Big Boost for New York's Wine and Beer Industry

Jun 16, 2014

(RHP) - There's something to celebrate in New York, especially the Finger Lakes region.  Governor Andrew Cuomo made wine tastings in New York tax-free.

Just in time for the busy tourism season along the Finger Lake, Boud Kuenen is raising a glass to the tax-free wine tastings. The majority of his business here at Wilhelmus Estate Winery along Cananadaigua Lake banks on tastings.

"Well that's money in our pocket instead of the state's, of course.  And I would remind the Governor and everyone else in government, that it is, speaking as a citizen of the state of New York, that it really is our money.  It's not government money.  It starts out as our money and should stay our money," said Boud Kuenen, Wilhelmus Estate Winery.

The governor is also pouring $350,000 into the brewing industry.  The money will be used to research hops and malting barley in hopes of perfecting beers that work best for New York's agriculture.

"We welcome it all, of course.  We're all in the same business.  Agri-tourism is about the only growing industry in Western New York.  And, given the expertise of the brewers, the wine makers and such, let us run with the ball and we can continue to grow this industry," said Kuenen.

Consumers are drinking it up too.

"I've always been interested in doing wine tastings, but it is a little bit on the pricey side for me.  So this would definitely encourage me to take advantage of that," said Alysha Taggart, Rochester.

At Wilhelmus, the sales tax exemption on tastings is something to toast.

"That's definitely a plus.  It makes tens, 20's if not hundreds of dollars of difference in a weekend," added Kuenen.

Thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars a year.


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