When the New York Wine & Culinary Center opened on the shore of Canandaigua Lake last summer, it was to mixed emotions.
Most people in the Finger Lakes area were happy the tourism and educational facility was there, promoted as a “gateway” to New York’s wine country.
Some people in other parts of the state pointed out that a rural, western New York “gateway” might have been a bit misleading, considering how many wineries are located east of New York City on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley between the Capital Region and the Big Apple.
Now, some of that irritation may be soothed with word that the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, headquarted in the Canandaigua facility, has received a $44,500 Empire State Development Grant to explore the feasibility of building a similar wine and culinary center in the Hudson Valley although I dont think it would be as elaborate as the one here, said Jim Trezise, Wine & Grape Foundation president.
Phyllis Feder, co-owner of Clinton Vineyards in Dutchess County with husband Ben (both seen here), is head of the steering committee for the project. She says that once a firm is contracted, the study should be completed in about 90 days.
It is a project that holds great potential, especially since we are so close to the New York City market, she said.
The working title of the project is the Hudson River Valley Wine & Culinary Center.
(Posted 06/09/07)
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