New York’s wine and grape industry has a multibillion-dollar impact on the state’s economy. That’s according to a recent report by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation.
The study found that the industry creates nearly 72,000 jobs and generates more than $6.6 billion in economy activity for the state.
Sam Filler, who heads the foundation, says he is not worried about competition from the burgeoning craft brewing scene. He says, the more tourists the better.
“The breweries recognize that tasting rooms are where you can do well with your sales, and that’s the model that the wineries have pioneered in New York State. So I think it’s all about attracting visitors, and so the more that people have a positive experience, the more they’re going to return. Even the existing wineries that have been in the state for a number of years are growing, and they’re expanding their product lines. So it’s not the rapid increase that the beer industry has seen, but it’s been slow and positive.”
He also says New York grapes have gained respect from other leading states in the wine business, like California and Texas.
