The first wine shipments include wines from the world famous Finger Lakes region.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the inaugural partnership, enabling New York State wine to be sold in Puerto Rico for the first time. The New York State Office of Trade and Tourism, distributor Serrallés Imports and the legendary Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in Steuben County are producing a selection of wines from the Finger Lakes region for local purchase in Puerto Rico. The partnership marks the first entry of New York wines into the growing Puerto Rican wine market and ushers in a new era of wine appreciation and cultural exchange. The new partnership was celebrated today with a tasting at the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism in San Juan, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball ) attended the event.
“Puerto Rico shares a lot of culture, energy and creativity with New York, and our history and future are inherently intertwined,” Governor Hocher said. “Now Puerto Rico will be able to enjoy what wine lovers everywhere have long known – the best wines are from New York. Cheers to this fantastic collaboration!”
From the shared vision of the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism and Serrallés Imports, one of Puerto Rico’s largest distributors, the State recognizes the enormous potential to promote and celebrate New York wines. Partnering with New York’s most acclaimed Serrallés Winery and Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, the New York State Department of Trade and Tourism is able to meet export requirements, bring Dr. Frank’s wines to market, and leverage Serrallés Imports’ extensive distribution network and wine and Spirits industry expertise to ensure New York-made wines are available to consumers and connoisseurs across Puerto Rico. The winery will offer its Riesling varietal and rosé wine for export. The state hopes to expand the selection of wines and wineries participating in the initiative in the future.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State wines are of the highest quality in the world, and I am proud to join Governor Hochul in celebrating the first export of Finger Lakes wine to Puerto Rico. Thanks to the hard work of the ESD Office of Trade and Tourism, this partnership supports local production and will continue to enrich the vibrant and longstanding cultural exchange between New York and Puerto Rico, benefiting our communities and our economy.”
New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “New York and Puerto Rico continue to work together to facilitate trade and expand markets for economic impact on agribusiness and agritourism. We thank Governor Hochul for his commitment to the Puerto Rican community and we raise our toast to the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism , making New York Finger Lakes wines available to Puerto Rican connoisseurs! This effort helps create a new market for New York manufacturing businesses, continuing the exemplary tradition of cultural and commercial exchange between New York State and Isla del Encanto.”
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “It’s an honor to be in Puerto Rico to celebrate the bringing of New York State wines to the market here. In New York State, we are incredibly proud of our unique world-class wine industry and the farming communities that produce it”Bringing New York wines to Puerto Rico helps us Continue to strengthen our state’s valuable friendship with Puerto Rico and our trade partnerships, while supporting New York producers. “
Sam Filler, executive director of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, said: “We’re excited to see New York wines shine in Puerto Rico. Thanks to the hard work of the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism, wine lovers can now enjoy a taste of New York, starting with one of our most historic wines NYWGF’s own export “The program has had an overwhelmingly positive response to New York wines in many markets around the world. We are optimistic that this is just the beginning of a beautiful partnership in Puerto Rico as more New York wines will be introduced to this exciting new market.” market.”
According to Silvia Santiago, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, Destilería Serrallés, Inc.: “Destilería Serrallés, Inc. is excited and honored to represent and distribute the finest wines from the Dr Konstantin Frank estate. As a company we have a lot in common; we are both historic family businesses and our commitment to quality is our It is part of our obsession to perfect what we offer our customers. We expect excellent elements of a long and successful partnership! We thank the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism and all parties that helped make this arrangement a Reality. Now the people of Puerto Rico will have the opportunity to taste the best wines from New York State, which is a unique experience!”
Dr. Meaghan Frank, Vice President of Konstantin Frank Winery, said, “We are very excited to be the first New York State winery to market our wines in Puerto Rico. My great-grandfather was a pioneer in New York when he was the first to plant European varieties in the Eastern United States. We will continue to pioneer four generations to come , this time bringing our wines to the great people of Puerto Rico. It is an honor to partner with Destilería Serrallés and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship. We would like to thank the staff at the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism, especially our My contact, Betty Enriquez, facilitated and supported us in finding distribution channels in Puerto Rico.”
New York State is one of the most important wine producing regions in the world and the third largest wine producer in the United States. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has supported the growth of New York’s craft beverage industry, paving the way for unprecedented growth through regulatory reform and groundbreaking initiatives. Today, there are 496 licensed wineries statewide, including 394 farm wineries, making the New York wine industry an important part of the state’s economy and one of its major exports.
The New York State Office of Trade and Tourism and Serrallés Imports are committed to expanding the horizons of the Puerto Rican wine industry. Together, they will elevate Puerto Rico’s wine industry and give New York State wineries like Dr. Constantin Frank an exciting new market where the demand for premium wines is growing and making history.
This partnership represents an important step forward in promoting intercultural exchange and economic growth, which is the mission of the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism. It demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships and the passion to showcase excellence made in New York.
About Empire State Development Corporation
The Empire State Development Agency (ESD) is New York State’s primary economic development agency. ESD’s mission is to promote economic prosperity, encourage the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities, increase revenue for the State and its municipalities, and stabilize and diversify local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD works to enhance private business investment and growth to stimulate job creation and support New York State’s thriving communities. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing regional economic development councils and marketing of I Love New York, New York State’s iconic tourism brand.For more information on regional councils and the Empire State Building development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
About the New York State Puerto Rico Office of Trade and Tourism
The Puerto Rico New York State Office of Trade and Tourism promotes economic growth and fosters cultural exchange by promoting international trade, tourism and investment opportunities. Through its strategic partnerships and initiatives, the office aims to showcase the unique offerings of Puerto Rico and New York State to a global audience while forging mutually beneficial relationships with businesses and organizations around the world. When Puerto Rico is struck by a natural disaster, the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism is also the boot of New York State, and New York State is always there to help this brotherly island.
About Sellales Distillery Company
Serrallés Distillery Inc. is the parent company of Serrallés Imports, a Puerto Rican wine and spirits distributor. Serrallés Distillery produces Don Q Cristal Rum, Don Q Gold, Don Q Reserva 7, Don Q XO, as well as Don Q Limón and Don Q Coco, among other flavors. Since 1865, the Serrallés family has been producing some of the finest violins in the world.
