Thursday, March 18, 2010

Selling Wine In The Hudson Valley, By Scott Koster


As the Director of Sales at Millbrook Vineyard & Winery, it is my pleasurable task to introduce area restaurants and retail stores to the wonderful wines our winemaker, John Graziano, has produced for 25 years. I also am the face of Millbrook in the market place which is the part of my job that I LOVE! Making sure that each of our clients receives the best service and attention to their needs keeps my job varied and interesting. We are very lucky to have the support of so many talented chefs and wine shop purveyors.
This time of year, once the autumn harvest season and holiday rush is over, we are planning and projecting for the upcoming year. I will be more focused on our wholesale markets.
For the fourth consecutive year, we are involved as a major sponsor for Hudson Valley Restaurant week. During what is normally the slow season for the restaurant industry, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week provides a unique and affordable dining experience.
Sourcing local foods and products has become very popular among many in the food service today. Chefs are enjoying the superior freshness of products grown locally. In this fast paced world it is important to have a relationship with the farmer or producer of the products that are making their way to your restaurants table. More and more the chef is asking for and highlighting local ingredients on their menus.
We are fortunate to live and work in the Hudson Valley which is a rich, diverse culinary treasure box. Culinary tourism has also grown tremendously over the last few years. Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is a culinary celebration and dining event promoted by the Valley Table magazine. The popular event has gown to include over 125 restaurants who will serve over 150,000 diners during the two week period of March 15-28th of 2010.
Chefs will be highlighting their signature dishes while sourcing locally from small farms and artisanal producers. I am proud to say that Millbrook wines will be poured at many of these establishments and have been selected to compliment the cuisine.
What are you waiting for? Check out hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com, select the participating restaurant of your choice, and enjoy the bounty of the Hudson River Valley. While visiting the restaurant, please don’t forget to enjoy a glass of Millbrook wine with your meal!

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