New York Wine & Grape Foundation Unveils New Logos, Resources to Promote State’s Unique Wine Regions and Commitment to Sustainable Winegrowing

September 20th, 2023 – Penn Yan, NY — The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce the culmination of its Brand Expansion project in partnership with […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Issues RFP Seeking a Partner to Lead and Execute an Updated Statewide Vineyard Survey in 2024 and 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-RossPhone: 1 (518) 229-3765Email: [email protected] September 15th, 2023 – Penn Yan, NY — The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to release […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation and The Garden State Wine Growers Association Collaborate to Bring Educational Seminars to East Coast Wineries

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) and the Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) are proud to announce the launch of their educational partnership, with support from American […]
New York Wines, Online! releases 4-part online seminar series

New Yorkers are bold in everything they put their minds to, and grape growing and winemaking are no exceptions. In the 2023 New York Wines, Online! 4-part online seminar series, […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation and Porto Protocol Collaborate to Host Panel series at Climate Week NYC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-RossPhone: 1 (518) 229-3765Email: [email protected] [PENN YAN, NY August 29, 2023] – With the launch of the New York Sustainable Winegrowing program, the New York Wine […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Releases 2022-2023 Research Reports

In the ever-evolving world of wine and grape production, research plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge, improving practices, and ensuring the sustainability of the industry. The New York Wine […]
August is Finger Lakes Wine Month!

The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, in partnership with the Wine Trails of Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, Finger Lakes Wine Country, and the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, invite […]
Governor Hochul Announces Winners of the 2023 New York Wine Classic

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the winners of the 37th Annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine industry. The competition’s 2023 Governor’s […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Welcomes New Board Members




The New York Wine and Grape Foundation Board of Directors met for their quarterly board meeting on May 24. The focus of the Board’s annual spring meeting is board elections […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Releases 2022-2023 Annual Report


Today, the New York Wine and Grape Foundation released their Annual Report for the 2022-2023 State Fiscal Year. The Annual Report provides a summary of the Foundation’s operations and accomplishments […]
New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program Certifies First Set of Vineyards


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-RossPhone: 1 (518) 229-3765Email: [email protected] PENN YAN, NY, June 28, 2023 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is proud to announce the certification […]
23rd Annual Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition A Success


Rochester, NY- The Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition (FLIWSC) proudly announces another successful year, surpassing all expectations with an impressive participation of over 1,750 entries. Celebrating its 23rd […]
2023 New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony to be Hosted By Karen MacNeil


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-RossPhone: 1 (518) 229-3765Email: [email protected] PENN YAN NY, June 12, 2023 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce that the 2023 New […]
Internationally Acclaimed Winemaker Kelby James Russell Announces New Winery, Apollo’s Praise, To Launch This Vintage


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact:Apollo’s PraiseKelby James RussellWinemaker, Own[email protected] Rock Stream, New York — Kelby James Russell, longtime winemaker of Red Newt Cellars and Empire Estate, has announced the creation […]
USDA Ready to Help New York Farmers Recover from Recent Damaging Weather




SYRACUSE, New York, May, 23, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), has disaster assistance programs available to help agricultural producers recover after […]
Three Brothers Wineries Celebrates New Tasting Room With A Carnival


In December 2021 Bagg Dare Wine Co. (one of the three unique wine tasting experiences on the TBW estate) was destroyed by a massive fire. Since then the TBW team […]
Interpreting Wine Expands New York State Coverage With Series Focusing on Growers



UK wine podcast Interpreting Wine has published a new series exploring New York Wines from a fresh perspective. The series of seven episodes switches focus from winemaking towards grape growing. […]
NYWGF Seeking Applications from Attorneys for Board of Directors




Every May the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) Board of Directors meets to elect members of the industry to board seats with expiring terms. The term of office for […]
New York Wine Reference Guide – Seminar Series Launched!



