New York Wines

Leadership Summit 2026
2026-01-15 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
The Up State of Wine

Together, we’ll change the trajectory of New York Wines.

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation will host the inaugural New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the New Yorker Hotel.
This Leadership Summit will convene winery owners, grape growers, marketers, distributors, policymakers, and allied professionals from across the state for a focused, working conversation about the future of our industry.
Be sure to learn even more at newyorkwines.org/turnup.

Importing Wine to the UK Market with Dan Belmont
2026-01-20 10:00 - 11:30
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
10:00 AM
Get ready to dive into the world of UK exports with the insightful Dan Belmont in this virtual event full of tips and tricks!

Join UK Wine Importer, Wholesaler and Retailer Dan Belmont for an insider’s look at the UK wine market. Dan will give you the lay of the land – including a detailed understanding of UK wine pricing, taking you step by step from US Ex-Cellar to final UK retail shelf price. Labelling requirements (and recommendations), freight costs and timing, public perception of NY wines in the UK market, and more.

Dan Belmont launched e-commerce retail website Good Wine Good People in 2020 and quickly amassed the largest retail collection of New York State wines in the UK. He works with over 20 of the UK’s top importers to source a global wine portfolio of 500 wines strong. In 2023, he began importing directly – his first imports hailed from – you guessed it – New York State. Dan now imports approximately 100 wines from over 20 producers from around the world, including 2 NYS producers (with a 3rd in the works!). In addition to selling direct to consumers via his now two e-commerce outlets, he distributes his imports to over 50 accounts UK-wide, including Michelin-starred restaurants, iconic wine bars, retailers, and even works with satellite distributors in Northern England, Scotland, and Wales.
Renowned for its commitment to personalized service, GWGP has earned the title of the UK’s ‘Most Personalized Wine Club’ according to The Independent (2024). Dan himself has garnered recognition in the industry, recently winning Online Specialist Wine Buyer of the Year in 2024. GWGP was a 2025 finalist for Online Drinks Retailer of the Year at the Drinks Retailing Awards. Dan collaborates with various international trade associations and producers as a presenter, educator, and judge (IWSC, London Wine Competition).
Dan actively supports the New York Wine & Grape Foundation as a UK and EU ambassador. In 2022, he authored the latest edition of the New York State Wine Reference Guide, which he updates annually.

Learn more and register here!

Powering NY Agriculture with Solar: Save Money, Get Incentives & Turnkey Support
2026-01-27 08:30 - 09:30
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
8:30 – 9:30 AM

Join us for a solutions-focused webinar specifically for NY vineyards & wineries exploring how solar positions your business for resilience.

Hosted by Jordan Energy
Join Jordan Energy for a practical, solutions-focused webinar designed specifically for New York vineyards and wineries exploring how solar can reduce operating costs, strengthen long-term sustainability, and position your business for future resilience.
Jordan Energy’s team has partnered with agricultural operations across the Northeast for nearly two decades, helping farms and agribusinesses secure more than $30 million in solar-related funding through grants, incentives, and strategic project planning. This session will walk you through what solar can do for your business today—and how to leverage available programs to make it financially achievable.
What You’ll Learn:

How Solar Works for Vineyards & Wineries: Understand how solar systems integrate with agricultural operations, reduce energy costs, and support long-term business stability.
Funding Pathways to Reduce Project Costs

An overview of the state and federal incentives that can help fund your solar installation, including those highlighted in the NYWGF Member Grants & Incentives Guide as well as key clean-energy programs such as:

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – Grants covering up to 50% of total eligible project costs for renewable energy systems.
USDA Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants – Programs that may support energy audits or feasibility work at low or no cost.
NYSERDA NY-Sun Program – Incentives that lower the upfront cost of going solar for businesses, farms, and commercial facilities across New York State. NY-Sun supports both rooftop and ground-mounted systems and often pairs well with federal and USDA funding.
Empire State Development & Clean Energy-Eligible Grants – Capital programs that may support facility upgrades tied to clean-energy infrastructure.
NYSERDA FlexTech Program – Cost-shared, site-specific engineering analyses to support renewable energy decisions.
National Grid Renewable Energy & Efficiency Incentives – For businesses served by National Grid.
NYSEG & RG&E incentives (as available).
Additional programs supporting capital investment, climate resiliency, and clean-energy adoption.
How Jordan Energy’s Partnership Model Simplifies the Process

Learn how Jordan Energy manages feasibility, design, permitting, funding applications, and project implementation—from concept to commissioning—so you can focus on running your business.

