The first "Pride of New York" award will be presented to a New York-based wine or cheese company in a competition being developed for next year's State Fair.
Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Darrel Aubertine is encouraging New Yorkers to submit ideas for the event, which is still being developed. Jim Trezise, president of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, said a competition involving wines and cheeses from across the state will add a new element to the fair.
The wine industry is one of the fastest growing industries in New York's agricultural and tourism sectors, generating more than $3.7 billion annually in economic activity. New York ranks fourth in cheese production