Building on the success of the recently updated New York Wine Reference Guide, NYWGF is now pleased to bring comprehensive, expertly delivered New York wine education to you each week […]
Groundbreaking News: Montezuma Winery Breaks Ground on New Tasting Room Expansion


For Immediate Release Contact InformationName: Olivia BrandowTitle: Marketing & Graphic Design ManagerMontezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery2981 US Route 20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148Phone: 315-568-8190Email: [email protected] Over 20 years ago, […]
New York Wine Classic 2023: The Ultimate Celebration of New York Wines



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-Ross Phone: 1 (518) 229-3765 Email: [email protected] PENN YAN, NY – March 1, 2023 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2023 New York […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Unity Awards Announced, Winners to be Honored at B.E.V. NY Conference in Syracuse, NY


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-Ross Phone: 1 (518) 229-3765 Email: [email protected] PENN YAN NY, March 1, 2023 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce the winners of the prestigious 2023 Unity […]
Interpreting Wine Kicks off 2023 With Comprehensive New York Series



Popular wine podcast Interpreting Wine covers New York Wines in a new series. The episodes feature eight prominent New York winemakers in 1:1 conversation with host, Lawrence Francis. Guests are […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation issues RFP for 2023 Grape and Wine Research



The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) was created in 1985, in part, to help establish a funding channel for research in the areas of viticulture, enology, and “best […]
Mystery Shoppers Reveal Wine Tasting Room Trends in New York State


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is dedicated to supporting our members’ business development in a rapidly changing world. Along with the myriad of services and seminars we provide […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Announces 2023 Unity Award Nominations Process



NYWGF is pleased to provide our community with the opportunity to recognize the champions among us once again. You are invited to submit your nominations for the 2023 Unity Awards. […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation and Advance Local Events Partner to Elevate B.E.V. NY Conference


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Advance Local Events to elevate the B.E.V. NY wine and grape industry conference in 2023. The three-day B.E.V. NY event, presented […]
B.E.V. NY 2023: Making, Measuring, and Marketing New York Wine


There is no doubt that the craft of wine growing, and wine making has been romanticized as a mysterious art that can capture the beauty and essence of a region […]
New York Sustainable Winegrowing Vineyard Certification Enrollment Open Now


The New York Sustainable Winegrowing program is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Vineyard Certification process. Following the success of our pilot in 2022, the program […]
Finger Lakes Family Winery Welcomes New Assistant Winemaker


The Martin Family, owners of Montezuma Winery, Idol Ridge Winery, and Fossenvue Wines, is excited to welcome their new Assistant Winemaker, Alex Bienvenue. Alex brings years of experience in the […]
Billsboro Winery Celebrates 15th Anniversary


Billsboro Winery is celebrating its 15th anniversary under the ownership of Kim and Vinny Aliperti. The Aliperti’s purchased the property in 2007 from Bob and Jennifer Pool, who founded Billsboro […]
New Research Reveals the Top Cultural Wine Barriers and Opportunities for Hispanic and African American Consumers


Napa, California – September 22, 2022 – The Wine Market Council (https://winemarketcouncil.com) announces the release of its latest Multicultural Study produced in conjunction with research firm EthniFacts LLC revealing the […]
Three Brothers Wineries Collaborates with the National Women’s Hall of Fame


Three Brothers Wineries (TBW) collaborated with the National Women’s Hall of Fame on their newest wine label “Sisterhood.” Part of their “Women of Distinction” wine series, a line of wines […]
The Empire State is making waves – Wine Folly Releases New York Wine Region Guide


Wine Folly, the leading digital wine education platform, has announced the launch of the New York State Wine Region Guide, the first comprehensive digital guide to the New York wine […]
Expanding the range of rapid analysis approaches to semi-polar volatiles and non-volatile precursors in grapes


Targeted measurements of volatiles or volatile precursors in grapes are useful for grape and wine quality evaluation, but these analyses are typically slow, and routine fee-for-service analyses are typically prohibitively […]
Erica Paolicelli named 2022 Woman of Distinction for the 54th Senate District


In an intimate ceremony at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua, Senator Helming addressed the audience saying “across the 54th Senate District of New York State, there are […]
Updated “New York Wine Reference Guide” Shares the Facts, Figures, and Stories of New York’s Grape Growers and Wineries



The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is pleased to announce the culmination of a revision to the New York Wine Course & Reference Guide. Today, NYWGF introduces a refreshed […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Announces 2023 Research Themes


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation Research Committee is working to enhance the quality, focus and transparency of the annual research program funded by the Foundation. Towards that end, […]
Fox Run Vineyards Welcomes New Head Winemaker


Fox Run Vineyards, one of the most prominent wineries in the Finger Lakes, has announced the appointment of Craig Hosbach as its new head winemaker effective September 1. Hosbach, 44, […]
Increasing the Reliability / Scope of NEWA Weather and Pest Model Information 2021-2022


