New York, NY — Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton expressed her enthusiastic support for the "New York Wines & Dines" program that kicks off today to showcase New York wines and foods in New York City restaurants throughout October.

"This is a great program and a tasteful way to bring all New Yorkers together. New York State produces some of the world's finest wines and foods, and New York chefs are world-famous for their creativity. I am especially pleased that many of the fine restaurants which participated in my trade mission two years ago are now involved with this program," Senator Clinton said.

On October 15, 2002, Senator Clinton led a delegation of 50 top restaurateurs, wine shop owners, and media representatives from New York City on a one-day tour of the Finger Lakes wine region. The purpose of the trade mission was to acquaint downstate New Yorkers with their upstate neighbors, to connect City with country, and to start a "farm to fork" program. The initiative has already paid off for both downstate and upstate.

"Senator Clinton's trade mission has had a major impact on the acceptance of New York wines in New York City as well as on participation in our program," said Jim Trezise, President of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, which created and orchestrates the "New York Wines & Dines" program. "It was great fun watching these world-class restaurateurs having their eyes opened, and their minds opened, to a world-class wine region within their own state that they knew nothing about."

Throughout October, over 50 top New York City restaurants will feature New York wines by the glass accompanying special recipes made with New York foods—Long Island seafood, Hudson Valley venison, Finger Lakes apples, and a whole array of other agricultural products. Several of the restaurants will offer prix fixe menus with a combination of appetizers, main courses and desserts paired with different wines.

On September 21st, Senator Clinton hosted "New York Farm Day" in Washington, DC. Senator Clinton has made this special event an annual showcase of New York wines, foods and restaurants to help educate Members of Congress, the Administration, and the media that New York is a major agricultural state, and that agriculture is a major part of the state's economy. This very popular annual event includes wines, foods and restaurants from the various regions of the State, along with several top New York City restaurants.

"Senator Clinton has become a true missionary for New York wines and foods," said Trezise. "Her passion for agriculture, her understanding of the issues, and her enthusiastic advocacy have given everyone a real boost."

###