By Courtney McLeod
"Since Vintage New York opened three years ago, wine
lovers have been discovering something new; there are
vineyards in New York. Vintage New York sells only New
York wines from the Hudson Valley, the Finger Lakes region
and Long Island. For $5 customers can sit a a bar at the
back of the store and sample five wines before buyng a
whole bottle.
"No one else in the world has a store focused on
New York wines," Stephanie Moreno, a manager said.
Robert Ransom, who owns Vintage New York with Susan Wine,
also owns the Rivendell Winery in New Paltz. In addition
to the Broadway store, there is also one in Soho.
There are more than 200 wines to choose from, ranging
in price from $9 to $40, though most around $20. Salmon
Run chardonnay, $12.99, is one of the best selling whites.
The wine comes from the Finger Lakes region and is the
second label of a vintner who pioneered growing European-style
grape in New York, a state that produces "world class
whites and Rieslings," Moreno said.
In terms of reds, many are similar to French or Italian
wine and are best drunk with food. Lovers of more aged
wines will have to go elsewhere, though. "New York
wines are pretty much built to drink young," Moreno
said.
Business has been picking up, according to the manager.
"There are a lot of neighborhood regulars,"
Moreno said.
Vintage New York has also been known to donate bottles
of wine or gift certificates to auctions at local schools.