REGISTER HERE

New York Wines Export Program: Caribbean Market Overview
2026-01-29 09:00 - 10:00
Thursday, January 29, 2026
9:00 AM

Get ready to explore the vibrant world of Caribbean markets through the lens of the New York Wines Export Program!

As the New York Wine & Grape Foundation expands its Export Program into the Caribbean, we’re pleased to welcome Strategos Consulting Group for an in-depth overview of this dynamic and growing market. Join us to meet the Strategos team and learn more about the Caribbean wine landscape, consumer preferences, and trade structure — and what this new partnership means for New York wineries during the upcoming program year.
Strategos will share insights on where New York wines are best positioned in the region, which styles and potential price points perform well, and how factors like tourism, hospitality, and cuisine shape wine demand across key Caribbean markets. The webinar will also highlight upcoming program activities and opportunities for wineries interested in participating in this new export initiative.
This session is an excellent opportunity to better understand the Caribbean market and explore how the New York Wines Export Program can help your winery build meaningful international connections.

Learn more and register here!

NY State Liquor Authority: State of the State and Executive Budget Overview
2026-02-09 10:30 - 11:30
The New York State Liquor Authority is excited to host a webinar on Monday, February 9th at 10:30am providing an overview of Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State and Executive Budget priorities, including proposals related to the SLA. This webinar will offer attendees an opportunity to hear directly from the SLA about key initiatives and policy proposals and to better understand what may be ahead for the alcoholic beverage industry.
Capacity will be limited on a first come, first serve basis, and the deadline to RSVP is Thursday, February 5 by COB. The Webinar access link will be emailed to all registrants who RSVP in advance of the event.
RSVP HERE: https://forms.office.com/g/Ea68tn223j

New York Wines Sustainability Week
2026-02-23 - 2026-03-01
Great wine. Doing good.

Exciting things are happening in wineries around New York. Innovative winemakers are crafting highly drinkable, food-friendly wines. Now is your chance to taste how sustainable practices make our wine even better.

Sustainable wine growing does good things for New York’s environment, our communities, our people, our livelihoods, and our future—all while contributing to our ability to produce highly drinkable, lighter-bodied, food-friendly cool climate wines.

But the proof of how great these wines are is in the drinking. New York Wines Sustainability Week is a unique opportunity to sample a variety of wines from producers across our great state.

All about diversity
Both in the wines and the people who enjoy them. New York Wines Sustainability Week will feature a range of events across NYC showcasing different producers and wine styles. View our upcoming events schedule here: newyorkwines.org/sustainability-week-schedule
New York Wines Sustainability Week is just the beginning
New York Wines Sustainability Week can be the beginning of an amazing journey of discovery around wines made with certified sustainable grapes. To learn more about sustainable winegrowing in New York or to plan an itinerary around environmentally responsible producers, click here.

Don’t miss out!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to sign up for our Press Deck Newsletter so you don’t miss an update!

BEV NY Conference
2026-03-03 - 2026-03-04
March 3 – 4 | Canandaigua, NY
B.E.V. NY is New York’s annual conference serving as a vital gathering for professionals and enthusiasts in the grape and wine industry. More than 300 people attend annually to hear the latest information about winemaking, grape growing and marketing from academic and industry experts ranging from winery and vineyard leadership to winemakers, vineyard managers, tasting room managers, sales and more. The two-day event offers a diverse range of programming with a strong focus on three key areas: business, enology, and viticulture. Pesticide credits will be available during viticulture-specific programming.
The content will dive deep into various topics and viewpoints from across industry leaders focused on enology, viticulture, and the market itself. There will be time to ask questions and interact with speakers. Topics we’ll get into:

