FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2016

At the Tuesday, April 19, 2016 meeting of the Niagara County Legislature, a
resolution declaring April Niagara Wine Month was present. Legislator John
Syracuse spoke on the importance of the wineries to the county. In accepting
the proclamation, Niagara Wine Trail President, Oscar Vizcarra, thanked the
elected officials for their support.

Wine Trail Vice President, Erik Gustafson, explained why we have a burgeoning
wine industry in Niagara County, the importance of both the
Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario to the region’s agriculture, and why they create the ideal conditions for growing grapes.  He buttressed his discussion by mentioning the various gold medals and other awards the trail’s wineries have received.  He concluded by sharing his journey to owning a winery in New York. After attending Purdue University, he and his wife Shane explored various areas. After looking at California and other
locales, they decided the opportunities in Western New York outweighed
all others.

Proposing a toast to the industry, Event Committee Chair, Margo Sue Bittner,
recognized the farmers and the organizations that support the wineries. She
encouraged everyone to buy local, including using the Uncork NY restaurant
cards when dining out. Thanking the legislators for their support, she asked
they sign a pledge to serve only NYS wines at any of their functions. Senator Rob Ortt and Assembly members Jane Corwin and John Ceretto, have signed
the pledge. In concluding her toast, she reminded everyone to find local
wines at the wineries, in liquor stores and at local farmers markets.

Legislator Syracuse concluded the presentation by presenting the proclamation
to Vicarra and Gustafson. For more information about the wineries, to get
copies of the UnCork NY wine card, wine pledge, or to learn about the wine trail’s
events, go to www.NiagaraWineTrail.org or email Contact@NiagaraWineTrail.org.

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For more information contact:
Elizabeth Maute, Media Coordinator
lizrose@niagarawinetrail.org