Governor Announces Two New Initiatives to Support Wine, Beer Producers

ALBANY – Some good news for beer and wine producers in New York.

Governor Andrew Cuomo Thursday announced two initiatives stemming from the second Wine, Beer, Spirits and Cider Summit to support New York State’s local wineries and breweries.

Consumers can now enjoy tax-free tastings at wineries that charge a nominal per-person fee, and which are already exempt from paying a use-tax on the wine used for tastings.

Additionally, $350,000 in funding will go to research hops and malting barley, key beer-brewing ingredients, to help specialists understand the varieties and differences that work best for New York agriculture.