The Future of Disease Management
Compatibility Quest: Biological and Conventional Fungicide Tank Mix Interactions
Selecting Plant Material for Vineyards
Spotted Lantern Fly Update: Grower Experiences with SLF in Other States
The Impacts of Drought in the Vineyard and Cellar
Vineyard Nutrition from Grapes to Glass
New Varieties to Meet New Challenges
Plus, many more

NYWGF Members — $125 Member Discount
NYWGF winery and grower members are eligible to receive $125 off ONE (1) conference registration for the BEV NY Conference.
Important details:
• One (1) $125 discount per winery or grower membership
• Offer valid through March 2, 2026
• Conference website: www.bevny.org
This is a great opportunity to connect with industry peers, explore new products and services, and stay on top of trends impacting New York’s beverage alcohol community.
Please email Jennifer Cooper to receive your discount code!

Learn More and Register Here

Spotted Lanternfly Summit 2026
2026-03-03 - 2026-03-05
The 2026 Spotted Lanternfly Summit will include presentations and discussions about spotted lanternfly research and management. Please register below for the online webinar to be held March 3–5, 2026 (11 a.m. – 3 p.m. EST).
Learn More and Register Here

The Wine Hub Webinar: Understanding the Swedish Wine Market
2026-03-03 08:00 - 09:00
March 3, 2026 | 8:00 AM EST or March 4, 2026 | 12:00 PM EST
Curious about how to get your wines onto Swedish shelves?
The Swedish wine market is often described as complex. A monopoly system, strict regulations, and plenty of unwritten rules can make it feel hard to navigate from the outside.
But with the right understanding, it’s also a market full of opportunity.
In this free 45-minute webinar, we’ll guide you through how the Swedish market actually works. We’ll talk about who makes the decisions, how much influence the monopoly really has, and where we see opportunities for Wine Boards and producers today.
This session is designed for Wine Boards and their producers who want a clear, practical overview of the Swedish market – whether you’re already active in Sweden or just starting to explore it.
Come with questions, or simply with curiosity.
Learn more and register here!

New York Wine Policy Institute Sip & Sample Wine Tasting
2026-03-17 16:00 - 18:00

Eastern Winery Expo and Conference
2026-03-24 08:00 - 2026-03-26 17:00
Providing Everything an Eastern Winery or Vineyard Could Need
The Eastern Winery Exposition will take place March 24–26 in Richmond, Virginia. As the largest industry event east of the Pacific states, EWE is designed to provide Eastern U.S. and Canadian wineries, vineyards, and suppliers with an easily accessible, affordable, and professional meeting place, trade show, and Eastern-focused conference.
The three-day event features an industry trade show, an Eastern-focused conference, and multiple opportunities for learning, networking, equipment purchasing, and wine tasting.
NYWGF is a Supporting Sponsor of EWE, and as one of our member benefits, a registration discount of 10% is provided. Simply email the New York Wine & Grape Foundation Team, for your code.
Registration is now open. Click here to register now.

Niagara Listening Session: Your Voice. Your Region. Our Next Steps.
2026-03-24 11:00 - 13:00
Tuesday, March 24 at 11:00 AM EST
The Winery At Marjim Manor

Be part of the conversation. Join us for lunch, share your concerns and ideas, and hear key updates from Sam Filler and colleagues.

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation invites winery and grower members to attend an upcoming regional Listening Session focused on the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing New York’s grape growing and winemaking community. Lunch will be provided, so come hungry for both good food and meaningful discussion.
Featured Update: Key Insights from the New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit
Get a clear, high-level look at what emerged from the New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit: The Up State of Wine, where industry leaders from across the state came together to discuss the future of New York wine. We’ll share the major themes and early priorities identified around marketing, tourism, and public policy, and what they could mean for the direction of our industry over the next several years.
Featured Highlight: First Look at NYWGF’s New Member Portal
Be among the first to see NYWGF’s new members-only portal in action. We’ll provide a live preview of how this new platform will make it easier to access your benefits, find resources, stay informed about events and opportunities, and connect more directly with the Foundation and fellow members.
This is not a continuation of the Summit, but rather an opportunity to keep members informed while creating space for regional voices to be heard.
The heart of this event is listening.
This is more than an information session—it’s your opportunity to:

