NY market wine-sales proponent explains his plan

This week, the New York State Legislature is expected to take up the topic of wine sales in supermarkets once again.

Thanks to legislation being introduced by Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, D-Monroe County (Rochester/Finger Lakes area), shown at right, the debate will be broadened to take into account opposition to such legislation by liquor store owners and others.

An earlier proposal by Gov. David Paterson fizzled out in the face of strong opposition and lack of protections for current wine sellers, primarily liquor store owners who expressed fears they would be driven out of business by expanded competition, particularly from major companies whose reach is much wider than their self-described "mom and pop" status.

I discussed the new approach with Morelle, who said he felt the governor's proposal did nothing to help liquor store owners and did not address drinking-safety concerns for others.

"The concerns are not trivial," Morelle said, "but we cannot remain stuck in a business model created in 1920 when the size of wine industry we now have could not have been foreseen.

"There are only 2,500 sales outlets for the state's 19 million people, and the number of liquor stores gets smaller each year. That does nothing to help nurture our expanding wine industry which is an important part of the state's agricultural picture. We're now the third-largest grower of grapes in the nation, but it is difficult to adequately supply New York wines to consumers because of the limited number of sales outlets."

Morelle listed the main points of his plan:

• More than one liquor store license could be owned by an individual or company. They now are limited to a single location.
• Liquor store owners would be allowed to make purchases on a cooperative basis, thus allowing them to get best-price deals based on larger volume.
• Liquor stores would be able to sell directly to restaurants and taverns of less than 1,000 square feet.
• A medallion system would be put in place to freeze the number of licenses, then allow a small increase in the number each year.
• A product list would be created by the State Liquor Authority (SLA) to allow sales at liquor stores of such things as food items, gift bags, T-shirts, etc., all of which now are prohibited.
• Anyone purchasing any kind of alcoholic beverage would have to provide proof of legal age.

"Our current legislative session runs through the end of June, so I'm not sure how far we'll get with this, but it should expand and energize the discussion," Morelle said. "It's not a small matter and we need to fix it in a fair, thorough way to give more business people an even break."

How open is the wine country politician to discussion?

"I'll talk to anyone with any point of view," he said. "No one wants to hurt anyone, but we can't keep going in this archaic structure. The experience of other states that allow wine sales in supermarkets shows a huge increase in revenues for the state, jobs being created on a variety of levels, and better opportunities for many more people."

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What next for Finger Lakes wineries?

• From the Rochester (NY) Democrat & Chronicle

... The Finger Lakes region's wine industry as we know it has its genesis in the state's 1976 Farm Winery Act, which allowed small farms to sell directly to consumers at farm-site tasting rooms and minimized otherwise prohibitive licensing fees. Since then, the number of wineries in the region has grown from about two dozen to more than 100.

Many of the first generation of winery owners — those launched in the 1970s and 1980s — and others who joined the industry later in life are reaching retirement age.

The question naturally arises, what happens next?

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Illinois targeting alcoholic beverage niches

• From the Bloomington, IL, Pantagraph

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- At the same time Gov. Pat Quinn and lawmakers are considering taxing wine and liquor to fund a statewide construction program, the governor’s proposed budget calls for cuts in state aid to Illinois wineries.

Quinn’s budget plan would slash about $225,000 in funding used for research and advertising. The proposal, however, is subject to change as lawmakers work toward a May 31 scheduled adjournment. ...

Illinois wine industry leaders were in Springfield on Friday trying to make sure they were spared from cuts. Coincidentally, the group said they received last year’s state funding, six months late, the same day.

[Go here for the full story.]

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Florida A&M targets viticulture program

Florida A&M University's efforts to create a viticulture program have taken one step forward and, perhaps, one small step back.

The Leon County Development Review Committee this week approved the university's plan to build a 7,400-square-foot office and 7,200-square-foot greenhouse on nearly 45 acres of land as part of its long-range aim of a viticulture program that will encompass education and the cultivation of grapes for wine making.

However, to build near Interstate 10 the committee said A&M's College of Engineering Sciences Technology and Agriculture will have to add construction of a sidewalk. A consulting engineer for the college contends that is an expense and responsibility the school should not have to accept because a sidewalk project at the plot already is part of a project being undertaken by the state Department of Transportation.

