Albany’s Legislative Office Building was filled with the flavors of New York as the annual Sip & Sample event returned, offering lawmakers and staff a taste of the state’s finest wines and cheeses. Sponsored by Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Michelle Hinchey and Assembly Agriculture Chair Donna Lupardo, the event highlighted the economic and cultural significance of New York’s wine industry.
Winemakers from across the state poured samples, including Bet the Farm Winery, Frontenac Point Vineyard-Estate Winery, and Airy Acres Vineyard. The event provided a platform for vineyard owners to introduce their products to policymakers and discuss industry-related legislation.
Nancy Tisch, co-owner of Bet the Farm Winery, was encouraged by the reactions from attendees. “One comment that I heard over and over again was, ‘Wow, this is really good,’” she said. “I feel like people in Albany don’t know the quality of Finger Lakes wines. This was a really good opportunity to show them!”
For Lawrence Doolittle of Frontenac Point, the event was more than just an opportunity to pour wine—it was a chance to build relationships. “This builds relationships with the people who write the laws that affect us,” he said. “When we meet with them in their offices, they remember us and listen to our opinions.”
The New York Wine and Grape Foundation emphasized the industry’s economic impact, noting that the state’s grape and wine community supports nearly 72,000 jobs and generates $1.3 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Sip & Sample has grown significantly since its debut in 2014, when just six wineries participated. This year, 15 wineries were on-site, with wines from 17 vineyards available for tasting. The event is organized by the New York Wine Policy Institute and aims to foster collaboration between winemakers and government leaders.
For more information, visit www.nywpi.com.
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