Rochester-FL Craft Beverage Trail nears legal reality

Where we once had only wine trails established to attract visitors to various parts of the state, we now have more and more beverage trails in recognition of the explosion in the number of breweries, distilleries and cideries.

The latest one moved a step closer to reality this week when the State Senate voted to approve a bill to create the Rochester-Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Trail.

The bill, introduced by State Senator Rich Funke, R-Monroe County, would permit trail signs on designated local roadways. If also OKd by the Assembly and signed by the governor, Funke's legislation would permit Rochester Craft Beverage Trail-branded signage along portions of Interstates 390, 490, 590 and 90, among other designated routes.

The bill is sponsored in the Assembly by Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle, D- Irondequoit, where it has moved to the Transportation Committee. With Morelle's backing, it seems a slam-dunk to be passed in that house.

 "One of the best things about the Rochester Craft Beverage Trail is that it was born of a grassroots effort to promote an industry that grows jobs and our economy here every day," Funke said in an announcement. "This legislation would do even more to highlight our great local craft beverage makers by establishing the Trail in state law and allowing for signage in key locations across our region."

There are 21 craft beverage businesses on the proposed trail: Black Button Distilling, Rohrbach Brewing, The O'Begley Distillery, Iron Smoke Distillery, Casa Larga Vineyards, VB Brewery, Nedloh Brewing, Heron Hill Vineyards,  Three Huskies Brewing, Blue Toad, Lost Borough Brewing, CB Craft Brewers, Honeoye Falls Distillery, Swiftwater Brewing, 3 Brothers Winery, Naked Dove, Knucklehead Brewing, Genesee Brew House, Apple Country Spirits, Embark Craft Ciderworks, and JD Wine Cellars.

The Trail was launched in 2014 by an informal coalition of craft beverage makers. Funke said that while they have had some success pooling resources to jointly market their businesses, they sought an official state designation "to increase exposure and secure the placement of branded signage throughout the region."

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• Go here to visit Dowd On Drinks
• Go here to visit Notes On Napkins
• Go here to visit the Capital Region Brew Trail

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