AGREEMENT TO EXPORT NEW YORK STATE WINES TO PUERTO RICO

July 18, 2023

Inaugural Shipment Includes Wines from World-Renowned Finger Lakes Region Partnership Represents Special Relationship Between New York and Puerto Rico and Growing Demand for New York State Wines

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an inaugural partnership that enables New York State wines to be sold in Puerto Rico for the very first time. The New York State Office of Trade and Tourism, distributor Serrallés Imports, and the legendary Steuben County-based Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery are making a selection of wines produced in the Finger Lakes region available in Puerto Rico for local purchase. This collaboration marks the first-ever introduction of New York wines into the growing Puerto Rico wine market and uncorks a new era of wine connoisseurship and cultural exchange. The new partnership was toasted today at a wine-tasting launch at the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism in San Juan, attended by the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball. "Puerto Rico has shared so much of its culture, vibrancy, and creativity with New York, and our history and future are intrinsically intertwined," Governor Hochul said. "Now Puerto Rico will be able to enjoy what wine lovers across the world have long known - the best wines are made in New York. Cheers to this fantastic collaboration!" Stemming from a shared vision of New York State Office of Trade and Tourism and Serrallés Imports, one of Puerto Rico's largest distributors, the State recognized the immense potential for promoting and celebrating New York wines. Partnering with Serrallés and Dr. Konstantin Frank, New York's most awarded winery, the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism was able to work through export requirements to bring Dr. Frank's wines into the market, and leverage Serrallés Imports extensive distribution network and wine and spirits industry expertise to ensure that New York-made wines are available to consumers and connoisseurs across Puerto Rico. The winery will be providing its Riesling varieties and Rosé for export. The State hopes to expand the selection of wines and wineries participating in this initiative in the future.

Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York State wines are of the highest caliber in the world and I'm proud to join Governor Hochul in celebrating the export of Finger Lakes vintages to Puerto Rico for the first time. Thanks to the hard work of ESD's Office of Trade and Tourism, this partnership supports local production and will continue to enrich the vibrant, longstanding cultural exchange between New York and Puerto Rico, benefitting both our communities and economy." Read the full press release here.