(Photo: Hannah Whitaker)

Supermarkets and liquor stores are at war over a new plan that would allow New Yorkers to buy wine at grocery stores and major retailers like Wal-Mart. Governor Paterson introduced the proposal in his budget as a way to gin up $150 million in much-needed revenue, but liquor stores and distributors fear the added competition will wipe out local wineshops and are heading into Albany this week in protest. There’s even talk of a boycott against wineries caught siding with the supermarkets. Want to boost the state tax base regardless of how Winegate shakes out? Here are a few of our favorite New York vintages to try: from top, Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 Rkatsiteli ($21.99), Salmon Run 2007 Riesling ($14.99), Channing Daughters 2007 Rosso Fresco ($18.99), and Hermann J. Wiemer 2006 Dry Riesling ($17.99), all available at Union Square Wines (140 Fourth Ave., at 13th St.; 212-675-8100).

Related:

• Archive: “Best Bets”
• Table of Contents: Mar 2, 2009 issue of New York | Subscribe!