Hello New York Grape Growers,
In partnership with Sojourn Travel Advisors, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation will host two immersive, educational ‘skillcations’ next year designed exclusively for New York grape growers. Each experience offers the chance to explore a viticulture region similar to our own, meet with local growers, tour vineyards and processing facilities, and engage with university research specialists.
You’re invited to choose between — or join us for both — of our upcoming trips!
Our first educational tour will take us to Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula from March 30th to April 2nd, 2026. Attendees will dive into viticulture practices highly relevant to New York growers today—from managing climate variability and disease pressure to understanding organic and sustainable certification frameworks and seeing clean plant programs and clonal diversity in action.
Our second educational tour will take place in Austria from May 16th to 22nd, 2026. This experience will offer a deep exploration of topics top-of-mind for New York growers today: soil and water management under changing climate conditions, canopy strategies for disease pressure and sun exposure, and innovative approaches to terraced hillside farming.
These curated travel experiences combine the rejuvenation of travel with professional growth — offering a meaningful way to exchange ideas, discover practical solutions, and strengthen your network of peers.
We look forward to seeing you on one of these tours as we continue to learn, grow, and innovate together.
Warm regards,
Sam Filler
Executive Director, New York Wine & Grape Foundation
Niagara Peninsula: March 30 – April 2, 2026
Join us for a four-day, grower-focused “skillcation” through Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula—one of the most comparable cool-climate regions to New York.
Led by Niagara wine expert Magdalena Kaiser, this trip offers hands-on learning around climate resilience, disease pressure, organic practices, clonal diversity, sparkling-focused viticulture, and more. With vineyard tours, research discussions at Brock University’s CCOVI, and dedicated time with leading growers and winemakers, participants will return home equipped with practical strategies.
Austria: May 16 – 22, 2026
Join us for a six-day, grower-focused “skillcation” through Austria’s leading wine regions—an immersive look at cool-climate viticulture shaped by centuries of tradition and cutting-edge innovation.
Led by Austrian wine specialist Leopold Schneemann, this experience blends soil and water management sessions, terraced-vineyard demonstrations, and sustainability-focused visits. With time at the international VieVinum Wine Fair and in-depth discussions on precision viticulture, canopy management, and red winemaking, growers will return with practical tools to strengthen their work in New York.
Questions?
Please contact Kyle Anne Pallischeck, Director of Programs at New York Wine & Grape Foundation, at kylepallischeck@nywgf.org.
