When Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, it seems extra special. This year, Valentine’s Day gets the extra special treatment. When Saturday, February 14, 2026, rolls around, while some people may be dining out, many others will be dining at home, cooking a fancier-than-usual meal, and opening a special bottle or two. Sparkling wine may be the first thing many wine drinkers think of when celebrating the holiday, but it
New York has been making great wine for centuries. The first wine grapes were planted here in the mid-1600s by Dutch settlers, and while those initial plantings didn’t thrive at first, there were successful plantings established in the Hudson Valley by the 1670s. The first commercial plantings of wine grapes happened in the Finger Lakes in 1829, and since then, the reputation of the wines made across the state, from
Fueled by a consumer desire for food-friendly, versatile, and easy-drinking red wines, lighter-style reds are increasingly popular both in the U.S. and in global wine markets. That’s good news for New York winemakers and for those of us who drink wines from the Empire State. With its cooler climate, New York is well-situated for producing what wine drinkers are clamoring for. Why do cooler climate wine regions, in general, produce
2025 was a banner year for New York Wines. Wine Spectator named Ravines 2022 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling as one of its Top 100 wines of the year, and Wine Enthusiast named Wölffer 2020 The Grapes of Roth Merlot and Ravines Wine Cellars 2019 Sparkling Riesling as two of its Top 100. Plus … the Finger Lakes was crowned American Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. All of
Register for the Leadership Summit Here A Pivotal Moment for New York Wine — Register Today Registration is now open for the inaugural Industry Leadership Summit, hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the New Yorker Hotel in New York City. This special gathering will bring together winery owners, grape growers, marketers, distributors, policymakers, and allied professionals from across the state for an open,
Wine publications frequently herald “emerging wine regions,” and New York is often cited as one of them, perhaps giving an impression that it’s only recently that the state has made strides in producing fine wine. But the truth is that New York has a deep history of grape growing, winemaking, and innovation. Prohibition devastated much of the early success of winemaking in the state, but post-Prohibition, the Empire State reclaimed
Back: Charlie Cramton, Dr. Jim Hunter, Jim Finkle, Gene Pierce, Joe Gerace, NYS Commissioner of Agriculture, Front: Martha Borgeson, Deputy Commissioner of NYSDAM, Governor Mario Cuomo, Jim Trezise It was 1985, the year of Live Aid, New Coke, and the first versions of Microsoft Windows and the Sony Discman. There was the inaugural Wrestlemania, the Iran-Contra affair, Whitney Houston’s debut album, and “Back to the Future” was number one at
New York Sustainable Winegrowing builds momentum in 2026, offering growers a clear path to certification and long-term environmental and community impact. The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) today announced that enrollment is officially open for the 2026 New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program (NYSWP), the statewide, third-party-certified sustainability initiative for vineyards and wineries committed to continuous improvement, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term economic resilience. The program continues to
“Most of all, I would love to see the group push hard on the wine and hospitality industry in one of the largest wine markets in the world. There is absolutely no excuse for the lack of New York wines on the wine lists of most New York City restaurants. It is time for New Yorkers to get on the ‘drink local’ bandwagon. These wines are too good to ignore.”
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is proud to announce that ten vineyards have achieved certification through the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program (NYSWP), marking a significant milestone in the state’s leadership in environmentally sound and socially responsible grape growing. The newly certified vineyards are: Argetsinger Vineyards Barnstormer Hermann J. Wiemer Nursery Knapp Vineyard Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards RGNY Winery Ria’s Wines Sheldrake Point Winery Tabora Farm & Winery
The Finger Lakes is the Wine Enthusiast’s 2025 Wine Star Award American Wine Region of the Year, honoring two centuries of innovation, sustainability, and cool-climate excellence.
