Sunday, July 13, 2008
VIRGIN ATLANTIC CLUBHOUSE at London’s Heathrow airport isn’t your run-of-the-mill airline lounge, which typically have comfortable seating, a few work cubicles, a few televisions, some snacks and basic beverages, and internet access (usually for a fee). The Clubhouse, for Upper Class passengers, is a huge yet intimate facility with beautiful hardwood floors, a fabulous bar with talented “mixologists”, an eclectic wine selection, a gourmet deli, a white-table-cloth restaurant, several different seating areas, a recreation area (billiards, etc.), a play area (for younger kids), a large-screen TV area with individual headsets to watch the screen of your choice from your personal sofa, laptop computers in many locations with free Wi-Fi service (you don’t even need to unpack your own laptop), a library, a sky lounge, a roof garden, a salon (haircuts, manicures, etc.), a spa with jaccuzzi, sauna and personal showers, a fabulous staff throughout, and a friendly concierge to let you know when you need to proceed to the gate for your flight. There is a steady flow of passengers from 7 am to closing, and many even arrive an hour or two early to enjoy the many amenities. And now they’re enjoying New York wines. Thanks to the I Love NY program of Empire State Development, which partnered with Virgin Atlantic, a selection of New York wines will be offered for the next two months, including a Wolffer Chardonnay and Peconic Bay Cabernet Sauvignon from Long Island, Dr. Frank Semi-Dry Riesling and Heron Hill Rosé of Cabernet Franc from the Finger Lakes, and Millbrook Cabernet Franc from the Hudson Valley. My job last week was to train about 100 Clubhouse staff members on the wines and wine regions so they can pass that information (and enthusiasm) on to their customers. (Coincidentally, the Clubhouse was unveiling a new, superb menu, so I was able to recommend specific New York wine pairings for each dish.) The staff reactions to the wines, and the whole idea that New York actually makes wines (Where? In Central Park?), were great. With the map of New York State on our statewide brochure, I was able to show them that when their passengers land at JFK, they’re only about 90 minutes from Long Island wine country or the Hudson Valley. By the third day of training, I also received feedback from the staff on passenger reactions to the wine and the New York surprise, which seemed to be very positive. In May, the I Love NY program unveiled its new program, which is designed to broaden the base well beyond New York City while still using the City as a hook and point of reference. Beyond they Virgin Atlantic partnership, they are promoting the wine industry through advertising in major magazines like Food & Wine and Bon Appétit, and via their website (http://www.iloveny.com/wine). We are very grateful for the tremendous and unprecedented support.
GAS PRICES got you down? Then go to Europe where gas is about $9 a gallon, and that’s not including the extra you’d pay if you first have to exchange dollars for Euros, which would bring it to $14. (Fortunately, I took the tube and didn’t have to drive anywhere.) So $4 sounds pretty cheap, but unfortunately it still seems to be taking a toll on wine country tourism, both in number of visitors and purchases. About a month ago, visitor counts seemed pretty even with last year, and purchases actually up—so the people who came intended to buy—but more recently that seems to have eroded, just like the economy in general. We don’t have any formal survey or statistics, just anecdotal information from conversations, but it seems pretty consistent.
FARM BILL that passed a couple months ago will bring major benefits to the grape and wine industry, and specialty crops in general, as a result of various funding opportunities. This week, the Agriculture Secretary announced the availability of $28.4 million this year for research and extension projects to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by developing and disseminating science-based tools to address the needs of specific crops. We in New York are very fortunate to have Cornell University and Cooperative Extension who have been doing that for decades, but have many projects which still need financial support. There are also other sources of funding for specialty crops which will flow through the Department of Agriculture & Markets. This Farm Bill was historic in that it was the first time specialty crops (like grapes, apples, and maple) were recognized and supported, thanks much to the fine work of WineAmerica and a Specialty Crops Coalition. In a separate development, the National Grape and Wine Initiative (NGWI), a national strategic planning group for research, has selected industry veteran Jean-Mari Peltier as our full-time President to coordinate research priorities on a national level. The timing is perfect.
INTERNATIONAL RIESLING FOUNDATION will unveil the results of two projects at the Riesling Rendezvous at Chateau Ste. Michelle on July 27-29. A recommended Taste Scale spearheaded by wine journalist Dan Berger, with considerable input from wine makers and others, is ultimately designed to help consumers better understand what to expect in a particular bottle of Riesling. Consumer and trade attitudes toward Riesling will be elaborated by John Gillespie and Christian Miller of Wine Opinions, whom the IRF commissioned to provide answers to some key questions. For persons attending the Riesling Rendezvous (it’s sold out), you may attend the second presentation at 3 pm on Sunday if you email jimtrezise@nywgf.org and SusanSpence@nywgf.org. Created about six months ago, the International Riesling Foundation’s mission is “to increase awareness, understanding, trial and sales of Riesling wines through a comprehensive, integrated system of industry cooperation, research, trade education, and consumer education.” In other words: Drink Riesling!
LONG ISLAND ROSÉS got a nice plug in the new edition of Bon Appétit in a great article titled, “Summer’s IT Wine”, which extols the refreshing versatility of dry rosé wine as aperitif or matches for a wide range of foods. Among the “Hot Bottles” recommended were Wolffer Estate Vineyard 2007 Rosé, and Channing Daughters 2007 “Mudd Vineyard Rosato di Cabernet Sauvignon.
“One reason for the increasing demand for Rosés is that consumers are realizing they’re incredibly food-friendly wines.”
-- Bon Appétit
A Votre Santé To Your Health
Jim Trezise