Share challenges and regional needs
Offer ideas and perspectives
Ask questions and engage in open dialogue
Help shape statewide research, programs, and priorities

Together, these conversations will help guide NYWGF’s work and ensure it reflects what matters most to the people growing grapes and making wine across New York.
Learn More and Register Here
NYWGF is thankful to our partner, American National Insurance, for making this visit to the region possible. This public-private partnership showcases the impact that we can have when we work together towards a common goal.

Drone Demo Event: Revolutionizing Vineyard Management
2026-03-27 13:00 - 15:00
Join New York State Wine Grape Growers and Crop Care Drone Services of NY for their Drone Demo Event on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 1 PM at Vineyard View Winery.
To learn more, please contact Tim Rigdon at tim@cropcareny.com.
There is no need to pre-register for this event! This event is free and open to all.

Vineyard Management Efficiency: Industry Panel
2026-04-07 12:00 - 13:30
Amid ongoing economic challenges in the domestic grape and wine industry, this session explores practical ways to strengthen vineyard management efficiency without sacrificing vine health or productivity. Grapevines face a range of biotic and abiotic pressures across the United States, making shortcuts untenable—but opportunities for smarter, more efficient practices do exist. An experienced panel of vineyard professionals from diverse regions will examine key elements of vineyard and pest management and discuss strategies to reduce costs while preserving optimal vineyard performance.
The Eastern Viticulture and Enology Forum (EVEF) Webinar Series is a collaborative initiative of the Penn State Extension Grape and Wine Team and partnering viticulture and enology extension programs from U.S. land-grant institutions. You will have the opportunity to submit questions prior to the webinar using the link contained in your registration confirmation email.
This event is being offered at no charge to participants.
Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar.
A link to the recorded webinar will be emailed to registrants within ten business days after the live event. The recording will be accessible for six months from the event date.

Learn more and register here!

NYSDEC How to Get Certified Training Course and Exam Registration
2026-04-08 10:00 - 12:00
This is a 2 hour course instructed by the NYSDEC in preparation for the pesticide applicator test that will be given at the same location the following week on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 10:00am. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior for check in. Attendees of this class will be able to register for the test at this course. They must bring a valid NYS id card and a check made to the NYSDEC for $100.00. A notary will be on-site for notarization of documents.

Learn more and register here.

Hudson Valley Listening Session: Your Voice. Your Region. Our Next Steps.
2026-04-09 11:00 - 13:00
Thursday, April 9 at 11:00 AM EDT
Benmarl Winery

Be part of the conversation. Join us for lunch, share your concerns and ideas, and hear key updates from Sam Filler and colleagues.

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation invites winery and grower members to attend an upcoming regional Listening Session focused on the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing New York’s grape growing and winemaking community. Lunch will be provided, so come hungry for both good food and meaningful discussion.
Featured Update: Key Insights from the New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit
Get a clear, high-level look at what emerged from the New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit: The Up State of Wine, where industry leaders from across the state came together to discuss the future of New York wine. We’ll share the major themes and early priorities identified around marketing, tourism, and public policy, and what they could mean for the direction of our industry over the next several years.
Featured Highlight: First Look at NYWGF’s New Member Portal
Be among the first to see NYWGF’s new members-only portal in action. We’ll provide a live preview of how this new platform will make it easier to access your benefits, find resources, stay informed about events and opportunities, and connect more directly with the Foundation and fellow members.
This is not a continuation of the Summit, but rather an opportunity to keep members informed while creating space for regional voices to be heard.
The heart of this event is listening.
This is more than an information session—it’s your opportunity to:

Share challenges and regional needs
Offer ideas and perspectives
Ask questions and engage in open dialogue
Help shape statewide research, programs, and priorities

Together, these conversations will help guide NYWGF’s work and ensure it reflects what matters most to the people growing grapes and making wine across New York.
Learn More and Register Here
NYWGF is thankful to our partner, Farm Family Insurance, for making this visit to the region possible. This public-private partnership showcases the impact that we can have when we work together towards a common goal.