In 2024, Hudson Valley’s Milea Estate Vineyard opened a new project, Hudson Valley Vineyards, declaring that it would make “Left Bank” and “Right Bank” sparkling wines. “In the traditional sense, ‘Right Bank’ refers to the area of Bordeaux that lies east of the Dordogne and Gironde rivers, whereas ‘Left Bank’ refers to the area west of the Garonne and Gironde rivers,” says Darren Chertkoff, Milea’s winemaker, referring to the rivers
October is a month that naturally invites us to gather. Here in New York, the colors start changing, harvest is in full swing, the air smells of grapes, and vineyards across the state buzz with energy. This season, the national movement Come Over October (COO) is once again asking wine lovers to do something simple yet powerful: invite someone over, open a bottle of wine, and celebrate connection. “Come Over October captures the
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is once again proud to join Come Over October (COO)—a global movement that celebrates wine’s true purpose: bringing people together. Founded by Karen MacNeil, Gino Colangelo, and Kimberly Noelle Charles, Come Over October encourages people everywhere to open their doors and their bottles, inviting family, friends, and neighbors to gather over wine throughout the month of October. What began as a simple
Ventosa Vineyards is excited to announce its 20th Anniversary Celebration & Annual Frank Cecere Memorial Fiesta on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 5–9pm. Come celebrate 20 great years with an evening of great food, live music, and friends…while supporting a great cause. The event will have music, silent auctions with some great items, raffle prizes, a cash bar, and a delicious BBQ dinner by our Executive Chef. Dinner will be
Image courtesy of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards. Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is celebrating an extraordinary milestone this year: 40 years of great wines and great times! Founded in 1985 by the late Jerry and Elaine Hazlitt, this family-owned and operated winery on Seneca Lake has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most beloved destinations in the Finger Lakes. At a time when the future of the farming industry was uncertain
Kim and Vinny Aliperti, the founders of Billsboro Winery, are getting their just desserts. “Vinny’s palate runs dry, so his late harvest dessert wine is actually incredibly balanced, age-worthy, and refreshing, which isn’t typical of a dessert wine,” says Kim, who runs Billsboro Winery alongside her winemaking husband, Vinny. “The Vignoles grape is naturally high in acidity, providing the 9% of residual sugar with enough mouthwatering backbone. We expect the
Image courtesy of Airy Acres Vineyard. For wine lovers, the best vacations are going to include at least some visits to wineries. But not every visit has to be only about the wine. There’s the food, of course, the picnics you pack and spread out on picnic tables overlooking the vines, or the food prepared at the winery that’s designed to pair perfectly with their bottles. Sometimes, there’s more. Many
Image courtesy of Weis Vineyards. New York State has many standout wineries and well-made wines throughout all of its regions. Winemakers can opt to enter their wines in the New York Wine Classic, an annual event that celebrates the very best of the state’s wine and grape industry. Each wine entered is scored. The two top awards in the competition are the Governor’s Cup—the Best of Show across all categories—and
Image courtesy of Fox Run Vineyards. In 1984, Scott Osborn returned home to the Finger Lakes for the holidays and stopped at a local winery on a whim. The final visit of the day, Wagner Vineyards, would change the course of his life. “I tasted their 1982 Chardonnay and it was fantastic,” Scott recalls. “It was an epiphany. I thought to myself, this is the kind of wine I want
Image courtesy of Rose Hill Vineyards. “From the point of harvest and through fermentation, aging, blending and bottling, we knew this was a special wine and a standout for the vintage,” says Patrick Caserta, winemaker at Rose Hill Vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island, recipient of the New York Wine Classic’s 2025 Governor’s Cup and Best Red Wine for the 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon. “To win the Governor’s
Image courtesy of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. In a win for one of New York’s most iconic wineries, Dr. Konstantin Frank has again been ranked #1 as the Best Winery Tour in America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This marks the fourth time the family-owned winery has earned the top honor, with its immersive 1886 Wine Experience continuing to stand out among programs from some of the country’s most celebrated wine regions Now in its tenth season, the 1886 Wine Experience
NYWGF-supported research delivers actionable insights for grape growers, winemakers, and industry leaders across New York State. Image courtesy of Rima Brindamour. The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is proud to announce the release of its 2024–2025 Research Reports, showcasing another year of cutting-edge research dedicated to advancing viticulture, enology, and wine business practices across New York State. These annual reports serve as a vital resource for growers, producers,
