Field Notes

News and Updates from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation

Industry News

Funding Secured for Sustainability Program in New York

Our first step in this process is to create a business plan for the program to ensure its long-term sustainability. While we have about two years of funding in-hand, we think that it is important to establish a clear strategic direction and program design to ensure it can become a statewide and self-sustaining program.

We took the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge

By now you may have heard that thousands of individuals and hundreds of local organizations have joined together to take a community-wide 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge. The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is dedicated to learning and taking action to create an equitable community for all, so over the past month, our staff has committed to furthering our understanding of power, privilege, supremacy, oppression, and equity with the help of the United Way of Greater Rochester.

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Dec. 11 Deadline Approaching for USDA Program for Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by COVID-19

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) by Dec. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers facing market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. “With over 300 eligible commodities, from livestock and row crops to specialty crops and aquaculture, most farmers and ranchers are

Happy Thanksgiving!

On this Thanksgiving Eve we want to take the opportunity to express how thankful we are for the continued support of the amazing wine and grape community here in New York state. To our winery and grower members, your passion, creativity, and dedication excite our minds and palates, and inspire us to keep pushing forward in our mission. To our dedicated business associate partners, we thank you for helping us

Gov. Cuomo Tightens On-Premise Regulations, SLA Issues Guidance

Last week, Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.74, which requires that all licensed establishments with on premises privileges (including manufacturers with tasting rooms) to cease all on premises service of food and drink (indoors or outdoors) at or before 10:00PM, daily. Such establishments may reopen for in-person service at 5:00AM, daily, provided however that alcoholic beverage service may not resume until the later of any stipulated opening hour on the license or the county on premises opening hour.

Happy Veterans Day

Did you know, New York is home to the nation’s fifth largest veteran population, with over 718,000 veterans? We should all be proud of New York’s rich history and tradition of its citizens answering the call to serve. Many veterans have returned to start their own businesses in New York’s craft beverage industry and are making award winning products. So, let us take time today to recognize and honor our country’s veterans and thank them for their service.

Foundation Updates: Marketing, Membership, and the New York Wine Classic

I am writing this message prior to November 3rd, so the Press Deck will be conspicuously silent on the election results. No matter what happens, I am confident that one thing will remain true – Americans will welcome Thanksgiving as an opportunity to connect and celebrate with family and friends. Even if the connection comes with the help of FaceTime or Zoom, I know it will be all the more meaningful and re-energize us for a new year and new challenges to come.

Growers Eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2.0

With the wine and grape industry being directly impacted by the financial effects of COVID-19, the USDA has developed programs to assist with relief to those affected.   Wine grapes are now eligible for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) funds.  Grape producers (persons or legal entities) who face continued market disruptions and significant marketing costs are eligible for CFAP 2.0 payments.  Here is the USDA’s fact sheet with

Strategy Planning for 2021 and Beyond

As we approach the final days of harvest with activity on the press pads slowing and the juice finding a temporary home in tanks, hopefully many in our industry are able to stop and take a quick breath of air before we find ourselves in the fury of the holiday season. This period presents a good time for all of us to begin thinking about our 2021 strategies and plans.

Grape harvest stands out as a bright spot in 2020

I enjoy keeping up to date with this Fall’s harvest in Cornell’s Véraison to Harvest Newsletter that is edited by Tim Martinson and Chris Gerling. The newsletter provides a valuable update on the progress of harvest across the state including detailed reports on berry samples. Given all the tumult this year, I am encouraged to read that harvest stands out as a bright spot as fruit quality continues to be

autumn vineyard with bright yellow leaves

Our thoughts go out to our colleagues in Napa Valley

Our thoughts and prayers go out to our colleagues in Napa Valley who face the threat of yet another fire this year. COVID already made this a challenging year as wineries across the country had to rapidly readjust their businesses. It is unfortunate that for some their difficulties now include tainted grapes and damaged or destroyed property. If you would like to do something to help, you can contribute to Napa Valley Community Foundation and

Keep Calm and Drink NYS Wine

This year’s upside-down nature makes some days feel great, other days marginal, and hopefully only a few days confounding and discouraging. I describe it as a mixed-bag year because we have endured the COVID challenges longer than expected by adapting to a new business environment while balancing the loss of tried and true business practices and an uncertain future. I acknowledge the veiled pessimism of my words, however I urge

When the only thing constant is change… so it goes.

“A new place in the background, and a reminder of the new reality we’re living. But the world continues. The grapes still come in, we still make wine, and we continue onward, ”this was posted by August Deimel, Winemaker at Constellation Brands, on his Instagram page yesterday about the beginning of his 12th harvest and his first in Canandaigua. I appreciated what August wrote because it reminded me that we can count

Guidance for Wineries Regarding Live Music

Recently, the State Liquor Authority issued clarifying guidance on “Live Music” permissions at establishments licensed for on-premise alcohol sales.  An email was sent to every licensee; however, it has come to our attention that not every winery received this message from the SLA.  A copy of the email message is reproduced below.  The COVID Reopening mandatory rules actually have not changed at all.  The State is proactively engaging in enforcement measures against licensees who are not