Wine Industry Contracts: Best Practices
2026-04-14 09:00 - 10:00
NYWGF Business Partner Webinar with Lindsey Zahn P.C.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Clear, well-structured contracts are essential to protecting both growers and wineries—especially in today’s challenging market environment. Yet many agreements still rely on informal terms, leaving both parties exposed to unnecessary risk.
This webinar will break down what a strong grape purchase or custom crush agreement should include—and the common pitfalls to avoid. We’ll explore the differences between verbal and written contracts, what makes an agreement enforceable, and how unclear terms can lead to costly disputes.
Key topics include pricing structures, tonnage commitments, quality specifications, payment terms, and penalties, as well as how to address weather events, crop loss, and winery refusal clauses. We’ll also cover how to clearly define roles and responsibilities in custom crush arrangements, including timelines, intellectual property, and bottling.
Participants will gain practical guidance on risk allocation, working with co-ops and brokers, dispute resolution options, and New York-specific compliance considerations. The session will also highlight best practices for negotiating new agreements—or revisiting existing ones—to ensure they reflect current realities and protect your business.
Whether you’re entering a new agreement or rethinking a long-standing one, this session will help you ask the right questions—and avoid the mistakes that can cost you.
Learn more and register here.

Long Island Listening Session: Your Voice. Your Region. Our Next Steps.
2026-04-16 09:00 - 12:00
Thursday, April 16 at 9:00 AM EST
Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn

Be part of the conversation. Join us for breakfast, share your concerns and ideas, and hear key updates from Sam Filler and colleagues.

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation invites winery and grower members to attend an upcoming regional Listening Session focused on the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing New York’s grape growing and winemaking community. Breakfast will be provided, so come hungry for both good food and meaningful discussion.
Featured Update: Key Insights from the New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit
Get a clear, high-level look at what emerged from the New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit: The Up State of Wine, where industry leaders from across the state came together to discuss the future of New York wine. We’ll share the major themes and early priorities identified around marketing, tourism, and public policy, and what they could mean for the direction of our industry over the next several years.
Featured Highlight: First Look at NYWGF’s New Member Portal
Be among the first to see NYWGF’s new members-only portal in action. We’ll provide a live preview of how this new platform will make it easier to access your benefits, find resources, stay informed about events and opportunities, and connect more directly with the Foundation and fellow members.
This is not a continuation of the Summit, but rather an opportunity to keep members informed while creating space for regional voices to be heard.
The heart of this event is listening.
This is more than an information session—it’s your opportunity to:

Share challenges and regional needs
Offer ideas and perspectives
Ask questions and engage in open dialogue
Help shape statewide research, programs, and priorities

Together, these conversations will help guide NYWGF’s work and ensure it reflects what matters most to the people growing grapes and making wine across New York.
Learn More and Register Here
NYWGF is thankful to our partner, Farm Family Insurance, for making this visit to the region possible. This public-private partnership showcases the impact that we can have when we work together towards a common goal.

Lake Erie Listening Session: Your Voice. Your Region. Our Next Steps.
2026-04-21 11:00 - 13:00
Tuesday, April 21 at 11:00 AM EDT
Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Lab

Be part of the conversation. Join us for lunch, share your concerns and ideas, and hear key updates from Sam Filler and colleagues.

