Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/197178
and relatives who wouldn't ordinarily agree to a winery excursion. Because craft beer is considered a local product, and thanks to the beer-drinking community's particular affection for small-distribution brewpubs and nano-breweries, beer geeks love to engage in "beergrimages" to cities and towns – and if your beer is good, they'll be back. FINGER LAKES PIONEER Craft beer production volume has grown from 4.4 million barrels in 2009 to 7.3 million barrels in 2013. ciation reported in July that during the first six months of 2013, U.S. craft beer dollar sales and volume were up 15% and 13%, respectively, despite a slight decline in overall beer sales (2%) during the same time period. Since 2004, craft brews have doubled their market share to nearly 6%. With that kind of growth and promise, adding a brewery component to your winery could mean a significant increase in visitor traffic. Offering more beverage options increases the likelihood that guests will stay longer and spend more money, perhaps bringing friends "We are the only winery on Seneca Lake that has a fully operated brewery on premise," said Katie Roller, marketing director at Wagner Vineyards/Wagner Valley Brewing Co. in New York's Finger Lakes region. All of the brewing is done in-house. "When the founder, Bill Wagner, decided to put a brewery in, in 1997," Roller said, "everyone thought he was crazy." But, she added, he was "definitely a visionary" in his belief in the potential of a winery/brewery combination. He wanted to be able to offer more options. A big complaint people had coming through on the wine trail was that there was wine everywhere but nothing for the guys to drink. No one else had a brewery." Today, the area is becoming a beer destination as well as a wine region. "Because it's an area tradi- Quality Stainless Tanks Custom Fabricated Stainless Wine Tanks for the Perfect Fit, or 500 to 10,000 gallon "In Stock" Wine Tanks for your Immediate Needs. Either way, We Have You Covered! Call QST Today for Assistance with your Stainless Cooperage Needs or Pricing & Availability. QST is located in the Heart of Wine Country 510 Caletti Ave. Windsor, CA 95492 707-837-2721 direct or 877-598-0672 toll free www.qualitystainless.com QST website winetanks@aol.com email for sales & info "Our Previous Clients Are Our Best Salespeople" 80 V I N E YA R D & WIN E RY MANAGEM ENT | Nov - Dec 2013 w w w. v wm m e d i a . c o m