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Field Notes

News and Updates from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation

Wine News

New York’s Sustainable Winegrowing Program in Action: New Map Highlights Certified Vineyards & Wineries Using Sustainable Grapes 

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

Spring Is (Finally!) Here in New York 

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

Toasting Sustainable Winegrowing This Week in New York City

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 Wines Sustainability Week: A Celebration of Sustainable Winegrowing in New York City

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

One New York Couple’s Quest To Be New York Wine “Evangelists”

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

Love Helps Power These New York Wineries 

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

Celebrating Black History Month

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

Adirondack Winery: Crafting Unique Wines in the Upper Hudson Valley 

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

The Heartfelt Story Behind Heart & Hands Winery: Crafting Legacy and Sustainability in the Finger Lakes 

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

The 2024 Vineyard Report Is Set To Transform the Current Perception and Future of New York Wine 

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

New York Wine Classic Winners Harbes Vineyard and Wölffer Estate are Bringing Attention to New York Wines

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

Call for Submissions: Annual Cabernet Franc Celebration 

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

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Appoints HOPSCOTCH Season and Sohn’s Market Makers Ltd. as Market Representatives in Vietnam and South Korea

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

Behind CK Cellars’ Best Fruit Wine & Inspire Moore’s Best Pétillant-Naturel Wins in the 2024 New York Wine Classic

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

Why Come Over October Is Inspiring New York Wine Enthusiasts To Share Their Passion With Others 

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

Fulkerson Winery Wins ‘Best Pink Wine’ in New York Wine Classic

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

A Look at the State of Hybrid Grapes—and Selling Wines Made from Them—in New York

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

In a Region That’s ‘Built for Sparkling,’ Damiani’s 2017 Brut Comes Out on Top in the 2024 New York Wine Classic

“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

The Pioneering Dr. Konstantin Frank Wins Best White for Reserve Riesling

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

From a Perfect Vintage, Raphael Wine’s 2019 Reserve Cabernet Franc Wins Best Red in the 2024 New York Wine Classic

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

How Scientists Are Helping Grape Growers Combat Pests and Pestilence

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

Weis Vineyards Wins Winery of the Year and Governor’s Cup for Best Dessert Wine

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.

The Empire State’s Red-Hot Love Affair With Cabernet Franc

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

three wine glasses against black background. Red wine is being poured into the center glass.

Governor Hochul Announces Winners of the 2024 New York Wine Classic 

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

2024 New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony to be Hosted by Wanda Mann, East Coast Editor of ‘The SOMM Journal’, and Founder of ‘Wine With Wanda’ 

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

Elevate Your Brand with the New NYWGF Printing Storefront

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

USDA Awards $1.3 Million to Support New York Wine Exports to  the Caribbean, Asia, and the United Kingdom

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

Updated “New York Wine Reference Guide” Shares Short-Form Video Series Led by Wine Writer and Educator Dan Belmont

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

NYWGF Relaunches Mini-Grant Program to Support Marketing and Educational Needs of Wineries, Growers, and Related Promotional Entities 

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

For Her Work With Grape Pathology, Katie Gold Earns the Research Award

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 Receives Sustainability Award After Decades of Pioneering Work

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

Seneca Falls Museum Unveils “History of Wine in the Finger Lakes” Exhibit

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

For Decades of Support, Melissa Heath Earns the New York Grape & Wine Foundation’s Consumer Award

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

The Gilded Grape’s Mary Pino Feels Seen After Winning Retailer of the Year

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

For His Leadership and Winemaking in New York Wine, Cesar Baeza Wins the Phyllis Feder Unity Award

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.

