A Band of Outsiders

First they ignored us, then dismissed us, then called us crazy
But we didn’t ask for approval
We are the outsiders in an industry of old world institutions
We were never supposed to make it big
We could easily move and grow in perfect conditions, but we didn’t.
We leaned into adversity and came together as a family to make
something out of nothing.
The game is changing and we’re staking a spot at the front of the pack.
Instead of following centuries of tradition, rituals or rules
We are redefining quality, tastes, and experiences
Enjoy it how you’d like, we won’t judge.
Our future is not in algorithms.
It’s about our customers, our growers and our members
It’s for the people, by the people
Our collaborative ethos is irreverent in and of itself.
We’re an intrepid band of outsiders and we’re in this together.
A family, and we believe in what we do.

What We Do

The mission of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation is to promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from our diverse regions to responsibly benefit farmers, producers and consumers through innovative marketing, research, communication, and advocacy. To realize this, the Foundation provides a wide range of benefits, marketing programs, educational events, cost saving subsidies, and more, to the wine and grape industry as well as our business and consumer supporters.

Meet our Staff

Sam Filler

Sam Filler

Executive Director

Kim Hughes

Kim Hughes

Director of Finance

Valerie Venezia-Ross

Valerie Venezia-Ross

Director of Programs & Marketing

Dana Alexander

Dana Alexander

Director of Operations

Justin Jackson

Justin Jackson

Sustainability Program Manager

Jennifer Cooper

Jennifer Cooper

Membership & Events Manager

Meg Hopkins

Meg Hopkins

Communications Manager

Board of Directors

Mark Amidon

National Grape Cooperative

Kwaw Amos

Gotham Winery/Oson Wines

Michael Brooks

Bed-Vyne Wine

Oskar Bynke

Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard

Mike Colizzi

Kashong Glen Vineyards

Matt Doyle

Doyle Vineyard Management

Stefan Fleming

Empire State Development Corp.

Philip Gelsomino II

Gelsomino & Co., CPA's

Nicole Leblond

NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets

Bob Madill

 

Anna Katharine Mansfield

Cornell Agritech

Charlie Marshall

The Marshal

Mike Nozzolio

Harris Beach LLC

Ami Opisso

Lieb Cellars

Linda Purdy

Pendleton Farms

Max Rohn

Wolffer Estate

Katie Roller

Opici: Upstate & Metro NY

Matt Schrader

E & J Gallo Winery

Julie Suarez

Cornell University

Jeniffer Taylor

Bully Hill Vineyards

Leah VanScott

Greater Rochester Enterprise

Wendy Oakes Wilson

Leonard Oakes Estate Winery