AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: Wine tariffs could open the door for Central New Yorkers to try local wineries
BROOKE KILLGORE: The Fingers Lakes region in Upstate New York is home to over 140 wineries. Now, the local industry may be getting a boost outside the recent tariffs from the U.S. government. CJS Vineyards owner Chris Schlomitti says local wineries MAY attract people for new reasons.
CHRIS SCHOLOMITI: They’re kind of coming here looking for an experience. They want to come to smaller places, that have sustainable vineyards and, and wine making processes.
BROOKE KILLGORE Since local wineries won’t take a hit from the recent tariffs, some see the change as a chance to try something new, like Syracuse resident Katy Gourlay.
KATY GOURLAY: Prices like increase by like so much and I’m going to be like, might as buy a different brand for way cheaper and I’d be willing to try out some more local brands.
BROOKE KILLGORE: New York State is the third largest wine producer in the United States. Brooke Killgore, N-C-C News.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is home to more than 140 wineries, and a new federal tariff might bring more people their way.
Recent U.S. tariffs on imported European wines are reshaping the wine market, but some Central New York wineries could benefit unexpectedly. For Chris Schlomitti, co-owner of CJS Vineyards, it’s not just about price — it’s about experience.
“[People are] kind of coming here for an experience,” Schlomitti said. “They want to come to smaller places that have sustainable vineyards and winemaking processes.”
Schlomitti and his wife, Janice, started CJS Vineyards in 1995 after he discovered his passion for winemaking as a child with his uncle.
For the winemaker, he isn’t worried that tariffs will impact producers and wineries in the area. He encourages everyone to come out and try what his winery in Auburn has to offer.
“I still think we provide a value, a locally, sustainably produced wine that is available,” Schlomitti said. “It’s an opportunity for folks to try it now if they’re kind of holding off on some more expensive European wines. Come out and give us a shot.”
Because local wineries won’t be directly affected by the tariffs, some wine drinkers see this as a chance to explore homegrown options — including Syracuse resident Katy Gourlay.
“Prices increase by so much,” Gourlay said. “I’m going to be like, might as well buy a different brand for way cheaper, and I’d be willing to try out some more local brands.”
New York is the third-largest wine-producing state in the country. For some Central New York wineries, this could be a toast-worthy opportunity.