Grape growers face the risk each season of their vineyards being attacked by insects and diseases whose severity is dependent on the current season’s weather conditions. This results in growers […]
Identifying Clean Nursery Stocks for a Sustainable New York Viticulture


Viruses can be major threats to a profitable and sustainable viticulture by reducing vine growth, fruit yield and quality, as well as by limiting the productive lifespan of vineyards. Viruses […]
Wine Folly to Launch New York Region Guide with Support from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, Long Island Wine Council, and Discover Long Island


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF), Long Island Wine Council, and Discover Long Island are pleased to announce a partnership designed to support the launch of a Wine […]
New York State Announces Top Winners of the 2022 New York Wine Classic


Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the top winners of the 36th annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine. Governor Hochul made […]
New York Wine and Grape Foundation Releases Annual Report for the 2021-2022 State Fiscal Year


We are pleased to share with you the New York Wine and Grape Foundation’s Annual Report for the 2021-2022 State Fiscal Year. The Annual Report provides a summary of the […]
2022 New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony to be Hosted By Karen MacNeil, Author of The Wine Bible and creator of WineSpeed


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce that the 2022 New York Wine Classic Award winners will be honored on July 12th at 6:00PM EST […]
New York Sustainable Winegrowing Vineyard Certification Pilot Program Successfully Concludes; Available Position and Next Steps Announced




PENN YAN NY, May 27, 2022 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) recently announced successful completion of the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Vineyard Certification pilot program. Thirty-five […]
Adirondack Wine & Food Festival Returns After 2+ Years


Following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival will return to Lake George on Saturday, June 25 & Sunday, June 26. The summer […]
Lakewood Vineyards Releases Sidekick Session Spritz


Just in time for summer Lakewood Vineyards is releasing its first-ever session wine, Sidekick. Taking a page out of the session beer playbook, easy-drinking session wines have been gaining popularity […]
Whitney Beaman announces departure from role as NYWGF Sustainability Manager


It is bittersweet that I announce my resignation from the role of Sustainability Program Manager at the New York Wine & Grape Foundation at the end of this month. It […]
Pilot Program for Sustainable Vineyard Certification is a Success!




The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of a pilot program for VineBalance sustainable vineyard certification. Participating grape growers from across New […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Announces New Partnership Designed to Raise the Profile of New York Wines in Canada


PENN YAN NY, May 11th, 2022 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce the appointment of a.m.c.c., led by Andrea Backstrom and Melissa Stunden, […]
NYWGF launches grant program to support marketing and educational needs of wineries, growers, and related promotional entities.


Each year NYWGF develops an annual schedule of domestic and international marketing activities designed to promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from our diverse regions to […]
Heron Hill Winery announces New Director of Sales


Hammondsport, New York – Heron Hill Winery of the Finger Lakes region of New York is excited to announce the appointment of Jacqueline Wooster as Director of Sales. In her […]
Buttonwood Grove Winery Welcomes Kelly Burnett as Marketing, Wine Club, and Operations Manager


April 26, 2022 – Romulus NY – Buttonwood Grove Winery recently welcomed Kelly Burnett to their team as the newly-appointed Marketing, Wine Club, and Operations Manager. Located on Cayuga Lake, […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Seeking Applications for Board of Directors


Every May the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) Board of Directors meets to elect members of the industry to board seats with expiring terms. The term of office for […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Partners with Born Collective to Embark on Boldly, NY. Global Brand Expansion


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-Ross Phone: 1 (518) 229-3765 Email: [email protected] PENN YAN NY, April 5, 2022 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce a […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Unity Awards Announced, Winners to be Honored at B.E.V. NY Conference


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce the winners of the prestigious 2022 Unity Awards. The Unity Awards were created in 1990 as a way for the community to recognize, encourage, and celebrate cooperation among grape growers, wineries, researchers, retailers, and others to advance the entire industry. Honoring the longstanding and bold spirit of our community members and their numerous achievements, NYWGF is proud to continue the 30-year tradition of celebrating industry leaders and champions.
EPA Seeking Comments on Proposed Registration Changes for Ziram, Iprodione (Roval)


The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting official comments about the re-registration and usage of two fungicide materials commonly utilized by grape growers in New York State, Ziram […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Partners with Vineyard Inspectors for Sustainability Pilot Program




The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce a partnership with two Vineyard Inspectors for the Sustainability Pilot Program: Tim Martinson and Chris King. Tim Martinson’s wealth of […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Seeks Canadian Market Representative.


