Finger Lakes wines will be sold in Puerto Rico. The New York State Office of Trade and Tourism along with Steuben County based Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery are making a selection of Finger Lakes produced wines available in Puerto Rico for local purchase.
This collaboration marks the first-ever introduction of New York wines into the growing Puerto Rico wine market and uncorks a new era of wine connoisseurship and cultural exchange. The new partnership was toasted Monday at a wine-tasting launch at the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism in San Juan, attended by the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball.
Stemming from a shared vision of New York State Office of Trade and Tourism and Serrallés Imports, one of Puerto Rico’s largest distributors, the State recognized the immense potential for promoting and celebrating New York wines. Partnering with Serrallés and Dr. Konstantin Frank, New York’s most awarded winery, the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism was able to work through export requirements to bring Dr. Frank’s wines into the market, and leverage Serrallés Imports extensive distribution network and wine and spirits industry expertise to ensure that New York-made wines are available to consumers and connoisseurs across Puerto Rico. The winery will be providing its Riesling varieties and Rosé for export. The State hopes to expand the selection of wines and wineries participating in this initiative in the future.
The New York State Office of Trade and Tourism and Serrallés Imports are committed to expanding the horizons of Puerto Rico’s wine industry. Together, they are poised to make history by elevating the wine scene in Puerto Rico and offering New York State wineries like Dr. Konstantin Frank a new, exciting market where demand for quality wine is on the rise.
This partnership represents a significant step forward in promoting cross-cultural exchange and economic growth, which is NYS Office of Trade and Tourism’s mission. It demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration and a passion for showcasing exceptional products made in New York.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Vice President Meaghan Frank said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be the first New York State Winery selling our wines in Puerto Rico. My great-grandfather was a pioneer in New York when he was the first to plant the European varieties in the eastern United States. We continue to pioneer four generations later and this time bringing our wines to the great people of Puerto Rico. It is an honor to be partners with Destilería Serrallés and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship. We would like to thank those at the New York State Office of Trade & Tourism and specifically our contact, Betty Enriquez, for facilitating and supporting us in finding distribution in Puerto Rico”.
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Executive Director Sam Filler said, “We are so pleased to see New York wines making a bold splash in Puerto Rico. Thanks to the dedicated work of the NYS Office of Trade and Tourism, wine enthusiasts can now enjoy a taste of New York, starting with one of our most historic producers. NYWGF’s own export program has seen an overwhelmingly positive response to New York wines in many markets throughout the world. We are optimistic that this is just the beginning of a wonderful partnership in Puerto Rico as more New York wines are introduced into this exciting new market.”
Destilería Serrallés, Inc. Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Silvia Santiago said, “We at Destilería Serrallés, Inc. feel excited and honored to be able to represent and distribute the most excellent wines of the Dr Konstantin Frank Winery. As companies we have a lot in common; we are family-owned businesses with a long history, the commitment to quality is part of us, and perfecting the products we present to the customer is our obsession. Excellent elements for what we expect to be a long and successful partnership! We thank the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism and all parties that helped in making this arrangement a reality. Now the people of Puerto Rico will have the opportunity to taste the finest wines from the state of New York, a unique experience!”
“Puerto Rico has shared so much of its culture, vibrancy, and creativity with New York, and our history and future are intrinsically intertwined,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Now Puerto Rico will be able to enjoy what wine lovers across the world have long known – the best wines are made in New York. Cheers to this fantastic collaboration!”
