Press Releases
U.S. EMBASSY HOSTS VIRTUAL WINE TASTING
New York Wineries Reach Korean Buyers through Virtual Technology
April 21, 2006 – The U.S. Embassy, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets hosted a “virtual wine tasting” at the Embassy’s Information Resource Center (IRC) at Namyeong-dong on Friday April 21, 2006. The two-hour event conducted live via video conference promoted five Hudson Valley wineries simultaneously to more than 40 potential Korean buyers.
“The Hudson Valley is among the oldest wine-making regions in the United States,” said Carmine D’Aloisio, the U.S. Embassy’s Minister-Counselor for Commercial Affairs. “We are pleased today to be able to use video conferencing technology to introduce Korean buyers to some of the most outstanding examples of Hudson Valley wines. We’re continually looking for innovative ways to help bring U.S. products to Korea, and we’re hopeful that our first New York Hudson Valley virtual wine tasting will help small businesses such as these New York wineries realize the potential for their products in Korea. We also know Korean consumers will agree that New York wines are among the best they’ll find.”
The wine tasting took place at the U.S. Embassy IRC in Seoul at 10:00 a.m., and more than 40 potential buyers sampled an assortment of wines from five Hudson Valley wineries. Representatives of the New York wine industry and the wineries broadcast live simultaneously from Marist College in Poughkeepsie. U.S. Ambassador to Korea Alexander Vershbow also attended.
Phyllis Feder, Chair of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation and Co-Proprietor of Clinton Vineyards, said, “While our tasting room attracts people from around the world, I am very enthused to have our wines promoted in Korea during this virtual wine tasting. This event is a wonderful combination of tourism and trade and will increase the awareness on both sides of the equation without the expense and time of international travel. It will open a new avenue for trade, benefiting all parties – buyers can learn about New York producers as well as our product, and our wineries can learn about buyers and the Korean market.”
Carmine D’Aloisio opened the wine tasting with greetings to the five New York wineries, which were Clinton Vineyards; Millbrook Vineyards and Winery; Brotherhood, America’s oldest winery; Cascade Mountain Winery; and Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery.
Mary Kay Vrba of Dutchess County Tourism, John Nihoff of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and Susan Spence of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation all talked about the Hudson Valley’s proximity to New York City. They expanded on the variety of attractions the region offers for travelers, including historic sites and natural attractions, museums and wineries, as well as the diversity of accommodations, including luxury hotels and resorts, bed and breakfasts and quaint country inns.
Ambassador Vershbow pointed out that the Hudson Valley makes an ideal day trip for Koreans visiting New York City. “The Hudson Valley offers a variety of experiences to the traveler interested in art, history, literature and cuisine,” he said. “The Valley is located only about an hour’s drive north of New York City and is also easily accessible by train.” Amtrak, the U.S. national passenger railroad and Metro-North Railroad provide service to the cities and towns located along the Hudson River north of New York City.
According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Korea is one of the largest markets for alcoholic beverages in the world, and promises a huge potential for future wine sales. Overall wine imports, chiefly California, in Korea have shown significant growth in recent years. Economists expect wine imports to Korea to set a new annual high in 2005, surpassing the former record of $58 million set in 2004. The increased interest in wine consumption in Korea correlates with their general public’s increased emphasis on a well-being lifestyle.
New York’s wine industry has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. New York ranks third behind California and Washington in total wine production. With more than 200 wineries producing some of the finest Cabernet Francs, Rieslings and other wines in the world, New York’s wine industry is gaining more respect and recognition every year.
For more information, contact Ken Duckworth at 397-4356 or Grace Sung at 397-4324 or refer to the following:
Dutchess County Tourism - http://www.dutchesstourism.com
Culinary Institute of America - http://www.ciachef.edu/
New York Wine and Grape Foundation - http://www.newyorkwines.org
U.S. Department of Commerce - http://www.buyusa.gov/korea/en/
U.S. Wine Guidebook - http://www.atoseoul.com/wineguidebook/index.htm