Bars compete with couches as adults drink less alcohol
Bars aren’t just fighting each other anymore — they’re fighting the couch, according to the Times Union. Fewer adults drink alcohol now, and younger customers increasingly see a night out as expensive, risky, or unnecessary ... more
CONNECTIONS: Finger Lakes wine industry in trouble? (podcast)
On a recent episode of WXXI’s Connections with Evan Dawson, Brian Durnin of Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Matt Cassavaugh of 20 Deep Winery, and Chad Hendrickson of Keuka Spring Vineyards joined a conversation about ... more
NY pushes 4 a.m. bar hours for World Cup frenzy
Soccer fans across New York could soon party until 4 a.m. as officials roll out a plan to cash in on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to USA Today Network. Kathy Hochul is proposing ... more
Local brewery shuts down after tough growth reality hits
A small Rochester brewery is calling it quits just a year after launching, despite early success, according to the Democrat and Chronicle. Mountain Roads Brewing plans to close its cans-to-go operation in May after its ... more
Finger Lakes winery earns elite national spotlight with standout red wine honor
A Finger Lakes winery just cracked a top national list with a standout red that impressed judges across the country, according to WETM. Heron Hill Winery earned a 96-point Platinum Medal for its 2023 Ingle ... more
Historic Ontario County factory reborn as buzzing brewery destination
A crumbling 1800s factory along a rushing waterway is turning into a brewery and restaurant, as Wheel Works Brewing Co. prepares to open this summer, according to the Democrat and Chronicle. Owners Ken Johnson and ... more
Grocery store wine sales push hits familiar roadblocks
Lawmakers are reviving a long-running fight over wine in grocery stores, but resistance isn’t going away, according to Capital Tonight. A new bill from Liz Krueger and Pamela Hunter would allow wine sales in supermarkets, ... more
New York craft breweries face shifting market
A booming craft beer scene is now seeing closures across New York, even as it fuels billions, according to Spectrum News. The state still boasts over 500 breweries and a $4.8 billion impact, but longtime ... more
Wine sales fight reignites as liquor stores warn grocery store plan could crush them
A long-running battle over wine sales in grocery stores is flaring up again in New York, with small business owners warning it could wipe them out, according to News10NBC. Liquor store owners say wine makes ... more
Wild weather won’t stop Finger Lakes wine
Wild temperature swings hit the Finger Lakes this month, but vineyards still look strong heading into the growing season, according to News 8 . Experts say a consistently cold winter actually helped protect grapevines. Specialists ... more
Lawmakers renew push to allow wine sales in grocery stores
New York lawmakers are once again advancing legislation that would allow wine to be sold in grocery stores, according to Spectrum News. The bill, reintroduced by Sen. Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Pam Hunter, aims to ... more
Unions, liquor stores oppose wine sales in groceries
Union leaders and representatives of small wine and liquor stores are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to reject legislation that would allow grocery stores in New York to sell wine. The United Food and Commercial Workers ... more
More craft breweries close in Finger Lakes
Two locations of Copper Leaf Brewing Co. appear to have closed permanently, adding to a growing list of craft brewery shutdowns across the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle ... more
Swedish Hill unveils new name, renovation plans
Swedish Hill is rebranding and renovating its longtime Cayuga Lake tasting room as part of a new chapter under the Martin Family. The Romulus winery will now operate as Swedish Hill Winery + Cider Co., ... more
Twisted Rail expands to Manchester with beer, cannabis
Craft beer, barbecue and cannabis are heading to Manchester as Twisted Rail FLX takes over a former restaurant site, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Co-owner Ian Boni said renovations have started at the ... more
Bub’s Spirits opens in Odessa
Wine samples flowed as Bub’s Spirits cut the ribbon on Main Street, according to the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. Owners Dustin and Billie Jo Carnes opened the locally owned spirits shop at 101 ... more
Railhead Brewing in Hornell closing after 11 years
Hornell’s craft beer scene is losing a staple, according to the Hornell Evening Tribune, as Railhead Brewing Company prepares to close after nearly 12 years. Owners Dave Woolever and Michael McCumiskey announced the shutdown on ... more
Lawmakers push alcohol tax for treatment
New York could soon tax alcohol sales to pay for addiction care, according to the Times Union, as lawmakers link expanded drinking access with rising treatment needs. State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez introduced bills to add ... more
Auburn distillery heads downtown
A local whiskey maker is betting on foot traffic with a downtown move, according to The Citizen. Cellar & Folly Whiskey Co. plans to relocate from York Street to Genesee Street later this spring, taking ... more