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) has been a longtime partner of the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), providing marketing services for New York wineries interested in exporting […]
VineBalance 2022: Version 2 Released


The NYWGF is pleased to announce the release of Version 2 of VineBalance 2022 as the latest edition of New York’s statewide code of sustainable winegrowing. “I am humbled by […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Announces 2022 Unity Award Nominations Process



The Unity Awards are back! This year during the B.E.V NY Virtual Conference, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation will revive our 32-year old tradition of honoring community leaders […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Seeks Sustainable Vineyard Inspector for Pilot Program


In order to support the next phase of our Sustainability Program in 2022, NYWGF is developing a third-party certification for sustainably grown grapes and wine. The basis for this certification […]
NYWGF Releases Revised Global Messaging RFP


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation would like to thank those who showed interest in this important project! In response to the myriad of questions and proposals that were […]
Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars Celebrates 10 Years Of Successful Workforce And Economic Growth


Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars, part of the Hazlitt family wine production holdings, is celebrating 10 years in business and its benefit to the workforce and economic growth in the Naples […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Partners with Born Collective on Sustainability Marketing Plan


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Born Collective to develop a marketing plan for the emergent third-party certification for sustainably-grown grapes and wine in New York. Born Collective is a strategic […]
Cole and Karen Wilson purchase Knapp Winery in Finger Lakes Region


The baton has been passed. Cole and Karen Wilson are the new owners of Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant. Knapp Winery was established in 1984 by Doug and Susan Knapp. […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Partners with Crush Wine Experiences on B.E.V. NY Conference and New York Wine Classic Awards Events


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Crush Wine Experiences to elevate the B.E.V. NY Conference and New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony in 2022. To accomplish its mission and meet industry need, NYWGF leads important educational and promotional events each year. Scheduled to take place from March 29th, 2022, through March 31st, 2022, B.E.V. NY is the annual grape and wine conference presented by NYWGF, Cornell’s Finger Lakes Grape Program and the Enology Extension Laboratory. B.E.V. NY will be a hybrid event, with March 29th being held in-person (Rochester, NY) and virtually, and the subsequent days being held virtually.
New York Wine & Grape Foundation issues RFP for 2022 Grape and Wine Research



For 35 years, NYWGF has annually distributed funds to projects that provide the New York State wine and grape industry with short-term solutions and long-term strategic directions. Click here to explore previously funded projects.
The Research Committee of the Board of Directors now welcomes new proposals for 2022. Proposals will be due by January 24th, 2022.
Revised Timeline & FAQs for Global Messaging RFP




NYWGF would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming interest in our recent Global Messaging RFP. We have compiled and consolidated them all, to the best of our ability, in […]
VineBalance 2022 Virtual Workshop Series Announced


Join Chris Serra, a leading expert in sustainable winegrowing certification, as we workshop a selection of new objectives introduced in the VineBalance 2022 update. Growers are invited to practice scoring their […]
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Partners with Dan Belmont, Proprietor of ‘Good Wine x Good People’, to Update New York Wine Course & Reference Guide


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-RossPhone: 1 (518) 229-3765Email: [email protected] PENN YAN NY, November 2, 2021 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce a […]
NYWGF Seeks Partner for Global Messaging & Brand Expansion


PLEASE NOTE: Revised Timeline & FAQs NYWGF would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming interest in our recent Global Messaging RFP. We have compiled and consolidated them all, to […]
NYWGF Releases VineBalance Update for Sustainability Pilot Program


The NYWGF Sustainability Program is pleased to announce the release of a VineBalance 2022 update for New York’s sustainable winegrowing certification pilot program. The latest update expands upon the environmental […]
NYWGF Sustainability Program Offers Soil Health Scholarships


The NYWGF Sustainability Program is pleased to offer scholarships to the Advanced Soil Health Virtual Certificate Course offered by the Cornell University Soil Health Program. This online course will take place December 4th – 11th from 8am to 11:30am and will include live sessions with soil health experts on December […]
NYWGF Issues RFP for Conference & Event Management


The mission of the NYWGF 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 […]
NYWGF Issues RFP for Sustainable Wine & Grape Certification Marketing Plan


NYWGF is developing a third-party certification for sustainably grown grapes and wine. The basis for this certification will be the VineBalance Guide to Sustainable Viticulture, a grower self-assessment workbook codeveloped […]
JamesSuckling.com Publishes Review of New York Wines


