Saratogian: Upper Hudson Valley Wine Trail Teams Up With NY Christmas Tree Growers Assoc.

Vineyards teaming up with tree growers
By Paul Post, The Saratogian
Posted: 11/17/14, 4:28 PM EST | Updated: 1 day ago
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Just about everyone likes a little wine and cheese during the holidays.

Now local vineyards are partnering with Christmas tree growers on a unique “wine and trees” cross-promotion.

Organizers are hoping the marketing strategy goes statewide if this year’s pilot project is a success.

“This is a guinea pig year,” said Lindsey Lehr, manager of Swedish Hill Winery’s tasting room on Broadway. “We’re really hoping to increase the flow of local consumer traffic.”

Christmas trees and grapes are two of upstate New York’s most popular agricultural products. The New York Christmas Tree Growers Association and Upper Hudson Valley Wine Trail officials decided, why not work together?

Countless area residents make family outings to local tree farms, which also get considerable out-of-town traffic on Thanksgiving weekend. Of course wine lovers are also stocking up now for the yuletide season.

“The idea is to get people who might go wine-tasting to visit a nearby tree farm as well, and vice versa,” said Mary Jeanne Packer, Trees Growers Association executive director. “We feel pretty excited. It’s a low-cost project that could produce very high returns with increased visibility for both products.”
The effort officially kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 29.

A dozen wineries and vineyards in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties are participating. In addition to Swedish Hill, the list includes The Saratoga Winery & Tasting Room, Halfmoon Cellars and Thirsty Owl Outlet & Wine Garden, all of Saratoga Springs; Johnston’s Winery in Galway and Ledge Rock Hill Winery in Corinth.

Nearly a dozen tree growers are also taking part. Those in Saratoga County are Sunnyside Gardens in Saratoga Springs, River Bend Tree Farm in Corinth, Bob’s Trees in Galway, and Ellms Family Farm and Frogg Hollow Farm, both in Galway.

As an incentive to visit both types of business, people who buy wine or purchase a tasting will be given a coupon they can redeem at a tree farm for a handsome laser-engraved wooden ornament, free of charge. Or, those who buy a tree or wreath may take the coupon to a winery or vineyard to get the ornament.

The offer is good while supplies last, Lehr said.

The Upper Hudson Valley Wine Trail is one of several wine trails throughout the state.

“They’ve been very successful in other communities,” said Chip Ellms, Ellms farm co-owner. “It helps the consumer and businesses. We just thought what a wonderful combination for people who have similar interests to get both of these locally-grown products right here in the area.”

Read more at:
http://www.saratogian.com/lifestyle/20141117/vineyards-teaming-up-with-tree-growers