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you: our family has officially acquired Quarry Ridge Winery! This is a meaningful step forward for all of us—and the beginning of a new chapter that we are incredibly proud to start. This partnership felt like a natural fit. Our vineyard management team has been planting and caring for Quarry Ridge’s vines since day one, and we’ve had the honor of supplying
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is proud to announce the release of its 2024–2025 Annual Report, celebrating a year of measurable progress and renewed commitment to growing a sustainable, competitive, and internationally recognized New York wine and grape industry. The report showcases a dynamic year in which NYWGF advanced critical initiatives in environmental certification, data reporting, marketing, and export growth. It includes key accomplishments such as the
New York becomes the first Northeast state to feature AVA-specific wine trails in Wine Enthusiast’s Tasting Room Directory, expanding visibility for 100 local wineries through a dedicated regional page The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Wine Enthusiast that will bring expanded visibility to New York’s wine regions through the Wine Enthusiast Tasting Room Directory. This initiative marks the launch of
The spotlight is on New York’s finest wines as the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) prepares to unveil the winners of the 2025 New York Wine Classic on Thursday, July 17th at 6:00 PM EST. The prestigious awards ceremony will be streamed live and hosted by acclaimed wine expert Wanda Mann, East Coast Editor of The SOMM Journal and founder of Wine With Wanda. The highly anticipated event
Download NYWGF’s Food Pairing Guide Here Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood on Long Island, sizzling barbecue in the Hudson Valley, or a hearty pasta dish upstate, there’s a New York wine that can take your meal to the next level. To make it easier than ever to pair your favorite dishes with the perfect local pour, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is proud to share its multilingual
The 2025 growing season is here, and 2024’s season may look like specks of dust in the rearview mirror. But there are still things to discover about how New York’s wineries and vineyards fared in 2024. Last October, as the busy season in the vineyards wrapped up, signs pointed to an “epic” harvest season. Wine growers from all of New York State’s major growing regions, who had been adding up
Earlier this year, grape growers, winemakers, students, researchers, and business leaders from New York and surrounding states attended B.E.V. NY. This year, the conference was held March 4-5 in Canandaigua, NY, in the Finger Lakes, where the wine industry gathered at Hotel Canandaigua for the most significant New York grape and wine industry educational event. Founded in 2014 by Anna Katharine Mansfield, Hans Walter-Peterson, and Chris Gerling from the Cornell
New York is home to an expanding network of certified sustainable vineyards dedicated to minimizing environmental impact, ensuring economic stability, and safeguarding worker health and safety. This certification is awarded through the New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s (NYWGF) Sustainable Winegrowing program. Vineyards that achieve certification, along with wineries producing wines made from at least 85% certified sustainable grapes, are authorized to display the Sustainability Trustmark at their vineyards and
The winter of 2025 was not for the faint of heart: Central New York saw 25+ feet of snow, and the polar vortex plunged much of the state into frigid temperatures on-and-off from December through February. Which is all to say, everyone—even the snow obsessives among us—is eager to greet spring this spring. There are few better ways to do it than in wine country, where spring is a time
Image courtesy of Leo Mora, @leovineandwine, from the opening night of New York Wines Sustainability Week. In the last few years, New York wineries have been able to officially begin the process of declaring their vineyards as environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. For many winemakers, farming and producing wine sustainably has been foundational to their business from the get-go. “Long before the current sustainability program existed, we shaped our business
New York is leading the way in sustainable winegrowing and next week wine lovers in New York City will have the opportunity to experience the results firsthand. The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is thrilled to present New York Wines Sustainability Week, an exciting series of events taking place across New York City from Monday, February 24th through Sunday, March 2nd. Throughout the week, attendees will have the
Photo of Anita & Robert Wagner courtesy of WCNY, Syracuse. It’s the dream of many wine lovers who are in proximity to a wine region—visiting all of the wineries in their backyard. How do you define your backyard when it comes to how far you’ll venture out? That’s something you get to decide on your own. One New York couple claims the entire state as their backyard. Anita and Bob
Image courtesy of Apollo’s Praise. In observance of Valentine’s Day, let’s toast to the love that fuels so many iconic, ground-breaking wineries in New York State. While the phrase “family business” may connote scenes of couples squabbling over power, or siblings fighting over their inheritance (thanks at least in part to the addictive juiciness of Succession,) the fact is, family-run businesses are some of the most important drivers of the
