulture research specialist in the largest grape growing region in New York State, and east of the Rockies. Terry received a Bachelors of Science in Biology at St. John Fisher College and a Masters and PhD at Penn State University, and was hired as a Research Associate in 1998 by Cornell to conduct research on Viticulture for western New York. Terry specializes in grapevine mineral nutrition and root biology along with vineyard mechanization, and through his research has improved profitability of grape growers. For the last 10 years Terry has been responsible for viticulture research in the 30,000 acre Lake Erie regional grape belt of New York and Pennsylvania. He works closely with the producers and processors to help the grape juice industry reach their goal of producing the maximum sustainable yields of high quality fruit. Terry is recognized as one of the brightest young viticulture researchers in our industry. His pioneering research on developing a seasonal crop load management system is now widely used by juice grape industry across many of the major Concord producing states. This system enables producers to maximize yields of high quality grapes in every year in spite of highly variable weather conditions.
The "Restaurant Award"-for excellence in promoting New York wines as part of a fine dining experience-was presented to Deb Whiting, chef/owner of Red Newt Bistro on the east side of Seneca Lake. With her winemaker husband Dave, Deb has created a true destination for people who love local, fresh, creative, healthy foods. She is also a tireless promoter of local products, having served as President of the Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty and always participating in Senator Hillary Clinton's "New York Farm Day" to promote New York as an agricultural state.
The "Retailer Award" recognizes wine stores which do an exceptional job in educating consumers about the quality and variety of New York wines. The 2007 award was presented to Marketview Liquor in Rochester, where owner Mike Palmieri and his staff feature a broad selection of New York wines.
A "Distributor Award" recognizing extraordinary support of New York wines was presented to the Opici Wine Group, which represents a broad array of New York wineries and has broad distribution within and outside of New York State. Last fall, Opici acquired Finger Lakes Premium Wine, adding several popular brands to its portfolio.
The "Consumer Award" recognizes individuals who enthusiastically support New York wines and enjoy wine in moderation as part of a healthy and happy lifestyle. The 2008 award was presented to Peter Parts of Rochester, who with a team of colleagues has built the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition into a highly respected event and showcase for the New York wine industry.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Trezise, 585-394-3620, jimtrezise@nywgf.org
New York WIne & Grape Foundation -- 800 South Main Street -- Suite 200 -- Canandaigua, NY 14424
Summer Events at Lakewood Vineyards
The schedule for our Do It Yourself Steak Roasts, which are back for their 13th year this summer, is as follows. George Harriger and son will entertain us with great old time fiddle music on July 12th . "Jimmy D." brings his Sinatra style to us for a steak roast on August 16th. Mark your calendars now, and look for our newsletter this spring with all the details.
Some things just take time at Lakewood Vineyards, and one of those things finally got done this week. It has been several years since we noticed we were one of the few businesses that did not have an 800 number. A few valiant efforts with automated phone systems ("dial "2" for questions about new services, now dial "3" if you are a business, your call will be handled in the order it was received and there are 64 callers ahead of you"), the task was filed under "later". Winter is when some of the "later" items get attention. So, now we have that toll free number and it is working! If you need to reach us and you are not calling from Watkins Glen, NY, you can now use: 877-535-9252. We hope this will make it easier for those interested in information or in ordering our wines.
If you need some recipe inspiration click on the newest link we have posted on our site www.chefw.com. If you have a recipe, we'll find a wine to match, and if you have a wine you like we can suggest a great food pairing to enjoy with that wine.
We are open daily for wine tasting and sales.
Come on Spring!
Elizabeth Stamp
877-535-9252
