Testimonials

“In addition to providing critical services and support to those in need the HARC brings the best a wine auction offers to those of us more fortunate. With the historic Otesaga Hotel as the venue we have always experienced the best in wine, dining, meeting old and making new friends while being pampered with excellent service. The NYIWA is a day we look forward to and the thrill of giving lasts the whole year.”

Frank J. Annese
President/CEO
Annese & Associates, Inc.
Herkimer, New York

"The New York International Wine Auction is unique because it encompasses two diametrically opposed virtues. First, it is operated with consummate professionalism and offers wines of the highest possible caliber. But second, at its heart, it celebrates the domestic virtues of love, family and compassion. NYIWA is a truly beautiful thing!"

Alan Bryce
Artistic Director, Centerstage Theater
Seattle, Washington

“The NYIWA is one of the most unique, well-organized and – most of all – fun charity wine auctions I participate in around the country. The Herkimer Area Resource Center is also one of the most well-run and impressive charity organizations I have been privileged to associate with. HARC provides incredibly important services, and delivers them year-round. Every dollar raised at the NYIWA is going to a worthy organization to help those in need.

The NYIWA’s venue, the Otesaga Hotel, is like no other. Situated on a beautiful lake, it takes one back in time to the early 20th century. Just sitting in one of their rocking chairs on the deck over the lake is reason alone to go. That, and the fact that the Baseball Hall of Fame is within walking distance of the hotel in quaint Cooperstown.

The wine tasting and dinner during the live auction are both not to be missed. Some of the finest limited production wines from New York and California are open during the tasting and dinner. The live auction itself contains some of the hardest-to-find, one-of-a-kind wine lots I have witnessed in charity auctions large and small around the U.S.”

Daniel J. Donahoe
TEIRA Wines
Healdsburg, California

"I have been involved with the New York International Wine Auction for twelve years and in that time I have seen the event grow and mature. I am thrilled that in 2008 the event will vault up to an entirely new level with the new date in November, a fabulous new auctioneer, Dave Reynolds, and a much larger venue in the Otesaga Hotel. I look forward to seeing you at the new New York International Wine Auction for 2008!"

Dennis Foley
Rare Wine Consultant
San Francisco, California

“An evening we look forward to every year. As with wine, this event seems to get better with age…. and never disappoints! Dress up, Drink and Donate for such a wonderful and worthwhile cause as the magic of the HARC delivers not only to its participants, but their guests as well that evening. A decadent night filled with mingling of friends, old and new. The finest of dining at one of central New York’s premier venues – elegance, class, and old world charm culminates at the Otesaga of Cooperstown. Come join us and experience this great event and see for yourself. You’ll feel great ….. Life really is Beautiful!”

Chip and Judy Hummel
President/CEO
Hummel’s Office Plus
Mohawk, New York

“Sure there's great food and wine in a wonderful location for a most worthy cause, but the reason my wife and I don't just send in the check is the people who are associated with the event-the HARC staff, the NYIWA team, the attendees, and, of course, the people for whom this event is held, and how they all come together to create a very special experience.”

Jesse Markow & Teri Dobbs
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin

“ I have been a supporter and attendee of NYIWA since its inception. This is the must attend wine event in Central New York and beyond. The auction lots are better each year, being on par with the biggest and best charity auctions in this country. There is no more picturesque location than the famed Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown in the fall to enjoy great food, superb wines, treasures at auction, all while helping those that need our help the most. Cheers to the HARC!!

Bob Morris
Owner
Planet Fitness, New Hartford, NY

"For over thirteen years, the team of the NY Intern. Wine Auction has worked hard and professionally to host Up-State NY's foremost
Wine Event. Our guests are spoiled every year with a gourmet five course dinner, accompanied by world class Cuvées. Otesaga's Executive Chef and the Auction Sommelier take great pride in diligently matching the five dinner courses with demanding, sometimes unusual but sophisticated wines.

The Auction itself has reached a quality level and standard, that rivals national and international auctions with much longer heritage. NY's International Wine Auction set out as a charity event, and has succeeded to increase the funds for a good cause every year since its inception.

I drink to that!"

Johannes Neckermann
Neckermann Consulting
Schuyler Lake, NY

“My wife Ruth and I have supported this event from the very first and have attended almost every one. By having it in Cooperstown at the Otesaga it has always been a treat and a very memorable experience and I would recommend it to everyone. The food and the wonderful wines that go along with each course has always been one of the highlights for us. I am also amazed at the wines you are able to acquire for the auction. It is a collectors dream.

I also can’t say enough about the dedication and the enthusiasm of the organizers and volunteers have made each auction one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences and we look forward to attending each year we can.

We look forward to seeing you again. “

Scott Osborn
President
Fox Run Vineyards, Inc
Penn Yan, New York

“First Source Federal Credit Union is pleased to support the HARC in their mission of enriching lives of people with disabilities. The New York International Wine Auction is an outstanding community event that raises thousands of dollars to fund various programs at HARC. Join us for an enjoyable event and assist with this worthy cause at the same time.”

Mike Parsons
President/CEO
First Source FCU
New Hartford, New York

“We know the importance of supporting HARC and to do so and in turn, receive a perfect blend of fine people, tantalizing tastes at a beautiful setting certainly makes NYIWA an event we don't want to miss. It's definitely a highlight of our year!"

Gary Scalzo
President
Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc.
New Hartford, New York