February is Black History Month, a time to not only pay tribute to the generations of Black Americans who have dealt with and overcome adversities in life and business, but also to honor the Black professionals who are transforming our culture, political landscape, and economic future today. At the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, we’re toasting the Black professionals forging a new path in the wine industry and
Image courtesy of Adirondack Winery. A Winery Built from the Ground Up Nestled in the picturesque Lake George area of New York, Adirondack Winery has been pushing the boundaries of New York winemaking since its founding in 2008. This winery has become known for its creative approach to winemaking, producing over 35 wines that range from traditional varietals to fruit-infused selections. Owners Sasha and Michael Pardy built the business from
Logo courtesy of Heart & Hands Wine Company. The Claddagh symbol—a heart, hands, and crown—traditionally represents love, loyalty, and friendship. For Heart & Hands Wine Company, nestled on the east side of Cayuga Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes, this emblem takes on an additional, deeply personal meaning. It reflects the winery’s dedication to a heartfelt connection to the land, a hands-on commitment to winemaking, and the loyal stewardship of
For anyone who has grown, produced, or sipped wine grown and made in the Empire State in the past decade, the notion that New York can make world-class wine feels like old, if not patently the-sky-is-blue-obvious, news. But for less lucky wine enthusiasts who have not had the pleasure, New York wine still often feels up-and-coming. But that is set to change, now that winemakers, subregions and the New York
Photo courtesy of Harbes Vineyard. Each year, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation organizes the New York Wine Classic, a competition that celebrates a diverse selection of world-class wines from producers within the State. Wines entered are sent to the Beverage Tasting Institute, and its sensory panel—comprised of beverage directors, sommeliers, top bartenders, retail buyers, and educators—scores each wine. The top scorers in the various categories deservedly earn bragging
The 6th Annual Cabernet Franc Celebration event is opened for both domestic and international producers of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Franc Blends (a minimum of 50% Cabernet Franc grapes). We have had fourteen states and five countries participating previously in the event representing over 90 wines. The Best of Class awards will be for the following categories: Specialty Division – PetNat, Sparkling, Blanc, etc. Blend Division – A minimum of 50% Cabernet
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is excited to announce the appointment of HOPSCOTCH Season (formerly SOPEXA) as the market representative for New York Wines in Vietnam, and Sohn’s Market Makers Ltd. as the market representative for New York Wines in South Korea. These new strategic partnerships aim to elevate the profile of New York wines in two dynamic markets, leveraging the expertise of HOPSCOTCH Season and Sohn’s
Winners of the New York Wine Classic embody the incredible diversity, ambition, and quality of the 400+ wineries producing wine from the Empire State’s 1,600+ vineyards. Just consider CK Cellars and its win for Best Fruit Wine for the NV Earle Estates Apple Enchantment Semi-Sweet Apple Wine, which earned 93 points from the judges, and Inspire Moore and its victory for Best Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat) for the NV Unsupervised Pétillant
The consumption of wine in communal settings probably predates our species, according to findings from anthropologists and archeologists. (Cue the Drunken Monkey hypothesis). The oldest-known winery was excavated in modern-day Armenia circa 4000 B.C. Remnants of wine on pots found in China date back 9,000 years. Winemaking and consumption shaped ancient cultures and religions, from the ancient Greeks to the Christians. (Who can forget that Noah’s first to-do after parking
With more and more wine lovers eager to think and drink pink, Fulkerson Winery has had a lot to celebrate since first launching its line of Syrah Rosé. That the wine was even released, never mind won ‘Best Pink Wine’ is a coup in and of itself, its sixth-generation owner and operator admits. “I was very reluctant to use Syrah for rosé because it’s such a rare grape in the
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. NYWGF’s commitment to research is evident in its annual research budget, which typically ranges between $350,000 to $600,000. The NYWGF Board of Directors is proud to share the results of 2023-24 funded research projects through individual reports, articles, and a series of webinars in
“Only the unimaginative can fail to find a reason for drinking Champagne,” playwright and poet Oscar Wilde is quoted as saying, and he’s not wrong—but we’d go even further. There is never a wrong time to sip a well-made sparkling wine. It goes with every meal, every celebration, every moment alone sitting on your front porch. New York wine producers technically can’t make Champagne. That honorific can be given only
