Cutchogue - Congressman Tim Bishop announced that three North Fork Wineries have had their wines approved for sale after his office pushed the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to expedite review of proposed changes in their labels. Bishop intervened on behalf of Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyards, Sannino Bello Vita Vineyards, and Waters Crest Winery after he was informed of the delays in a May 20 meeting with the Long Island Wine Council.

"A fine wine may get better with age, but paperwork does not," said Congressman Bishop. "Long Island's wineries are a powerful economic engine and I am eager to help them get their world-class products to market and create local jobs. No businessperson should face unnecessary delays in routine paperwork, and I am pleased that these fine wines will be available for summer tourists and others who appreciate their quality."

TTB must approve changes to wine bottle labels to ensure they carry the necessary health warnings and product descriptions such as geographical area of origin. The process protects consumers from deceptive marketing and guarantees the reputation of well-regarded wine regions such as the North Fork.

The growth of the wine and craft brewing industry in recent years has led to a sharp increase in applications for label approvals, which almost doubled from 132,595 in 2010 from 69,000 in 1999, according to TTB. Simultaneously, the agency has faced reductions in staff due to budget cuts. The number of authorized full-time positions at TTB will drop from the current 535 to 502 in 2012. In addition to assisting with local wineries, Congressman Bishop is now working with the TTB to improve the approval process.

Jim Waters of Waters Crest Winery in Cutchogue credited the Congressman's intervention for approval of the label for his 2010 Rose, with 120 cases now ready for sale.

"It was frustrating, we had a real problem and you couldn't get anyone on the phone at TTB," said Waters. "I'm being honest; I think if the Congressman didn't get involved, we would still be waiting."

According to the Wine Council, all North Fork wineries that were experiencing delays have had their applications resolved favorably. Bishop urged winemakers who are experience delays in label approval to contact the Wine Council or his Patchogue office.