New York allows wine ice cream

New York, America's fourth-largest wine-producing state, began selling wine-flavored ice cream yesterday.

Governor David A Paterson signed legislation legalizing the manufacture and sale of the ice cream, the buying of which requires ID to be shown.

‘We have a responsibility in government to enact laws that make our state a better place to live and work,’ Paterson said in a statement.

As temperatures climb and Manhattan residents begin to fry, they can now turn to Peach White Zinfandel, Red Raspberry Chardonnay and Cherry Merlot.

These treats took two years to develop at Mercer’s Ice Cream, a small central New York dairy. The ice creams each have a 5% alcohol content and won’t be served to those under 21.

Although New York’s state government is routinely called one of the most dysfunctional in America, this legislation was bipartisan. The sponsors, Assemblyman William Magee, a Democrat, and senator Joseph Griffo, a Republican, said in a joint memo, ‘There is no doubt that with the passage of this bill there will be no more whining for wine ice cream.’

Wine and dieting enthusiasts will learn that the ice cream contains 210 to 300 calories per 73 grams.

Written by Howard G Goldberg in New York