It seems fitting that the winery that launched a vinifera revolution in the Finger Lakes and reinvigorated wine lovers’ passion for Riesling snagged Best White for its 2022 Reserve Riesling in this year’s New York Wine Classic. “My great-grandfather was a researcher and scientist, and his approach is foundational to what we do here today,” says Meaghan Frank, who joined her family’s winery, Dr. Konstantin Frank, 11 years ago and
In the U.S. no regulation stipulates what can be labeled as a reserve wine. But a winery that’s focused on quality and authenticity will bottle a reserve wine only when it’s truly warranted. “It’s not every year we can do the reserve wines, but when the vintage is spectacular we will,” says Julia Petrocelli-Vergari, owner-operator of Raphael Wine in Peconic. “The 2019 vintage was perfect. The stars were aligned. I
Growing grapes isn’t for the faint of heart. A delicate crop utterly dependent on the whims of Mother Nature, the challenges have always been significant, but in recent years amid climate change, the situation has felt, at times, existential. This past year’s harvest was summarized in Cornell’s documentary-style newsletter Veraison to Harvest 2023 thusly: “Spring was early, fall was late and summer was difficult.” It continued: “The abrupt changes in
Six generations of know-how and passion spread across two continents went into Weis Vineyards’ wins at the 38th Annual New York Wine Classic. “I grew up on vineyards in the Mosel,” says Hans Peter Weis, the German-born winemaker and co-owner of Weis Vineyards with his wife Ashlee Weis. “Winegrowing and winemaking have always been a part of my life, and my family’s life going back six generations in the Mosel.
Far be it from us to play favorites with grape varieties, but it’s impossible to ignore the Empire State’s emerging star grape, Cabernet Franc. Riesling hogged the headlines and the critical acclaim in the state for decades, but thanks to a delicious cocktail of developments—including improved clones and viticultural techniques, and the auspicious pairing of grape and terroir—Cabernet Franc is now able to begin to compete with Riesling for star
Weis Vineyards Named Winery of the Year Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the winners of the 38th Annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine industry. Weis Vineyards, located in the Finger Lakes region, took home the two top awards in the 2024 Competition. They were honored as Winery of the Year, and their 2018 Riesling Ice Wine was awarded the prestigious
PENN YAN, NY– The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce that the 2024 New York Wine Classic Award winners will be honored on Wednesday, July 17th at 6:00PM EST in a live virtual ceremony hosted by Wanda Mann. The New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony will reveal and celebrate the prestigious “Governor’s Cup” (Best Wine), “Winery of the Year” (Best Overall Showing by a Winery), and
The New York wine industry is making waves on the world stage, and it’s all thanks to the hard work and dedication of industry professionals like you. From what you grow in the vineyards, craft in your cellars, and sell in your stores, your efforts are key to the rising prominence of New York wines. However, there’s always more we can do to tell the New York wine story more
Contact: Valerie Venezia-RossPhone: 1 (518) 229-3765Email: valerieross@nywgf.org May 21, 2024 – Penn Yan, NY – Today, the New York Wine and Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is proud to be one of the 66 organizations awarded a USDA Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) grant. This funding is dedicated to building demand for American food and farm exports in high-potential markets around the globe. NYWGF has received $1.3 million to support New York Wine export marketing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjBJcp7pBws&list=PLGZMgKQVWfrQ_-99wNwXZMXKzvlZMm-Wp In September 2020, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation collaborated with wine writer and educator, Dan Belmont, to produce the revised New York Wine Reference Guide. The guide provides a comprehensive overview of New York’s wine regions, history, climate, styles, and more. To complement the guide, NYWGF is pleased to introduce a series of short-form videos led by Dan, offering viewers a tasting tour of each of
It’s not as rare as it used to be, but it’s still uncommon to dine in a New York City restaurant that offers New York state wines. Maybe you’ll see a Finger Lakes Riesling. If you’re in a wine bar, you may see another bottle or two. Even establishments that tout a local “farm to fork” ethos frequently overlook the fact that local vineyards are farms. There are a few
Penn Yan, NY – Each year NYWGF develops a comprehensive schedule of domestic and international marketing activities designed to promote the New York wine and grape industry. Funded by a mix of state, federal, and local entities, these marketing activities, along with educational and business development resources, are intended to significantly impact NYWGF’s mission goals and further the ability of wineries and growers to accomplish theirs. Though NYWGF creates its
