Wine industry surged in last decade

Canandaigua, N.Y. — More wineries opened in New York state during the past decade than in the previous 170 years of the industry's history, according to New York Wine and Grape Foundation. The state saw 161 new wineries, with 106 of those opening in the past five years, which is more than in the 20-year period of 1980-1999. 

The state's grape juice and wine industry contributed $3.76 billion to the state economy in 2008, according to a new study by Napa-based Stonebridge Research Group LLC.  “That figure is conservative, in that several new wineries opened in 2009, and anecdotal reports indicate that tourism and sales were up modestly in 2009 despite the recession,” stated Jim Trezise, president of New York Wine and Grape Foundation.