Three upstate wineries have come together to create an import-export company designed to increase Finger Lakes wine sales in Europe. The new company, called New York Wines, will be registered in Belgium and the partners are hoping it will help to increase sales at home as well as abroad.
John Martini, president of one of the vineyards, the Anthony Road Wine Company, says the costs associated with overseas shipping can be prohibitive for a single winery. But shipping produce from several wineries in bulk makes it cheaper at both ends, he says.
Martini says they hope their expanded international presence will help boost sales in tough downstate markets like New York City, as well as in the upstate region. He says local wines are often under-appreciated by consumers in their own backyard.
“The Finger Lakes in particular is developing a reputation nationwide and worldwide for quality wines. But, we are in more restaurants in New York City than we are in Rochester.”
Martini says they hope eventually to include more upstate wineries in the venture, helping vineyards across the region develop an international profile.
