New York Says Let the Tasting Begin (Two Hours Earlier)

New York Gov. David Paterson has signed a series of bills that will allow New York wineries, breweries and distilleries a little more freedom to compete for business.

One bill allows wineries in the state to start offering tasting sessions on Sundays at 10 a.m. Under the old law, consumers could not sample products while touring vineyards or at farmer's markets until noon on Sundays.

Another measure allows the New York State Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua to sell New York beers and spirits along side the wine they currently offer. Another bill permits wine to be sold anywhere at the New York State Fair instead of the previous designated area.

New laws also mean wine flavored ice cream can now be up to 5 percent alcohol in New York and microbrewers that sell beer to distributors can now also own a restaurant that sells alcohol.