2016 Policy and Budget Preview

Governor Cuomo gave his State of the State address and released his proposed Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2017 last week, announcing his priorities for the year and setting the stage for important budget and policy discussions. One of the Governor’s goals for this fiscal year is to expand New York’s craft beverage industry, and he has proposed a number of investments and legislative changes to facilitate that expansion. Perhaps the most intriguing item for the wine industry is the modernization of the 81-year-old Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”) Law, including by addressing e-commerce. Read on for a summary of a few of the Governor’s proposals. As always, refer to the Division of the Budget for complete information.

Read More

The Law of Location: Reign of Terroir

The geographic origin of a wine has long been believed to impact its taste (“palate”) and aroma (“nose”). Factors such as climate, soil, and nearby vegetation leave their imprint on a grape to create a unique flavor profile. These factors in turn account for some of the noticeable differences in palate and nose among wines made from the same grape variety. For this reason, many consumers rely on designations of origin, or appellations, in choosing their wines. This is the essence of “terroir”—the idea that the holistic geophysical and ecological profile of a region influences the taste and other characteristics of the fruit grown there. Terroir is a source of pride, economic value, and contention among wine producers and consumers.

Read More