Macari Vineyards’ Significant Contributions to the Local Industry Earn It the Unity Awards’ Winery Award

“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

Douglas DeCroix and John Thomas Slater Snag Jim Finkle Industry Award

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

New York Wine Classic 2024: The Ultimate Celebration of New York Wines 

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

Cameron and Maren Hosmer on Earning the New York Grape & Wine Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award

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

unity awards presented by the new york wine and grape foundation

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Unity Awards Announced, Winners to be Honored at B.E.V. NY Conference in Canandaigua, NY

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

Finger Lakes Wine Alliance Introduces Travel Scholarship for Riesling Camp

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

Prejean Winery Celebrates Five Award-Winning Wines

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,

How New York Wineries Stoke Bottom Lines By Building Relationships

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

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Launches 2024 Vineyard Survey 

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

​How New York Wine Is Popping Up on Menus in Japan, the U.K., and Denmark

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 &

New York’s Wine Country in the Winter Has Something for Everyone

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

NYWGF Partners with Agency 29 for Comprehensive Statewide Vineyard Survey

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

Adirondack Winery Sets $20,000 Fundraising Goal for 11th Annual Drink Pink Fundraiser

(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

Long Time Lieb Cellars Winemaker Russell Hearn, Purchases Cutchogue Winery

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

Scenic View of sunset over vineyard at Dr Konstantin Frank on the shores of Keuka Lake

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Triumphs with Top 100 Winery Award from Wine & Spirits Magazine

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

three wine glasses against black background. Red wine is being poured into the center glass.

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 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

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 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

2023 New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony to be Hosted By Karen MacNeil

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

Keuka Lake Wine Trail Unveils Exciting New Logo, Branding, and Website

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

screenshot of the apollos praise homepage

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, 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

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 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,

Long Island Wine Country Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Wine Excellence

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

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: 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

logo for long island wine country

Long Island Wine Country Launches First Annual Long Island Locals Week

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

three wine glasses against black background. Red wine is being poured into the center glass.

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: 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

John Mourey

Fox Run Vineyards Hires New National Sales Manager

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 Receives Prestigious Gold Medal in 2022 San Francisco Wine Competition

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

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 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 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 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 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 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

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 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

craig hosbach

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, 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

four cans of hard seltzer on the end of a dock overlooking a lake

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Enters Seltzer Market with Red Cat Wine Seltzers

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is thrilled to announce the release of four new wine seltzers: Red Cat Splash, White Cat Splash, Pink Cat Splash, and Red Cat Dark Splash. Using their most popular sweet wines, the Hazlitt family has created a new line of delicious, bubbly, low-alcohol wine seltzers made with only real wine. These convenient and stylish cans are perfect for any-day enjoyment but will undoubtedly make a “Splash” this

wine bottles lined up on a shelf with wood barrels in background

Crowing Over Growing: Partnerships with Local Farms Key to Montezuma Winery’s Continued Success

For over two decades, the Martin family has been crafting head-turning products at Montezuma Winery in Seneca Falls. Not unlike the origin of many Finger Lakes wineries, the Montezuma story starts with a family farm; the Martins parlayed years of commercial beekeeping experience into a small meadery in their hometown of Sterling, NY. After some experimentation with fruit wines, the Martins moved the operation to Seneca Falls and founded Montezuma

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 the announcement this evening during a special live virtual event hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. This year, the Governor’s Cup was presented to two wineries in a surprise tie for the competition’s most esteemed award. The

karen macneil

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 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 of the Year” (Best Overall Showing by a Winery), and “Best in Category”

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 kickoff event will feature more than 120 of New York’s best wineries, distilleries, breweries, cideries, artisan food producers, food trucks and more at the Lake George Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George Village. The family friendly

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 as many wine lovers are seeking lower-alcohol alternatives. Sidekick is a spritzy dry rosé available in 375ml bottles, both as singles and as a 4-pack. With 7.8% alcohol, this wine is the perfect sidekick for wherever the summer takes you.

Jacqueline-Wooster

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 role, Jacqueline will develop and manage wholesale and retail sales through Heron Hill’s distributor partner network and retail winery outlets. Jacqueline grew up in the food and beverage industry in Germany where her parents and grandparents owned several  restaurants and

Kelly Burnett

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, Buttonwood Grove is owned by Melissa and Dave Pittard and is well known for its award-winning wines, elevated tasting experiences, and summer concert series.  Kelly’s responsibilities will include social media, marketing, promotions, and Wine Club management.  The Pittards also own

Saperica Inc, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery & trendy chama mama restaurant from NYC present the 1st annual Saperavi Festival in the Finger Lakes region of New York

