As dozens of (thirsty) friends, supporters, and family members looked on, Schoharie County launched its Beverage Trail Thursday at the back lawn of Sharon Spring's American Hotel.
The trail, which is recognized by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, links four producers of mead, wine, beer and spirits:
--KyMar Farm Winery and Distillery in Charlotteville.
--Green Wolf Brewing in Middleburgh.
--Royal Meadery in Richmondville.
--Barber's Farm Distillery in Fultonham.
The Beverage Trail, which will officially kick off on August 1, is also intended to be a by-invitation culinary trail, said Lori Woertz, owner of KyMar and president of the SCBT, and so charter members also include Under the Nose in Middleburgh, and Schoharie County Tourism.
Down the road, Thursday's speakers said, it could grow to include a visitor's center with made in Schoharie County items.
Ms. Woertz characterized the effort as an exercise in "collaboration, consideration, cooperation, and community" and said she hopes it will be one more reason for people to visit Schoharie County-and stay.
The SCBT has been in the works since 2010, she said, as a way to combine agriculture, tourism, and the farm to table movement.
Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce President Scott Ferguson, also a professor at SUNY Cobleskill who worked on establishing the trail, called it an excellent example of connecting commerce and the community.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball of Schoharie, also praised the initiative.
"It really goes to the heart of our [Ag & Markets] mission," he said. "More and more people want to know where their food comes from. This type of a collaboration mirrors Governor Cuomo's efforts. It's truly a great day for Schoharie County an a great day for New York State."