Press Release: NYS, April 19, 2004

Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has signed into law legislation that will extend the current length of the Niagara Wine Trail into the City of Niagara Falls. The new law will link two of the region's biggest tourist attractions, boost the local economy, and support tourism-related jobs by encouraging visitors to stay and spend their travel dollars in the Niagara Falls region.

"New York's Niagara Falls attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every year," Governor Pataki said. "Extending the Niagara Wine Trail into the City of Niagara Falls will link two of our most cherished treasures -- Niagara Falls and New York's wine country - and help expand tourism, support tourism-related jobs and provide a boost to the Niagara region's economy."

The new law will extend the current Niagara Wine Trail into the City of Niagara Falls by authorizing it to begin at the intersection of Route 62 and Route 104 in the City. The Trail will extend east to Route 269 and the Niagara/Orleans county border.

The Niagara Wine Trail currently has two wineries - Niagara Landing Wine Cellars and Warm Lake Estate Vineyard and Winery, both located in Lockport. This summer, three new wineries will open for business - The Winery at Marjim Manor in Appleton, Eveningside Vineyard in Cambria, and Becker Farms in Gasport.

State Senator George D. Maziarz, sponsor of the legislation and Chairman of the Senate Tourism, Recreation, and Sports Development Committee, said, "Trails are a great tool for marketing and promoting our wine industry. By nearly doubling the size of the Niagara Wine Trail, we are helping more wineries develop right here in our area. We need to be in a position to capitalize on the growth of this industry, bring more tourists to our area, and help businesses expand."

Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte said, "The expansion of the Niagara Wine Trail builds on the success story that began with the trail's inception in 2002. By expanding the trail, we will help retain and attract more of the 12 million tourists who visit Niagara Falls each year. Our local vintners should be proud of their contribution to an even brighter future for Niagara County's wine and tourism industries."

William Ross, Chairman of the Niagara County Legislature said, "The extension of the Niagara Wine Trail to the City of Niagara Falls by Governor George Pataki will further enhance Niagara County as a major player in the outstanding wines presently being produced in New York State. The new law will help the local Niagara County economy by offering visiting tourists the opportunity to taste and purchase exceptional wines now being made in Niagara County while visiting Niagara Falls, one of the wonders of the world."

Vince Anello, Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls, said, "Promoting and developing a wine trail is another great effort by Governor Pataki to increase the variety of tourism-related activities that our region can offer to visitors. Having Niagara Falls, a world recognized tourist destination, as the starting point is an honor for our community. To the wine lovers of the world, I say Welcome and 'Salute.'"

Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development and USA Niagara said, "The extension of the Niagara Wine Trail, coupled with current and future economic development projects, will strengthen this region's tourism and economic future. Through important entities such as USA Niagara, Governor Pataki is spurring excitement and growth. Not only will New Yorkers and tourists be able to discover the beauty of one of the world's wonders, the Niagara Wine Trail will take them on an amazing journey leading directly to the City of Niagara Falls, reaffirming why everyone loves New York."

State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers said, "New York State has a vibrant wine industry that has gained national and international acclaim and recognition, drawing millions of visitors each year. I applaud Governor Pataki for extending this wine trail into Niagara Falls, allowing those that come to New York to visit the Falls the opportunity to also enjoy the wines that are produced in the region."

Niagara Falls is a world-renowned tourist destination, attracting nearly 12 million visitors a year. In addition, the area is home to several wineries that offer tourists and residents a taste of some of the exceptional wines now being made in New York State.

In an effort to further promote New York's growing wine industry, Governor Pataki's 2004-2005 Executive Budget includes a proposal to allow New York wineries to ship their wines directly to customers in other states. This proposal would allow New York wineries to better compete with those in states such as California and Washington that allow direct shipment. As part of the proposal, out-of-state wineries that want to ship to customers in New York would be required to pay an annual license fee, pay New York excise sales tax and be limited to shipping no more than two cases of wine a month to individuals over the age of 21.

New York's wine industry has been experiencing tremendous growth in recent years. Wine production has increased 65 percent since 1985, and the number of visitors to wine country, a critical part of New York's economic development and tourism dynamic, has increased 50 percent since 1997.

In 2003, New York wineries hosted over 3 million visitors throughout the State's four main wine producing regions: the Finger Lakes, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and Lake Erie.

New York ranks second behind California in total wine production. With almost 200 wineries, producing some of the finest Cabernet Francs and Rieslings in the world, New York wine is gaining more respect and recognition every year.

More information on the Niagara Wine Trail can be found at www.niagarawinetrail.org. For more information on New York's wine industry, go to the New York Wine and Grape Foundation website at www.nywine.com.