Long Island’s Sustainable Viticulture Future: Evaluating Hybrid Wine Grapes
November 14 @ 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Explore Long Island’s Hybrid winegrape potential: How advanced research is driving sustainable, high-quality production in a unique climate.
Thursday, November 14 · 9 – 9:30am EST
Join us as we explore the exciting potential of hybrid winegrape varieties on Long Island, where innovative research is paving the way for sustainable, high-quality wine production in our unique maritime climate. In 2023, 12 hybrid winegrape varieties were evaluated at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center in Riverhead, providing invaluable insights into their adaptability to sandy soils and the region’s specific climate challenges.
With vineyard establishment and management costs running high, it is crucial to identify grape varieties that can thrive with fewer resources. Five bearing hybrids have already shown promise, with an additional seven varieties planted in 2022 and 2023, reflecting the New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and climate resilience. Notably, disease-resistant hybrids were successfully managed with significantly reduced pesticide use—an achievement that aligns with the growing demand for environmentally friendly products from both consumers and growers.
To demonstrate the wine quality potential of these hybrids, fruit from select varieties was provided to local winemakers for small-lot production, with results shared widely across the industry. This initiative is just the beginning, as ongoing trials continue to assess resistance to diseases like downy mildew, powdery mildew, black rot, and Phomopsis under varying conditions.
About Our Speaker Alice Wise:
Alice Wise is a viticulturist and educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. She has been a pioneering force in Long Island’s wine industry since the 1990s, specializing in vineyard management, research, and sustainability. Wise focuses on environmentally conscious practices and the development of hybrid winegrape varieties. Her work includes evaluating grapevine performance, disease resistance, and the impact of sustainable practices on wine quality. As a respected leader in the field, she collaborates closely with local growers and winemakers, contributing to the region’s reputation for innovative and sustainable viticulture.
