Building on the success of the newly updated New York Wine Reference Guide, NYWGF is pleased to bring comprehensive, expertly delivered New York wine education to your team each week from April 25^th through June 20^th, 2023. We welcome you to join wine writer and educator Dan Belmont as he leads this nine (9) part series – completely free for NYWGF Winery and Grower Members.

From our first 90-minute ‘deep dive’ into the wines of New York, to the subsequent 60- minute sessions on our major varietals and wine regions, this educational opportunity will be unlike any other and extremely valuable to winery and vineyard leaders, tasting room and marketing staff, as well as to trade, media, and consumers who are champions of New York wine. Tasting components are part of each session – with recommended wines for each session to be announced in advance of the seminar date.

IN THIS SESSION:

In New York, the native—wild grapes—were here first. Forming the backbone of the early New York wine industry, native varieties (the majority of which are Vitis labrusca) came into use when it became apparent that European vines lacked the disease resistance and winter hardiness to survive. The term “hybrid” refers to a crossing (accidental or deliberate) between two species of grape, most often these are North American or Asian crossed with Vitis vinifera from Europe. Most of the hybrids used in New York today were developed by French hybridizers who did the bulk of their work from 1880 to 1950. These grapes underpin much of New York wines’ unique, local flavor – which needs to be better understood and explored. With climate change and sustainability top of mind, the potential of these grapes is exciting. As with our other sessions, the objective of today’s seminar will be to highlight the varying production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make hybrid and native grapes so special. Join us to learn more!

TASTING:
Lakewood Vineyards Bubbly Catawba 2021 (Native – Finger Lakes)
Bully Hill Seyval Blanc (French American – Finger Lakes)
Clover Pond Marquette Reserve 2019 (U. of Minnesota – Upper Hudson)
Hunt Country Uncharted Terroir Vignoles 2020 (French American – Skin Contact – Finger Lakes)

Please Note: Suggested wines for tastings must be purchased separately and are not included with registration.

Click Here to Register

OUR HOST: DAN BELMONT
Dan is a London-based certified American Wine Expert and holds a Level-3 certification in Wines & Spirits from the WSET. He led the education departments of NYC’s famed Murray’s Cheese, the largest artisan cheese retailer in the US, and Bedales of Borough, a trio of wine bars based in London’s historic markets. Dan is the Wine Ambassador for Liebherr UK and proudly supports the New York Wine & Grape Foundation along with a variety of international trade associations and producers as a presenter, educator & judge. In 2022 he authored the latest edition of the New York State Wine Reference Guide. Dan operates in constant awe of the good people who dedicate themselves to the odyssey that is producing good wine. It is in that spirit that he created Good Wine Good People – a unique e-commerce wine retail platform serving the UK market.