Penn Yan, NY, September 21st, 2021 – Over 30 wineries participating in the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) International Export Program were invited to submit wines for review by JamesSuckling.com last Spring. JamesSuckling.com is […]
Wine industry and key stakeholders join forces to define sustainability


For the first time, more than 40 key actors in the production and marketing of wine around the world have joined forces to accelerate action as sustainability challenges mount. The […]
NYWGF Issues RFP for Comprehensive New York Wine Course & Reference Guide Update



New York wines are now worldwide. They are increasingly available in the international markets of Canada, Europe, and Asia and information about the wines, and our grower community, is frequently sought after by global trade, media, and consumers wanting to learn more about our exciting, up-and-coming region. NYWGF is seeking a consultant to complete a comprehensive technical review and update of the guide, provide copy editing for tone and voice and, finally, core educational modules to serve global trade and consumer audiences.
The Triple Bottom Line of Vineyard Sustainability


How do we measure the sustainability of the New York wine and grape industry? In sustainable agriculture, performance is measured using the “triple bottom line” framework. In addition to financial […]
The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association Announces 2021 Competition Winners


The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association (ASWA) held its 16th annual wine competition on August 14 and 15 at the Marriott Tysons Corner, VA. This year’s Best of Show wine, Fox Run Vineyards 2019 Reserve Riesling, was selected from thirty Best of Category Winners. ASWA’s Wine Competition is the largest in the nation, focused exclusively on East Coast wines. This year our judges evaluated 484 diverse wines made in the eastern US.
The newest winery on Cayuga Lake, Six Eighty Cellars, now open!


Six Eighty Cellars, the newest winery on Cayuga Lake, has recently opened at 3050 Swick Road, Ovid. The owners of nearby Buttonwood Grove Winery, Melissa and Dave Pittard of Skaneateles, were seeking to purchase additional vineyard acreage when the former Toro Run Winery became available for sale. Attracted by the well maintained vines and wide array of classic grapes, as well as its proximity to their other facilities, they seized the opportunity to establish a second brand.
Future VineBalance Updates to Address Biodiversity and Social Equity


The first layer of this analysis evaluates the broader categories of sustainability addressed by each program to identify what all programs have in common, where VineBalance exceeds other programs, and where it falls short in addressing certain priorities. The categories of sustainability that all three programs share are soil health, water conservation, and pest management. One area where VineBalance goes deeper that other programs is pesticide management. For example, VineBalance includes questions about the security of pesticide storage, certified applicator supervision, and the recyclability of pesticide containers. Key areas where VineBalance falls short include management strategies for biodiversity and worker health and safety.
NYWGF Announces Sustainability Program Mission Statement and Objectives


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is pleased to announce the release of a Mission Statement, Vision Statement and Objectives for our new statewide sustainability program. These guiding statements were collectively developed by our Grower Sustainability Advisory Committee and Sustainability Program Manager.
Experience! The Finger Lakes® Named As One Of The Top 5 Wine Tours In The Us


Experience! The Finger Lakes®, based out of Ithaca NY, in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, today announced that it has been recognized as the 4th Best Wine Tour in the United States. Nominees for the USA TODAY 10Best award for Best Wine Tour were chosen by a panel of wine and travel experts consisting of journalists, industry professionals, and broadcast personalities. Twenty nominees from around the country were presented to the public in July. Online public voting took place over 4 weeks, and winners were announced publicly on August 13st.
NYWGF Announces New Sustainability Committees


The New York Wine and Grape Foundation is pleased to announce the formation of our new Grower Sustainability Advisory Committee and Technical Review Committee. These two committees will work together with our Sustainability Program Manager to establish our statewide sustainable winegrowing certification program.
Chris Serra to Lead VineBalance Update


This week marked the official start of our VineBalance update project, which was awarded to Chris Serra, Executive Director of LIVE. Chris is a great fit for this project with 14 years of experience leading an internationally recognized third-party certification in sustainable winegrowing for Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Chris consulted on the development of Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing (LISW) and has been instrumental in providing guidance on other certification efforts, including one for the Great Lakes.
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Releases 2020-2021 Annual Report


Today, the New York Wine and Grape Foundation released their Annual Report for the 2020-2021 State Fiscal Year. The Annual Report provides a summary of the Foundation’s operations and accomplishments during the fiscal year. The report also includes information on the amount of funding designated for applied research and the types of research conducted; and the amount of funding designated for promotion, and the effectiveness of the promotional program.
Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for County Committee Members




