WineAmerica DC Fly-In
While WineAmerica is based in Washington, given its function to advocate on federal public policy, only Michael Kaiser actually lives and works there (I live and work in New York’s fabulous Finger Lakes region, with monthly trips to DC.)
But we have one major gathering each year: a “Fly-In” for which our members converge from around the country for two days of meeting, but mostly intensive lobbying on Capitol Hill. For the past two years, Michael has scheduled nearly 100 different legislative meetings over the two days, allowing WineAmerica members to discuss our legislative and regulatory priorities with their state’s Senators and Representatives, who really appreciate everyone’s effort to come all the way to Washington. It is an incredibly effective way to remind official Washington of the national economic importance of the wine industry, and the importance of protecting and enhancing the business climate so we can grow and contribute even more.
This year’s Fly-In is scheduled for May 5 – 6, and all members are encouraged to attend.
Sustainability in the City
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is in the midst of an innovative way to educate city people about what sustainability in the vineyard and winery is all about. New York Wines Sustainability Week, from February 24 through March 4, connects Big Apple consumers with participants in the New York State Wine Sustainability Program. A combination of restaurant tastings, retail wine store events, pairing dinners, and roundtable discussions with winemakers provides an opportunity to showcase wines from vineyards and wineries that are committed to sustainable production. It’s a great way to show how the wine community is a socially responsible group of people who cherish the earth and work to protect it. It’s also a great way to introduce consumers to local, top-quality sustainable wines.
Sam Filler, my successor at NYWGF, and his team have done a superb job in taking the Foundation to new levels of creativity and value to the growers and wineries it serves. Bravo!