Stay tuned for further developments.

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Newest Texas wine trail making debut

The latest wine trail in Texas will be celebrated when wines from each of the four members are sampled by the public on Saturday, May 23.

The new Dallas Wine Trail consists of the Calais Winery, Inwood Estates Vineyards, Fuqua Winery and Times Ten Cellars. The event will be hosted by Times Ten.

In addition to the wines, hors d'oeuvres will be provided by il Cane Rosso Pizza Napoletana. Tickets, priced at $45 in advance and $50 at the door, are available online.

The ticket price includes 12 tastings, hors d'oeuvres, a Dallas Wine Trail sommelier-style wine glass, a Dallas Wine Trail six-bottle wine tote, and a premium bottle of Dallas wine.

Go here to access information on the other Texas wine trails.

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'Bama hikes wine alcohol limit

Alabama has raised the limit on alcohol content in wines sold in the state.

Gov. Bob Riley signed legislation Thursday that makes the bill passed last week by the state legislature the law.

The limit for table wine had been 14.9% by volume but now is 16.5%.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Steve French, R-Birmingham. It specifies that the stronger wine may not be sold in convenience stores.

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Brooklyn winery's first vintage due out

New York State's latest wine offering may be coming from a little old place called Brooklyn.

The Red Hook Wine Co. is nearing the end of production of its first vintage, expected to be available for sale in June. It is producing about 500 cases of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, using only grapes grown in the state.

The Grocery in Carroll Gardens and Kevin’s in Red Hook will be among the first restaurants to carry the wine. The wines will carry such Brooklyn-inspired names as "Seven In Heaven," a tribute to Red Hook firefighters who died on September 11, 2001.

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... and just a hint of urine

• From the Herald-Sun of Australia

Cat's pee and sweaty passion fruit are hardly flavors to make your mouth water, but it seems Kiwis can't get enough of them.

These are the core aromas of New Zealand's world-leading sauvignon blanc, according to a six-year study by a team of lucky wine scientists.

The team spent more than $12 million ($9.1 million US) defining the flavors of the country's most popular grape variety, which has a unique flavour and character that has captured the world's interest.

They concluded it was a winning combination of sweet, sweaty passion fruit, asparagus, and cat's pee.

The tests were carried out by an expert sensory panel trained to distinguish between 16 flavors, including canned and fresh asparagus, stone fruit, apple and snow peas.

Thanks to Richard Lovrich for pointing out this story.

[Go here for the full story.]

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Vermont eases wine, spirits sales law

Vermont winemakers and distillers got good news Tuesday when Gov. Jim Douglas signed a bill allowing them to sell more products on-site.

Previously, wineries could offer tastings or sell bottles of wine. Distilleries could do neither.

Now, wineries also may sell glasses of wine on-premises, and distilleries can offer tastings and sell bottles of their spirits.

In addition, wineries will be allowed to sell and offer tastings of other winemakers' wares, rent their sites for events such as weddings, and produce and sell fortified wines such as ports.

Vermont's first winery was founded 25 years ago, and the state now is home to 20.

Ed Metcalfe, of Whitingham, told the Associated Press he was on the fence about opening a distillery in Vermont if he couldn't sell his vodka and specialty liquors on site. He said the new law cinched it for him, allowing him to sell and offer tastings at the distillery he plans in Marlboro.

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Tennessee wine sales bill dropped

There won't be wine sold in Tennessee supermarkets anytime soon.

State Sen. Bill Ketron, the Senate sponsor of a proposal to allow such sales, has formally withdrawn the bill from consideration for the year.

He noted the proposal had drawn strong support among consumers, but also had strong opposition. He plans to revive it in next year's legislative session.

Currently, Tennessee grocery stores are prohibited from selling wine and liquor stores are prohibited from selling beer.

[You can read the proposal, titled SB0120, here.]

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Today New Yorkers pay up to drink up, perhaps

New York State's increased taxes on beer and wine take effect today.

The state has raised the excise tax on beer by about 28%, from 11 to 14 cents a gallon, and about 58% on wine, from 19 to 30 cents a gallon.

Consumers may have to help vendors, barkeeps and restaurateurs pay that tax hike, although it's not mandatory. Some undoubtedly will pass along the increases, but others have said they'll try to absorb the hit of several cents a bottle.

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