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation invites winery and grower members to attend an upcoming regional Listening Session focused on the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing New York’s grape growing and winemaking community. Lunch will be provided, so come hungry for both good food and meaningful discussion.
Featured Update: Key Insights from the New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit
Get a clear, high-level look at what emerged from the New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit: The Up State of Wine, where industry leaders from across the state came together to discuss the future of New York wine. We’ll share the major themes and early priorities identified around marketing, tourism, and public policy, and what they could mean for the direction of our industry over the next several years.
Featured Highlight: First Look at NYWGF’s New Member Portal
Be among the first to see NYWGF’s new members-only portal in action. We’ll provide a live preview of how this new platform will make it easier to access your benefits, find resources, stay informed about events and opportunities, and connect more directly with the Foundation and fellow members.
This is not a continuation of the Summit, but rather an opportunity to keep members informed while creating space for regional voices to be heard.
The heart of this event is listening.
This is more than an information session—it’s your opportunity to:

Share challenges and regional needs
Offer ideas and perspectives
Ask questions and engage in open dialogue
Help shape statewide research, programs, and priorities

Together, these conversations will help guide NYWGF’s work and ensure it reflects what matters most to the people growing grapes and making wine across New York.
Learn More and Register Here
NYWGF is thankful to our partner, Farm Family Insurance, for making this visit to the region possible. This public-private partnership showcases the impact that we can have when we work together towards a common goal.

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets: Grow Your Business with Food Export Webinar
2026-04-27 13:00 - 14:00
Grow Your Business with Food Export
Monday, April 27, 2026
1:00 PM
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) is excited to host “Grow Your Business with Food Export”, a complimentary webinar on export opportunities for New York State’s food and beverage producers scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM.
AGM works with Food Export-Northeast to assist New York companies looking to start or expand export sales and maximize their success through various programs and services in Export Education, Market Entry, and Market Promotion. If you are interested in your business gaining access to new international markets or increasing its presence in existing ones, we welcome you to register. Topics covered will include Food Export’s:

Eligible product categories
Educational resources
Export readiness and navigation services
Market entry events and services
Market promotion funding opportunities and requirements

Register here to secure a spot at this informational event! For more information, please contact Erich Keena at 518-457-9524 or erich.keena@agriculture.ny.gov.

PFAS in Agricultural Systems: What we know, don't know, and where we are headed
2026-04-27 14:00 - 15:00
Monday, April 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of tens of thousands of human-made chemicals widely used in different industries that pose a growing threat to water quality, agricultural soils, and ecosystem health. Deemed “forever chemicals” because of their slow breakdown and persistence, PFAS are now widely detected in the environment and food systems. Recently, PFAS contamination has become an increasing concern on farms because of land-applied biosolids. This webinar will provide an overview of PFAS, current state of the science, regulations around the land application of biosolids in NYS, and what mitigation and remediation strategies are being researched. This webinar is targeted for the agricultural community but is open to anyone interested in learning more about PFAS and land application of biosolids in New York State. After the presentations, the speakers will take part in a live Q&A session. The webinar will be recorded.
Co-hosted by: Cornell CALS, NY Farm Bureau, and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Learn more and register here: https://cals.cornell.edu/ny-center-organics-recycling-education/news-events

Finger Lakes Listening Session: Your Voice. Your Region. Our Next Steps.
2026-05-05 11:00 - 13:00
Tuesday, May 5 at 11:00 AM EDT
Jordan Hall at Cornell AgriTech, Geneva

Be part of the conversation. Join us for lunch, share your concerns and ideas, and hear key updates from Sam Filler and colleagues.

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation invites winery and grower members to attend an upcoming regional Listening Session focused on the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing New York’s grape growing and winemaking community. Lunch will be provided, so come hungry for both good food and meaningful discussion.
Featured Update: Key Insights from the New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit
Get a clear, high-level look at what emerged from the New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit: The Up State of Wine, where industry leaders from across the state came together to discuss the future of New York wine. We’ll share the major themes and early priorities identified around marketing, tourism, and public policy, and what they could mean for the direction of our industry over the next several years.
Featured Highlight: First Look at NYWGF’s New Member Portal
Be among the first to see NYWGF’s new members-only portal in action. We’ll provide a live preview of how this new platform will make it easier to access your benefits, find resources, stay informed about events and opportunities, and connect more directly with the Foundation and fellow members.
This is not a continuation of the Summit, but rather an opportunity to keep members informed while creating space for regional voices to be heard.
The heart of this event is listening.
This is more than an information session—it’s your opportunity to:

Share challenges and regional needs
Offer ideas and perspectives
Ask questions and engage in open dialogue
Help shape statewide research, programs, and priorities

Together, these conversations will help guide NYWGF’s work and ensure it reflects what matters most to the people growing grapes and making wine across New York.
Learn More and Register Here
NYWGF is thankful to our partner, Farm Family Insurance, for making this visit to the region possible. This public-private partnership showcases the impact that we can have when we work together towards a common goal.

