New Law Expands Home Wine, Beer, and Cider Making

Legislation Allows for the Creation and Operation of Custom Production Centers 

PRESS RELEASE – Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law this week that allows for the creation and operation of custom beer, wine, and cider production centers that will rent space and equipment to those looking to produce beer, wine, or cider for home consumption. The bill (S.1227B/A.1100B) was sponsored in the Senate by Senator David Carlucci.

“Providing places in the community for people with shared interests to come together has always been important to me,” said Senator David Carlucci. “The creation of these custom centers will allow neighbors to receive training and share equipment. New York’s beer, wine, and cider industry is blossoming, and this legislation will allow the talent pool to thrive. Moreover, the bill will have a positive effect on the agricultural industry in New York State, as more producers will look to use locally-grown grapes, apples, hops, and barley. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important bill into law.”

New York’s craft beverage industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation, however many urban and suburban residents often cannot afford or do not have access to the appropriate space or equipment to make homemade beer, cider, or wine in their homes or apartments. These custom production centers not only provide space and lower the overhead costs of production, but they also provide amateur brewers and wine and cider makers with the local ingredients and expert training needed when first starting out.

The new custom beer, wine and cider production centers will be regulated by the State Liquor Authority.

“The craft beverage industry has taken this state by storm, and more and more New Yorkers want to try their hand at making the next great Empire State beer, wine, or cider,” Governor Cuomo said. “This new law builds upon this increased interest, supports local agriculture, and breaks down artificial barriers to allow innovation and creativity to flow.” 

Since 2011, the state has implemented a multitude of significant reforms and expanded programs to grow the craft beverage industry, including creating new farm-based manufacturing licenses, launching a $60 million statewide promotional campaign and hosting wine, beer and spirits summits across the state.

New York is now home to over 500 farm wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries. The number of farm wineries in New York has increased by over 60 percent, from 195 in 2010 to 315 today while the number of farm distilleries grew from just 10 in 2010 to 95 today. Two new licenses have been created since 2011: the farm brewery license in 2013 and the farm cidery license in 2014, with New York now home to 129 farm breweries and 22 farm cideries.