Robert Lipper, Sailboat
Photo by R. Strovnik Robert Lipper, Vineyard NYS Darren McGee, Fishing on Long Island Robert Lipper

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday May 26, 2005

GROUP TOURS MAY HAVE MORE REASONS TO CELEBRATE LI WINE COUNTRY

Contact:  Kristen Matejka         
Director of Marketing and Communications
LICVB&SC
631 951-3900 xt.317

GROUP TOURS MAY HAVE MORE REASONS TO CELEBRATE LONG ISLAND’S NORTH FORK WINE COUNTRY

Supreme Court Ruling Could Open Way For Visitors To Re-Order LI Wine

HAUPPAUGE, NY- (May 20, 2005)-Tour groups visiting Long Island’s wine country may soon have more reasons to celebrate the area due to a recent Supreme Court ruling that could curb State laws restricting visitors from re-ordering wines once they’ve left the State.

Long Island’s wine country, on the North Fork, has become an increasingly popular group tour destination. Visitors to the scenic North Fork are able to visit a broad range of vineyards that offer wine tasting, tours, cultural events and host special events.

The wineries have produced award-winning vintages and are open to the public.
Currently visitors to the vineyards are certainly able to purchase their favorite wines on-site, and are able to have wine orders they place on the premises shipped back home. But the ruling could give them the ability to re-order their favorites once they return home.

The North Fork of Long Island has become a popular site for one-day tours, as well as multi-day tours combined with other events and attractions in the area. Popular during the summer months, the vineyards are also open year-round to host groups.
In fact in the month of February, the region celebrates the Long Island Wine Country Winter Festival, with special events, art shows, discounts at local merchants and attractions. The spring and fall shoulder seasons are also excellent times to visit the scenic area when rates drop and room availability increases at area hotels.

Many tour operators are looking to Long Island to create memorable group visits, whether they arrive by plane, ferry, rail or road. Long Island has three major airports, including Long Island MacArthur Airport located in the center of Long Island and offering easy Island-wide access.

And with its High Occupancy Vehicle lane opened for much of the way in high-volume areas, Long Island is motor coach friendly. Ferry service is also offered from key vantage points, along with a reliable rail system.

Many of Long Island’s most outstanding venues cater very specifically to group tours with special programs targeted specifically for larger groups. In addition to the North Fork Wine Country, Long Island’s many attractions include historic Gold Coast mansions, sparkling beaches, first rate golf, history, museums, shopping, parks and nature preserves.

The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission Tour and Travel department works with tour operators to create seamless, successful group visits to Long Island.

The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB &SC) was established in 1979 as a marketing arm for the destination’s nearly $5 billion travel and tourism industry. Based on Long Island in Hauppauge, NY, the LICVB & SC contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting Long Island as a world-class destination and by attracting individuals, tours, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events, related activities and business to Long Island. For more information about Long Island, please contact the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission by calling 1-877-FUN-ON-LI or visit the web site at http://www.funonli.com.

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