Field Notes

News and Updates from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation

COVID-19

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Governor Cuomo Announces State Will End Food and Beverage Service Curfew

This announcement on food and beverage service and catered events builds on the Governor’s recent measures to further re-open the economy amid a steady decline in New York’s COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization rates. On April 26, Governor Cuomo announced that spectator capacity at large-scale outdoor event venues, including professional and collegiate sports and live performing arts and entertainment, will increase from 20 to 33 percent beginning May 19. This increase will coincide with the previously announced increase in large-scale indoor event venue capacity. Social distancing, masks, health screenings and all other State health and safety protocols remain in effect.

New Tax Law & PPP Loan Updates Under the Consolidated Appropriations Acts

NOTE: This session was rescheduled from January 26th, 2021. This Basic Webinar will provide an update on recent changes in the deductibility of expenses related to PPP Loans. About this Event Recent legislation has changed things since our Year-end Planning and Current Hot Topics webinar in December. For example, the deductibility of expenses related to PPP were not permitted previously but are permitted now which could be significant for some. Join us

Gov. Cuomo Tightens On-Premise Regulations, SLA Issues Guidance

Last week, Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.74, which requires that all licensed establishments with on premises privileges (including manufacturers with tasting rooms) to cease all on premises service of food and drink (indoors or outdoors) at or before 10:00PM, daily. Such establishments may reopen for in-person service at 5:00AM, daily, provided however that alcoholic beverage service may not resume until the later of any stipulated opening hour on the license or the county on premises opening hour.

Growers Eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2.0

With the wine and grape industry being directly impacted by the financial effects of COVID-19, the USDA has developed programs to assist with relief to those affected.   Wine grapes are now eligible for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) funds.  Grape producers (persons or legal entities) who face continued market disruptions and significant marketing costs are eligible for CFAP 2.0 payments.  Here is the USDA’s fact sheet with

Governor Cuomo Announces Virtual Taste NY Producer Showcase to Boost New York’s Farms, Small Food and Beverage Businesses

Pilot Program to Kick-off in the Adirondacks and Capital Region Online Business-to-Business Networking Event Will Connect Taste NY Producers with Potential New Buyers of Food Products Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the virtual Taste NY Producer Showcase, which was created to boost business for New York’s farms and small food and beverage makers. The first of its kind, online business-to-business networking event will help to connect New York’s agricultural

Guidance for Wineries Regarding Live Music

Recently, the State Liquor Authority issued clarifying guidance on “Live Music” permissions at establishments licensed for on-premise alcohol sales.  An email was sent to every licensee; however, it has come to our attention that not every winery received this message from the SLA.  A copy of the email message is reproduced below.  The COVID Reopening mandatory rules actually have not changed at all.  The State is proactively engaging in enforcement measures against licensees who are not

WISE Community Forum – Tasting Room COVID-19 Challenges

Join the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and the Wine Industry Sales Education (WISE) Academy for a special Community Forum Series designed to help New York wineries optimize the guest experience as they grapple with different, and ever-changing COVID-related challenges. Things are constantly evolving, and we want to quickly share what we are learning and identify best practices – which promises to be a fluid process. While many associations

Re-engineering the 20th FLX International Wine & Spirits Competition in the Covid-19 Era

Twenty years ago, Camp Good Days & Special Times initiated the first Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition (FLIWC).  The objective was to establish FLIWC to raise money for programs for children and their families impacted by cancer, and to provide a platform for finger lakes wineries to showcase the quality of finger lakes wines. Today the FLIWC has an international reputation for excellence and attracts wine from all over the US, Canada

Financial Strategies for Wineries & Vineyards After the Impact of COVID-19

Join Tony Sandonato, from Mengel Metzger Barr & Co. LLP, as he discusses important financial strategies to consider in the wake of COVID-19. About Anthony G. Sandonato As a partner in our tax department in the Rochester office, Tony specializes in a variety of areas, including corporate tax, business valuations and superior client service. A native of Perinton, Tony joined Mengel Metzger Barr in 1997 after earning his bachelor’s degree

glass of red wine with a vineyard in the background

FAQ: Outdoor Tastings For New York Wineries

Recently Governor Cuomo announced that outdoor dining would be permitted starting June 4th at restaurants located in regions currently in Phase 2 for reopening. Those regions currently include: the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern Tier and Western New York. NYWGF received notification from the NY State Liquor Authority (SLA) that this privilege extends to craft beverage tasting rooms.  For

Phase 2 Reopening Guidelines: Outdoor Wine Tastings Allowed

Yesterday Governor Cuomo announced that outdoor dining would be permitted starting June 4th at restaurants located in regions currently in Phase 2 for reopening. Those regions currently include: the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern Tier and Western New York. We received notification from the NY State Liquor Authority (SLA) that this privilege extends to craft beverage tasting rooms. Thank

Return to Work Risk Management Toolkit

Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy, NYWGF Business Associate Member, has put together the following resources as a “Return to Work” Toolkit. Please stay tuned for a future webinar on this topic in the near future.