Wine country helping grow state's economy
MARY LOU RATH New York State Senator
Fall is here again. The daylight hours are shorter, the nights cooler, and the green

leaves of summer begin to take on new autumn color.

As chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Tourism, I think anytime is a great time for a New York State getaway. But fall is an especially wonderful time to visit the many destinations that make up New York's wine country.

The wine and grape industry provides rich economic development opportunities all across our state and is at the center of New York's tourism industry. As America's third-largest grape and wine producer, New York's industry blends the two biggest engines that drive our economy.

Agriculture is our number one industry; tourism is number two.

Most every corner of New York is home to wineries and vineyards, from Long Island's North Shore, to the Finger Lakes, to Lake Erie and the Niagara Escarpment. Back in 1976, there were only nine wineries in all of New York. Today, we have more than 230, and each has experienced rapid growth over the last 10 years.

According to Cornell University, the retail value of all wine produced in New York is estimated to be $1.1 billion, as more and more grape producers shift from growing juice grapes to high-value wine grapes. That growth has also led to greater employment opportunities. It is estimated that 36,000 New Yorkers are employed directly in the grape, grape juice, wine and wine product industries. Tourism is a $40 billion dollar business in New York, and visitors to our state's wine country account for $6 billion of that growing revenue.

In addition to the hundreds of wineries and vineyards, there is now a single destination dedicated to New York wine and food. The New York Wine and Culinary Center opened this summer in a brand new $7.5 million facility.

Located in the small Finger Lakes city of Canandaigua, the Center will offer the best of New York wine and food, as well as cooking classes, information about New York's wine and grape industry and other special events. The center is supported by grants and contributions by the agriculture, culinary and wine businesses, as well as the state and federal governments. For more information, visit www.ny wcc.com.

The New York State Legislature recognizes the power and promise of our wine and grape industry. Legislation created the New York Wine and Grape Foundation in 1985. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting and supporting New York's wine and grape industry and was essential in building the New York Wine and Culinary Center.

This year, I sponsored legislation, which passed and was later signed by the governor, to increase tourism funding by creating the Explore NY program. Despite our world class attractions, New York is outspent by several other states in tourism promotion. It is estimated that for every dollar we spend promoting tourism, three dollars come back to New York.

By better marketing-related statewide attractions, New York can hopefully capitalize on the growing number of travelers looking for specific cultural, recreational, and even culinary experiences.