The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) began accepting nominations for county committee members on June 15. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for […]
New York Wine and Grape Foundation to Update VineBalance for Statewide Sustainability Program


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is developing a third-party certification for sustainably farmed grapes and wine. The purpose of the RFP is to provide high level strategic and structural recommendations for certification design based on sustainability best practices, while balancing the small-scale and independent nature of New York’s wine industry. The ideal candidate will be experienced in East Coast climate and agriculture, viticulture and enology, international standards of sustainable winegrowing, and environmental certifications deployed by other agricultural industries. The VineBalance RFP is available here and responses are due by June 30, 2021.
Governor Cuomo, Governor Murphy and Governor Lamont Announce Significant Easing Of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions



Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced a significant easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the region’s businesses, venues and gatherings given significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Finger Lakes Wine Festival Postponed to July 8-10, 2022


Watkins Glen International today announced that the Finger Lakes Wine Festival originally scheduled for July 9-11, 2021 has been postponed to July 8-10, 2022 due to New York State COVID-19 guidelines. Ticketholders will automatically receive a credit for the full amount of their Finger Lakes Wine Festival purchase, plus an additional 20 percent of the total amount paid for those experiences, in their Watkins Glen International account by May 5.
Governor Cuomo Announces State Will End Food and Beverage Service Curfew



This announcement on food and beverage service and catered events builds on the Governor’s recent measures to further re-open the economy amid a steady decline in New York’s COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization rates. On April 26, Governor Cuomo announced that spectator capacity at large-scale outdoor event venues, including professional and collegiate sports and live performing arts and entertainment, will increase from 20 to 33 percent beginning May 19. This increase will coincide with the previously announced increase in large-scale indoor event venue capacity. Social distancing, masks, health screenings and all other State health and safety protocols remain in effect.
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Seeking Nominations for Board of Directors



Every May the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) Board of Directors meets to elect members of the industry to board seats with expiring terms. The term of office for directors is three years and there are currently 21 members of the Board of Directors. Thirteen (13) board seats are statutorily mandated by the law that created NYWGF in 1985, and there are eight (8) at large board seats. NYWGF aims to establish a Board comprised of Directors representing a diversity of regions, business sizes and models, demographics, and functional expertise.
Buttonwood Grove Winery announces addition of Carmela Barbagallo as Director of Wholesale Sales


Buttonwood Grove Winery is excited to announce the addition of Carmela Barbagallo to their team as Director of Wholesale Sales. Her focus will be on increasing wholesale distribution in New York and Ohio, and creating distributor relationships in additional states to broaden distribution channels. Additionally, she will work with partner organizations such as the New York Wine and Grape Foundation and Finger Lakes Wine Alliance to broaden Buttonwood Grove’s participation in multiple marketing programs.
New York Wine and Grape Foundation Welcomes Renowned Climate Scientist Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel to Give Climate Change Presentation to East Coast Wine Community


How is climate change affecting us today and over our lifetime? These are important questions for the wine and grape community to ask. Climate change has the potential to impact everyone in the wine supply chain from vineyard managers in the field to consumers enjoying a glass. Join us to learn the science behind climate change, discover the potential of climate-smart farming, and reflect on the importance of supporting sustainable winegrowers for future generations of New York wine.
Top Awards Announced from the 2021 New York Wine Classic


Last night, the New York Wine & Grape foundation announced the top winners of the 35th annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement during a special live virtual event. This year, the Governor’s Cup, the most esteemed award given at the Classic, was presented to Pindar Vineyards for its 2019 Dr. Dan’s Signature Collection, Gewurztraminer from the Long Island region. In addition, Paumanok Vineyards from Long Island was presented with the ‘Winery of the Year’ award.
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation Announces “Best of Class” from the 2021 New York Wine Classic


Known as “The Oscars®” of New York wine competitions, the Classic is organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. New this year, NYWGF partnered with the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) to judge wines submitted from across New York state. A total of 1 Platinum, 138 Gold, 355 Silver, and 104 Bronze medals were awarded by BTI’s trained sensory panel comprised of beverage directors, sommeliers, top bartenders, retail buyers and educators.
USDA Offering Two Webinars in March for Beginning Farmers in New York State




To institutionalize support for beginning farmers and ranchers and to build upon prior agency work, the 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to create a national coordinator position in the agency and state-level teams for four of its agencies – Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Risk Management Agency (RMA), and Rural Development (RD).