Cellar-door tastings will be a little lighter on the wallet under a new initiative by Gov. Cuomo that eliminates sales tax on the samplings.
The no-tax benefit would apply to wineries that charge a “nominal fee” to customers who want to try their offerings.
The governor also wants to provide $350,000 in funding to Cornell researchers to study hops and malting barley so they can be farmed in the state more effectively.
“New York is home to world-class wineries and craft breweries, and by launching these initiatives, we are looking to further grow the industry, as well as increase the production of locally made products,” Cuomo said in a statement.
“When New York brewers buy from New York growers and producers, jobs are created, our economy grows stronger and everyone wins.”
The number of craft breweries in New York state has risen from 40 in 2011 to 100 today.
“Information from the work . . . will assist growers in choosing varieties and pest-management strategies suitable for New York conditions,” said Cornell’s hop specialist Steven G. Miller.