Katie Gold works to advance the science of using a technology called imaging spectroscopy, or hyperspectral imaging. Specifically, the assistant professor of grape pathology at Cornell uses this plant disease-detecting technology to identify and manage grape diseases, without ever disturbing the vines. Her work feels more timely than ever. The New York Wine industry—and the global wine industry—needs researchers like Gold for the issues it faces in the vineyards today
Rich Olsen-Harbich began pioneering sustainable winegrowing techniques decades before it was cool. “This Sustainability Award really validates what we’ve been doing at Bedell Cellars since 1980,” Olsen-Harbich, winemaker at Bedell Cellars, notes. “Sustainability is a zero-sum game. It is a pathway that you walk on, without an end in sight. You always want to find a way to be even more sustainable.” The New York Wine & Grape Foundation created
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact Information:Seneca Falls Museum of Waterways and IndustryLaura Jacuzzo315-568-1510programs@sfheritagetourism.org Museum of Waterways and Industry Unveils New Exhibit on Finger Lakes Wine History on April 27th, 2024.Website: https://sfheritagetourism.com/the-seneca-museum-of-waterways-and-industry/ Wine connoisseurs and casual wine-drinkers alike are invited to the unveiling of “A History of Wine in the Finger Lakes” at The Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry in Seneca Falls. The exhibit will showcase the Finger Lakes wine industry from its humble
When Melissa Heath heads to B.E.V. NY 2024 in early March to accept the New York Wine & Grape Foundation Unity Awards’ Consumer Award, her son Nicholas will accompany her. While she’s in the Canandaigua region, where the event is held, Melissa will take him to some of the wineries and introduce the recently 21-year-old to a pastime that she and her husband Joe enjoy together—visiting wineries in the Finger
When Mary Pino learned that she won the Retailer Award from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation this year for the work she does at the Gilded Grape, her Brooklyn wine store, she felt like years of hard work were being recognized. “I opened the Gilded Grape with the goal of sharing my passion for New York wine and spirits with my community in Brooklyn,” Pino explains of her
Cesar Baeza, 2024 Phyllis Feder Unity Award Winner Cesar Baeza has had a long career in the drinks business, and it has taken him all over the world. At the moment, the winemaker is in Chile, his native country, helping his family with the harvest at Baeza Family Cellars. Soon, he expects to return to the States, promoting Baeza Family Cellars’ wines and consulting during the growing and winemaking season.
Greetings from New York City! For anyone just getting acquainted with the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, it might be news for you to find out that NYC is my home base. And while most of the NYWGF team is in the Finger Lakes, we also have two staff members in the Hudson Valley region. We’re a small but mighty team of seven, connecting with each other every day
“Our unwavering principle was never to release a wine we wouldn’t personally enjoy or take pride in serving,” says Gabriella Macari, director of operations for Macari Vineyards, speaking of the winery’s history of making quality wine on Long Island. It’s that unwavering principle that contributed to the New York Wine and Grape Foundation honoring Macari Vineyards with the Winery Award in the 2024 Unity Awards. The award recognizes major contributions
When most people think of New York wine, they think of the Finger Lakes, or maybe Long Island or the Hudson Valley. But thanks to John Thomas Slater and Douglas DeCroix’s book, an unsung region with an outsize impact on the history and future of winemaking in America—the Chautauqua-Erie Grape Belt—is finally getting its due. “Receiving the Jim Finkle Industry Award means so much to me personally, but I feel
PENN YAN, NY – March 1, 2024 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2024 New York Wine Classic, the ultimate celebration of New York wines. This annual wine competition, now in its 38th year, recognizes excellence in winemaking and provides an important platform for New York wineries to showcase their products to a global audience. The New York Wine Classic is open to
Maren and Cameron Hosmer “I was overwhelmed,” says Cameron Hosmer, about the news of the Jim Trezise Lifetime Achievement Award he and his wife, Maren, received this year from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. “What a thrill! It was truly an honor to be recognized by our industry.” Maren was equally taken by surprise and delighted. “I couldn’t believe it,” she recalls. “It really was completely unexpected.” That
February 20, 2024 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce the winners of the prestigious 2024 Unity Awards. The Unity Awards were created in 1990 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
Geneva, NY – February 15, 2024 – The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, premier trade association for wines in the region, announces new travel scholarships to Riesling Camp in service of the organization’s goals to promote diversity and inclusivity in the wine industry. Riesling Camp, the FLWA’s signature annual event, is an immersive multi-day educational visit for the wine trade and media to learn about the Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area and