2026 U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit
2026-05-06 - 2026-05-07
4th U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit | May 6 – May 7, 2026

Save the date for the fourth U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit to be to be held in Walla Walla, Washington on May 6-7, 2026.
Join us for two days of exploration into critical topics shaping our industry: engaging tomorrow’s consumers and workforce, understanding market trends and supply chain expectations, harnessing technology and data for sustainable operations and transforming climate commitments into measurable results.
Through panels, case studies and cross-industry perspectives, you’ll gain actionable insights to enhance your sustainability practices and communicate your sustainability story with authenticity. Connect with fellow wine professionals committed to driving meaningful change across our industry and beyond.

Learn more and register at https://www.sustainablewinegrowing.us/2026summit

LERGP Coffee Pot Meeting #1 -Sprayer Calibration
2026-05-06 10:00 - 12:00
LERGP Growing Season Coffee Pot meetings- Come enjoy a morning of educational conversation with fellow growers and the LERGP team. Have a cup of coffee and a donut and settle in for some discussion on current vineyard issues, successes, and relevant topics. NYSDEC and PDA points have been applied for.
Date
May 6, 2026
Time
10:00am – Noon
Location
CLEREL
6592 W Main Rd
Portland, NY 14769
Host
Lake Erie Regional Grape Program
Kate Robinson
716-792-2800
email Kate Robinson

Learn more and register here!

LERGP Coffee Pot Meeting #2 - NYSDEC Mock Inspection
2026-05-13 10:00 - 12:00
LERGP Growing Season Coffee Pot meetings- Come enjoy a morning of educational conversation with fellow growers and the LERGP team. Have a cup of coffee and a donut and settle in for some discussion on current vineyard issues, successes, and relevant topics. NYSDEC and PDA points have been applied for.
Date
May 13, 2026
Time
10:00am – Noon
Location
CLEREL
6592 W Main Rd
Portland, NY 14769
Host
Lake Erie Regional Grape Program
Kate Robinson
716-792-2800
email Kate Robinson

Learn more and register here!

Fighting Downy Mildew in Grapes with Titanium Dioxide and Crop Diseases with UV-C Light
2026-05-20 09:00 - 10:00
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
9:00 – 10:00 AM
As disease pressure continues to challenge vineyards and specialty crop growers, emerging technologies are offering new ways to manage pathogens while reducing reliance on traditional fungicides. This webinar explores how titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and ultraviolet (UV) light, including UV-C, can be used as innovative tools to control grape downy mildew and other crop diseases.
We’ll begin with an overview of photocatalysis, where TiO₂ interacts with UV in daylight to produce reactive by-products that can quickly deactivate fungal and bacterial pathogens. Field research from 2025 will be highlighted, including applications on Vidal Blanc vines that significantly reduced downy mildew severity and sporulation when applied after rain events. Attendees will also learn how this approach compares to standard organic treatments.
The session will also examine the role of artificial UV-C light as a standalone disease management tool across a range of crops. We’ll discuss how UV-C can be used to suppress pathogens, and where research is heading for broader agricultural applications.
Practical guidance will cover application methods, including mixing and spray techniques, timing considerations for maximum effectiveness, and key factors such as concentration rates and potential risks of overapplication. Safety considerations, current regulatory status, and real-world cost comparisons will also be addressed to help growers evaluate feasibility.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how TiO₂ and UV-C technologies work, where they show the most promise, and what questions remain as research continues to evolve.
Key Topics Include:

How TiO₂ and UV light work together to control plant pathogens
2025 research results on managing grape downy mildew
The role of UV-C light in crop disease suppression
Application timing, methods, and concentration considerations
Benefits, limitations, and potential risks
Cost comparison with conventional and organic treatments
Safety practices and current regulatory landscape

ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS…
Jennifer Brons has a Master of Science in Lighting from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and over 30 years’ experience throughout the lighting industry. Ms. Brons’ research has focused on field and laboratory studies of lighting technology, including disinfection systems. In addition to her design and research activities, Ms. Brons develops educational material about the effective use of light.
Dr. John D. Bullough is a Program Director at the Light and Health Research Center, part of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In addition to agricultural research, he studies the effects of lighting on people and the environment in indoor and outdoor locations. John has a Ph.D. in multidisciplinary science and an M.S. in Lighting from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Learn more and register here!

Lake Erie Regional Grape Program (LERGP) Coffee Pot Meetings
2026-05-27, 2026-06-03
LERGP Growing Season Coffee Pot meetings are back!
Come enjoy a morning of educational conversation with fellow growers and the LERGP team. Have a cup of coffee and a donut and settle in for some discussion on current vineyard issues, successes, and relevant topics. NYSDEC and PDA points have been applied for.
Upcoming Dates:

May 27, 2026
June 3, 2026
June 10, 2026
June 17, 2026
June 24, 2026
June 30, 2026
July 1, 2026
July 8, 2026
July 15, 2026
July 22, 2026

Learn more and register here!

From Pour to Presence: Hospitality Training
2026-06-02 09:00 - 12:00
Discover New Heights of Hospitality with the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
From Pour to Presence: Hospitality Training

Presented by: Cheryl Stanley, Senior Lecturer, Food and Beverage Management, Nolan School of Hotel Administration, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

Tuesday, June 2 • 9am-12pm • Veraisons Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars
Hospitality in a tasting room is not just “being nice” or pouring wine with a smile. It’s about intentional guest experience design, emotional connection, and consistency.
This training, designed specifically for Finger Lakes winery tasting rooms will go well beyond service basics and cover these five core areas:

Guest Centered Mindset (Hospitality vs. Service)
Warm, Confident First Impressions
Storytelling That Connects (not recites)
Guided Experiences & Personalization

Closing the Experience with Care

Registration:

Free for member wineries.

$100 for non-member wineries and representatives from non-member winery organizations.

To register, click or copy and paste this link: https://forms.gle/4ZubHziL4aKTkTBV8

About Our Presenter:
Cheryl Stanley is a food and beverage senior lecturer at Cornell’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration within the SC Johnson College of Business. With over 30 years in the food and beverage industry, she has worked in operations and consulting before teaching. At her alma mater, Stanley teaches Introduction to Wines and Beverage Management where she combines theory with practice. A 2017 Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 40 under 40 Tastemakers, Stanley is certified through multiple wine organizations and is the faculty advisor for Cornell Cuvée, the blind wine tasting competition team.
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To learn more about the 2026 educational opportunities offered by the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, please visit: https://senecalakewine.com/educational-opportunities/

Porto Protocol and Regenerative Viticulture Foundation Listening Session
2026-06-09 13:00 - 14:30
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 @ 1 PM EST
WineAmerica is pleased to announce a special 90-minute listening session highlighting some of the socially responsible measures developed and advocated by these two leading organizations.
Dr. Tom Croghan, a self-described physician-scientist-turned farmer, is an active member of both organizations and also on WineAmerica’s Board of Directors. He will share his expertise and moderate the session.
The Porto Protocol just unveiled a major new initiative titled Saving Every Drop in Wine, which is a fascinating, thorough, practical guide for using water responsibly in every phase of grape and wine production and marketing. The Porto Protocol’s climate agenda extends far beyond water, as will be explained by Marta Mendonca, the Head Manager & Impact.
The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation coordinates closely on the viticultural aspects of responsible sustainable grape farming. Beck Stykes, Programme Director, will go into detail about all of the aspects of this increasingly adopted system.
Watch for Registration information: This special listening session will begin at 1 pm Eastern time, is open to all WineAmerica members PLUS non-members on a first response basis.
Any non-member interested should email me at jimtrezise@wineamerica.org ASAP.
