Wineries up by 70 percent

ALBANY--Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday, Aug. 28 that 100 wineries and farm wineries are now operating in New York's Finger Lakes region. The number of farm wineries statewide, a license created in 1976, has grown by over 70 percent, from 195 in 2011 to 333 today. The growth has accelerated recently, considering in the first 35 years, New York had 195 farm wineries, while over the last six years 138 more have opened their doors.
Those 100 wineries account for nearly 25 percent of the 416 total wineries operating in New York. Cuomo has tried over the last seven years to strengthen and support New York's craft beverage industry. Supporting agribusiness and encouraging tourism are integral parts of the Finger Lakes Forward regional economic development plan.
"It's no secret that New York's wine industry is booming and this unprecedented growth is proof that our efforts to strengthen this sector are paying off," Cuomo said. "With this growth, the craft beverage industry in the Finger Lakes and beyond will continue to flourish---driving tourism, creating jobs and spurring local economies in every corner of the state."
The policy changes put into place by the Cuomo administration led the international Wine Enthusiast magazine to name New York State the "Wine Region of the Year" in 2014 and the Finger Lakes one of the "Best Wine Travel Destinations" in 2015. As a further sign of the rising demand for Finger Lakes wines, the Wine Spectator now lists the Finger Lakes region in its annual wine ratings.