State Fair to Hold Wine Competition and Free Tastings

State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine has announced a number of initiatives taking place at the 2013 Great New York State Fair to promote the state's growing wine industry.

The annual competition for New York's amateur and professional wine makers, along with free public wine tastings in the International Building, highlights an effort to display one of New York's signature industries.

New York state is the third largest producer of wine and grape juices. The Fair's effort to promote New York wines is visible in the twin annual competitions for professional wineries and amateur winemakers.

Commercial wines will be judged on July 13 and amateur wines on July 16. Wines must be received by July 5 for the commercial wine competition and by July 10 for the amateur competition.