February 9, 2024– Prejean Winery, a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, is proud to announce that five of its 2022 vintages have won medals of distinction in two prestigious wine competitions. The 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest competition of North American wines, awarded gold medals to Prejean Winery’s 2022 Goldfinch Vineyards Dry Riesling, 2022 Semi-Dry Riesling, and 2022 Vignoles,
With more than 11,500 wineries to choose from in the U.S. alone, beverage enthusiasts could drink a bottle of wine from a different winery every day, and not run out of new options for several years. Exciting for thirsty, novelty-loving wine lovers, less so for vintners eager to establish a loyal base of supporters. These days, that entails a tightrope walk: wineries have to establish personal relationships with people who
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-RossPhone: 1 (518) 229-3765Email: valerieross@nywgf.org Penn Yan, NY, February 6, 2024: The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is excited to unveil its highly anticipated 2024 Vineyard Survey. In collaboration with Agency 29, Ag Access, and Deep Planet, NYWGF aims to chart a new course for the state’s wine and grape industry. Sam Filler, Executive Director of NYWGF, highlighted the survey’s significance, stating, “This marks a
There are more than 400 wineries in New York, and they are garnering increasingly enthusiastic raves from national critics at Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, The New York Times and others. And thanks to an innovative program, and the hard work of winemakers willing to travel and share their story, the good word on New York’s incredible wines is spreading across the globe. How it Works The New York Wine &
The winter is without a doubt one of the best times to explore wine country in New York. Not only are the vines often blanketed in winter white, there are fewer visitors, a range of imaginative events and more opportunities to learn from and interact with the people behind the wines. With more than 470 active wineries in the Empire State and 35,000+ acres under vine, there is plenty to
Penn Yan, NY, November 28, 2023: The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Upstate NY-based brand-building firm, Agency 29 to lead a comprehensive statewide Vineyard Survey initiative. Ag Access and Deep Planet AI will also partner with NYWGF and Agency 29 on this collaborative effort. “We are pleased to announce this historic collaborative effort designed to accurately document New York State’s
(Queensbury, NY) – Adirondack Winery, the North Country’s largest producer of craft wines, has announced a $20,000 fundraising goal for its 11th Annual “Drink Pink” breast cancer awareness fundraiser. A portion of sales from all direct-to-consumer business units from September 15 through October 31 will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Adirondacks. Last year, with the support of its customers, employees, and
CUTCHOGUE, NY (October 5, 2023) — As an affirmation to his belief in the quality, longevity, and sustainability of the North Fork of Long Island, Russell Hearn and business partners purchased Lieb Cellars after over thirty years as Lieb’s head winemaker. “I first met Mark and Kathy Lieb three decades ago. They were passionate about wine and looking to showcase the best Long Island had to offer, which continues to
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, a pioneering name in the wine industry, has achieved yet another remarkable milestone by being honored with the prestigious Top 100 Winery Award from Wine & Spirits Magazine. This accolade serves as a testament to the winery’s unwavering commitment to producing exceptional wines that consistently captivate the palates of enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Founded on the principles of innovation and quality, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has
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 Cup was presented to Paumanok Vineyards 2019 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc from Long Island. In addition, Paumanok Vineyards was also honored with the Winery of the Year award. The Governor made the announcement this evening during a special live virtual
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 edition, the competition once again raised vital funds for Camp Good Days, a cherished nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families affected by cancer or sickle cell anemia. The FLIWC, held annually, showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and diversity of
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-RossPhone: 1 (518) 229-3765Email: valerieross@nywgf.org PENN YAN NY, June 12, 2023 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce that the 2023 New York Wine Classic Award winners will be honored on July 13th at 6:00PM EST in a live virtual ceremony hosted by Karen MacNeil. The New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony will reveal and celebrate the prestigious “Governor’s Cup” (Best Wine), “Winery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Chelsea Race, Director of Marketingchelsea@keukawinetrail.comPhotos/Logo Penn Yan, NY, June 9th, 2023 — The Keuka Lake Wine Trail is thrilled to announce the launch of its fresh logo, reimagined branding, and a revamped website. These updates reflect the Wine Trail’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and promoting the rich heritage of the Keuka Lake region. The Keuka Lake Wine Trail has long been synonymous with