Hammondsport, New York – Saperica Inc, is pleased to announce that the 1st annual Saperavi Festival will take place at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in Hammondsport, New York on Saturday, May 14, 2022.The festival will bring together producers of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli wines from the Finger Lakes region of New York along with their counterparts from the country of Georgia. Authentic Georgian cuisine with a modern twist will be featured

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 community. The expansive facility is now home to multiple businesses. These include East Coast Crush and Co-Pack, Hazlitt’s custom beverage production services company, as well as an on-site retail and tasting room, a brewery, and a recreational hiking trail. In

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. They sold the winery in the year 2000 to Pierce and Welliver. Gene Pierce and Scott Welliver recently sold the winery and 100-acre estate to the Wilson’s. Knapp has a long tradition of producing premium and popular wines and the

Fred Merwarth of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Awarded Wine Enthusiast Magazine Winemaker of the Year

(Dundee, NY) Fred Merwarth, Head Winemaker and Co-owner of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and Standing Stone Vineyards has been awarded the Wine Enthusiast Magazine Wine Star Award for Winemaker of the Year. The magazine writes of the awards, “This year marks the 22nd anniversary of Wine Enthusiast’s Annual Wine Star Awards, honoring the individuals and companies that make outstanding contributions to the wine and alcohol beverage world. The winners plus

Adirondack Winery Breaks Ground on $2.6 Million Winemaking Facility and Tasting Room at Queensbury Headquarters

Adirondack Winery held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at the site of its future $2.6 million, 14,100-square-foot winemaking facility and Tasting Room at the site of its current Queensbury headquarters. Once complete, the new building will provide the family run winery with the space it needs to triple its wine production over the next 10 years. The new building will house an all-new Tasting Room, where the winery plans to offer

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.

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.

finger lakes wine month logo

Finger Lakes Wine Month is BACK!

@flxwinemonth on Instagram and Facebook, will help provide information about events and promotions happening in the region throughout the month. Wineries were encouraged to find a way to celebrate that fit with their winery culture; events include everything from yoga and live music to happy hours and vineyard tours. FINGER LAKES WINE MONTH flags will be seen flying high at participating wineries all month long. More and more calendar events and promotional listings are added to the website daily as we see the excitement across the region grow.

New Vines Winery Celebrates 10 Years

One of the smallest wine producers in the Finger Lakes is celebrating a huge milestone: New Vines Winery turns ten this year. High school sweethearts and Rochester natives, Todd and Dani Eichas always dreamed of retiring to Finger Lakes wine country. As wine and gardening enthusiasts, the couple decided that dream would include growing grapes. The Eichases purchased land to build their bed and breakfast overlooking Seneca Lake in 2007 and that same year, Todd put his green thumb to work planting the first vines. New Vines Winery officially opened in 2011. Now in its tenth year, New Vines Winery grows one acre of grapes and produces approximately 300 cases of Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, Lemberger, Cabernet Franc, and Marquette Rosé.

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.

photo of Carmela Barbagallo

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.

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.

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Releases Podcast

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards has released a new podcast: Great Times Behinds the Wines. The podcast is hosted by Shannon Hazlitt Harts, daughter of Hazlitt’s Co-CEO & Owner, Doug Hazlitt. Each episode is meant to educate listeners in an informative, approachable way for anyone that enjoys or wants to learn about wine.

selection of wines from Meadowdale Farm Winery

Meadowdale Farm Winery Wins Gold!

Meadowdale Farm Winery’s Ice Cider has been awarded a Gold Medal in the recently completed 2020 New York International Wine Competition.

The winery is located at Black Creek Farm on Fryer Lane in Altamont, NY. The New York International Wine Competition also named Meadowdale Winery the “New York Ice Cider Winery of the Year” for 2020.

Montezuma Winery Dedicates Hidden Marsh Distillery to Aid Local Organizations in Hand Sanitizer Shortage

Contact InformationName: Kelly BurnettTitle: Marketing ManagerMontezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery2981 US Route 20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148Phone: 315-568-8190Email: kelly@montezumawinery.com April 10, 2020 — Seneca Falls, NY: Since the COVID-19 outbreak started, Montezuma Winery and Hidden Marsh Distillery wanted to do their part amid the global pandemic to help out local hospitals and organizations that are facing this outbreak head on. The winery dedicated its distillery to making hand sanitizer –