N.Y. event will benefit Azerbaijan Wine Industry

Wines & Vines, Sept, 2002

In conjunction with the Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI), a New York-based nonprofit organization working to clear minefields around the world, the New York Wine and Grape Foundation (NYWGF) has organized a series of special events to raise funds to clear minefields in the Fizuli district of Azerbaijan. The district was once a thriving center for grape growing and wine production, but was decimated by the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is now contaminated with landmines.

HDI's president Ralph L. Cwerman said, "With this project we will measure our success by how many new jobs are created and by how many people get back to work and reclaim their lives with dignity and respect."

During the 1960s, '70s and early '80s, Azerbaijan's Fizuli district was a major producer of wine for most of the Soviet Union. At the height of its winemaking capacity, Fizuli contained thousands of acres of vineyards and 11 wineries. As many as 20,000 people were involved in viniculture and winemaking in the district. Today, there is no wine industry in the Fizuli district, and most vineyards lie fallow due to possible landmine contamination.

NYWGF is organizing a number of wine-focused fundraisers with HDI, including the "New York Cuisine" wine and food tasting on Sept. 19 in Manhattan. For more information, phone Elyssa Cohen at (212) 944-7111.