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact:Apollo’s PraiseKelby James RussellWinemaker, Ownerkelby@apollospraise.com315.945.9099apollospraise.com Rock Stream, New York — Kelby James Russell, longtime winemaker of Red Newt Cellars and Empire Estate, has announced the creation of his own winery, Apollo’s Praise. Named in honor of an iconic song he performed with the Harvard Glee Club as an undergraduate, the winery brings full circle his love of music, wine, and the Finger Lakes region he grew
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 has been working hard to rebuild their beloved Louisana bayou style tasting room and this Spring they are ready to celebrate. June 17th and 18th TBW is hosting a carnival and you’re invited! The weekend includes live music, food trucks,
Riverhead, NY, May 16, 2023—Long Island Wine Country, a dynamic community of the region’s 57 distinct wine producers, is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary of world-class winegrowing this summer on the East Coast. Since its establishment in 1973, Long Island Wine Country has become a premier destination for wine enthusiasts and for high-quality winemaking that rivals those from other renowned wine regions worldwide. With its unique terroir, characterized by
New York State produces fine wines that rival those from prestigious wine regions around the globe. Finding those wines on a restaurant menu or on the shelves of a bottle shop isn’t as difficult as it once was, but it’s also not yet as common as it should be. Wine lovers who enjoy drinking quality New York wines frequently must go to a winery’s tasting room or head to their
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: olivia@montezumawinery.com Over 20 years ago, the Martin family first laid the foundation of Montezuma Winery at its current location in Seneca Falls, NY. Little did they know that their small family business, which first began out of their garage in Sterling, NY, would grow into
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Long Island Wine Country(631) 722-2220info@liwines.com RIVERHEAD, NY (March 2023) — Long Island Wine Country kicks off the first annual Long Island Locals Week, offering exclusive deals for local residents at select Long Island wineries. “2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of Long Island Wine Country. With our Golden Anniversary on the horizon, we are excited to celebrate first and foremost with our home community,” said Melissa Rockwell, Board
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-Ross Phone: 1 (518) 229-3765 Email: valerieross@nywgf.org PENN YAN, NY – March 1, 2023 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2023 New York Wine Classic, the ultimate celebration of New York wines. This annual wine competition, now in its 37th year, recognizes excellence in winemaking, and provides an important platform for New York wineries to showcase their products to a global audience. The
Fox Run Vineyards is pleased to announce the addition of John Mourey as National Sales Manager. Mourey will be responsible for leading the sales team and developing new placement opportunities for Fox Run Vineyards’ wines nationally and internationally. Mourey, a native of Watkins Glen, NY, and a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College, earned a degree in Marketing with a minor in Economics. From there he went on to graduate
Agness Wine Cellars today announced that its 2018 and 2019 Finger Lakes Semi-Dry Riesling both received gold medals in the 2022 San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC). The company’s Finger Lakes Semi-dry Riesling and Sparkling wines were also selected to represent New York State during the opening banquet of the 2023 Winter World University Games to be held in Lake Placid, NY January 12-22. Founded in 1980, the SFIWC is
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 wine industry as a Winemaker at Glendale Ridge Winery in MA and a Vineyard Manager at Thousand Islands Winery in NY. His passion for winemaking stems from his love of growing his own food and cooking. At the age of
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 as Geneva’s first bonded winery back in 2000. “I’ll never forget the morning Jen called to ask if we were interested in buying the winery,” recounts Kim, manager of operations, “the minute I told Vinny about their proposition he quickly
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 inspired by female voices, $1 from every bottle of Sisterhood sold will be donated to the Hall of Fame. The sparkling Riesling will be featured at the community celebration during the 2022 Women’s Hall of Fame Induction festival in Seneca
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 region. This 9th wine region guide showcases the state of New York with over 400 wineries. All participating wineries are now directly benefiting from Wine Folly’s consumer reach of over 20 million wine consumers globally. 3500 wineries have been featured
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, succeeds long-time winemaker Peter Bell, who is retiring after 27 years with the company. Hosbach, a native of New Jersey, was most recently the winemaker at Hunt Country Vineyards in Branchport, where he received many scores of 90 and above