Tag: New York Wine and Grape Foundation

The New York Wine and Grape Foundation is moving from Canandaigua to Penn Yan.

The foundation, a trade and marketing organization for grapes and wine, has been located in Canandaigua since the New York Wine and Culinary Center — now known as New York Kitchen — opened in 2006. Previously the foundation had been in Penn Yan; it moves back there May 1.

“It was an honor to serve as a founding partner for New York Kitchen. We have been proud to support the mission of promoting New York food and beverages as a tenant for 13 years,” wrote the foundation’s executive director, Sam Filler, in a newsletter Wednesday.

The motive behind the move is two-fold: The foundation needed more space, and it wanted to be closer to members.

“It all had to do with the fact that our staff was changing and our office needs,” Filler said. Penn Yan “is more centrally located to many of our member wineries in the Finger Lakes.”

The new location, in the Keuka Business Park, is close to Keuka Lake and a short drive away from Seneca Lake, both of which are circled by wineries.

The Finger Lakes wine region is the largest wine region in the state, boasting 145 wineries and tasting rooms, which is twice as many as the Long Island region, the next largest.

Filler said the Penn Yan location is more convenient for the employees who work at the foundation’s office, and more centrally located for those who work and live in New York and Albany.

Filler said the foundation is also excited to be a part of Penn Yan’s renewal, with a budding restaurant scene, new hotels, and news of a state revitalization grant.

Under Filler, the foundation has reorganized its staff and added one more position — a brand ambassador who focuses on New York City and exports — but Filler said he expects soon to hire an administrative assistant for the office, too.

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