Governor Cuomo Praises "Hunt Country Vineyards" for Going Geo

Governor Cuomo's Representative Stefan Fleming Addresses the Crowd

Branchport, NY (May 29, 2015):  NY-GEO’s 2015’s TOP JOB award was presented today to Hunt Country Vineyards and Moravec Geothermal for the Vineyards’ innovative and impressive geothermal heating and cooling system.   The award was presented by NY-GEO Treasurer John Manning, of Earth Sensitive Solutions in Auburn, NY.

NY-GEO Treasurer John Manning Presents 

"TOP JOB" Plaque to Kevin Moravec 

-Also: Jared Fortna and Will Lange

In a congratulatory letter, Governor Cuomo wrote:  "I am pleased to join in congratulating Hunt Country Vineyards on receiving the 2015 TOP JOB designation from the New York Geothermal Energy Organization for its geothermal heating and cooling system. This achievement reflects Hunt Country’s exemplary commitment to helping lead the way toward a greener future.  Hunt’s geothermal system provides a terrific model to other businesses and corporations across the state and enhances the vineyard’s standing as a positive force within the local community. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I applaud Hunt Country Vineyards and its partners in this venture – Moravec Geothermal and Dailey Electric – for your commitment to a more sustainable future and your continuing contributions to the local region and New York State.  You have my best wishes for continued success." 

“This is a well-deserved award for Hunt Country Vineyards.” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said.  “ Through this new geothermal system the vineyard will be able to reliably handle all of their heating and cooling needs with renewable energy, a productive and efficient way to run this business.  New York Wine continues to be a growing and important part of our economy and this project proves the commitment of Hunt Country Vineyards to remain a vital part of this industry.”

Hunt Country Vineyards

Hunt’s geothermal system renewably and cleanly handles 100 percent of the heating/cooling needs for four buildings at the Winery, utilizing a single 20-ton vertical closed loop.  The buildings include the Tasting Room, the Storage Facility and the Production Facilities, and they are served by 6 to 8 ton water-to-water heat pumps.   The geothermal system also heats the process water for the red wines.   The New York State Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) provided support for this project, which is currently saving Hunt an  estimated $10,000 -$12,500 in annual propane/fuel oil/electricity bills, while providing increased comfort in summer and winter for all their facilities.

Allison Hunt from Representative Reed's Office 

Presents the Certificate to Hunt Family Members: 

Art, Joyce and Suzanne Hunt

Vineyard GM Jim Alsina Looks On

"NYSERDA congratulates Hunt Country Vineyards and Moravec Geothermal for receiving this honor," said John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, NYSERDA. "Hunt Country Vineyards has tapped into a clean source of heating and cooling, helping to significantly reduce its energy cost and its environmental footprint. This project is a good example of the innovative solutions called for by Governor Cuomo's Reforming the Energy Vision (REV), a comprehensive energy strategy to build a next-generation system that is clean, resilient and affordable for all New Yorkers."

Geothermal is seen by some as “the next solar”.  The earth’s surface absorbs almost half of the incoming solar radiation, providing consistent temperatures underground.  Geothermal systems use those consistent temperatures as a heat source in the winter and a heat sink in the summer to heat and cool buildings.  Where solar photovoltaic (PV) can take care of the electricity needs of a building, geothermal takes care of the heating, cooling and hot water needs.  The two technologies complement each other, and now that solar power is successfully penetrating New York’s electricity market, renewable energy enthusiasts are pulling for geothermal to follow suit.

At the event Dailey Electric, Earth Sensitive Solutions and GEOSTAR were also recognized for their contributions to this successful project.

Hunt Country is a sixth-generation family farm.  Their wines (www.huntwines.com) have garnered over 20 major awards (Gold, Double Gold, Best of Class or Best of Show) in recent prestigious competitions across the country. Continuing their quest for energy sustainability, the Vineyard is currently working to install a solar PV system that will supply the electricity needed to run their operation.

On March 18^th, at NY-GEO’s annual conference at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, six impressive geothermal heat pump projects competed for the TOP JOB designation.  A panel of three energy experts, with input from an enthused audience, named Hunt Country Vineyards’ project the 2015 winner.

The New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NY-GEO) is a non-profit trade association representing more than 70 geothermal heat pump (GHP) installers, manufacturers, distributors and industry stakeholders from throughout New York State.

Support NY-Geo and the geothermal industry at these links:
NY-Geo
National Geothermal Day 2015
IGSHPA (International Ground Source Heat Pump Association) 
GEO (Geothermal Exchange Organization)