Assemblywoman
Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that legislation she sponsored to
support local vineyards and wineries by establishing a St. Lawrence Wine Trail has
passed the Assembly (A.8885). The trail connects three wineries from Morristown
to Winthrop and provides new opportunities for marketing and increased tourism.
“New York’s wine industry has boomed
over the past several years, and we want to make sure that people know that
some of the best wines in the state are made right here in the North Country,”
Assemblywoman Russell said. “This bill puts these exceptional craftspeople
literally on the map, drawing more customers and providing a vital economic
boost as visitors spend time and money in our communities.”
St. Lawrence Wine Trail would start
near Black Lake’s Bella Brooke Winery in Morristown, extending to Lisbon’s
River Myst Winery and then to High Peaks Winery in Winthrop, enabling the
companies to join together in marketing St. Lawrence County as a wine
destination.
“Bracketed between the 1000 Islands trail
and the Adirondack Coast trail, St. Lawrence County wineries have not had the
benefit of increased awareness and marketing that come with being located on a
wine trail,” Assemblywoman Russell noted. “This legislation provides an opportunity
for them to grow their businesses and create jobs.”
Currently, there are 16 wine trails
across New York State. Located in every region of the state, these trails have
played a significant role in promoting New York as a major wine producing state,
contributing to a 40% rise in the number of wineries since 2011.
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