Winery Membership Update: New Dues and Benefits Structure

Today we are excited to be launching our new membership model. While we certainly wanted to build a membership ‘toolkit’ that would be more responsive to needs in light of COVID-19, we knew the need to build our collective industry intelligence, diversify business models, and scale up to meet the demands of the online marketplace was coming – even before the pandemic.  Our membership programs and services are dedicated to telling the amazing story of New

Three-Part Series Offered on Tasting Room & Hospitality Challenges

New York Wine & Grape Foundation offers a Three-Part Series on Tasting Room & Hospitality Challenges Dates: September 10th, 24th and October 8thTime: 10:00AM EST to 11:30AM ESTParticipation is Free and Open to All New York Wineries. Click here to register online.  OverviewJoin the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and the Wine Industry Sales Education (WISE) Academy for a special Community Forum Series designed to help New York wineries optimize the guest experience as they grapple

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USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification

WASHINGTON, August 10, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for eligible certification expenses paid between Oct. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2020, are due Oct. 31, 2020. “For producers producing food with organic certification, this program helps cover

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New USDA Survey to Measure Areas for Improvement

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2020 – WASHINGTON, August 7, 2020 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a new annual survey of farmers, ranchers and private forestland owners. The survey will help USDA understand what it is doing well and where improvements are needed, specifically at the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA). A selection of 28,000 producers will receive the survey

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Farm Service Agency in New York to Host Meetings on Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Contact Information:Lynnette [email protected] SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, July 27, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in New York is hosting two meetings about the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The first meeting will be Wednesday, August 5th at 7pm, and the second will be Thursday, August 6th at 10 am. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is available to farmers and ranchers whose commodity prices

Preventing Heat Stress and Strain in the Vineyard

Summer weather can place vineyard workers in dangerously hot environments. Combining physically demanding work and long days with hot temperatures puts workers at risk for several types of heat stress. Click below to download a flyer with vital information on heat stress and strain symptoms and education and training tips, courtesy of American National Insurance.

Re-engineering the 20th FLX International Wine & Spirits Competition in the Covid-19 Era

Twenty years ago, Camp Good Days & Special Times initiated the first Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition (FLIWC).  The objective was to establish FLIWC to raise money for programs for children and their families impacted by cancer, and to provide a platform for finger lakes wineries to showcase the quality of finger lakes wines. Today the FLIWC has an international reputation for excellence and attracts wine from all over the US, Canada

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Partners with Think Drink Global to Raise the Profile of New York Wines in Western Europe

PENN YAN NY, July 9, 2020 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce a new, creative partnership with Think Drink Global (TDG) designed to manage New York wines’ trade- and media-focused marketing and educational programs in Western Europe. TDG is a collaboration between three wine industry veteran firms, R&R Teamwork in London, Vinconnexion in Paris, and O’Donnell Lane in Sonoma, CA. Through the USDA-funded Export

multi-colored wine bottles on white background

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Packaging Supplier

Waterloo Container proudly supports the industry that supports us by maintaining a Business Associate Membership with the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. Offering insights into packaging related topics is another important way we help members make good choices with their hard-earned money and all-important brand. Whether new or established, successful wineries must re-examine packaging supply choices regularly. A good place to start is with your packaging provider. Things to Consider When

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New York Wine & Grape Foundation Partners with Padilla to Launch Global Messaging Campaign

PENN YAN NY, July 7, 2020 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Padilla, an integrated marketing firm headquartered in Minneapolis with offices in New York, Chicago, Richmond, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. Padilla will be responsible for leading an ambitious project intended to build upon NYWGF’s recent rebrand and expand the presence of New York wines globally. The new Boldly, NY.

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Releases 2019-2020 Annual Report

Dear Friends, We are pleased to share with you the New York Wine and Grape Foundation’s Annual Report for 2019-2020.  The Foundation supports the establishment of new wineries, funds vital research on grape growing and wine making at Cornell University and other leading research institutions, supports programs to stimulate tourism and expand the availability of New York wines in major urban markets like New York City, and enhances the reputation for

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You’re Invited to Join the NYWGF Export Program

Have you ever wondered how some New York wineries are selling their products successfully in international markets and garnering worldwide press? Much of the behind the scenes work is done by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s Export Program. Through a grant from the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) and the Market Access Program (MAP), we assist New York wineries seeking to explore opportunities in markets abroad. The Export Program

glass of red wine with a vineyard in the background

FAQ: Outdoor Tastings For New York Wineries

Recently Governor Cuomo announced that outdoor dining would be permitted starting June 4th at restaurants located in regions currently in Phase 2 for reopening. Those regions currently include: the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern Tier and Western New York. NYWGF received notification from the NY State Liquor Authority (SLA) that this privilege extends to craft beverage tasting rooms.  For

Phase 2 Reopening Guidelines: Outdoor Wine Tastings Allowed

Yesterday Governor Cuomo announced that outdoor dining would be permitted starting June 4th at restaurants located in regions currently in Phase 2 for reopening. Those regions currently include: the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern Tier and Western New York. We received notification from the NY State Liquor Authority (SLA) that this privilege extends to craft beverage tasting rooms. Thank

white text on black background: Diversity is our Strength. Unity is our Power.

Diversity is our Strength. Unity is our Power.

The team at the New York Wine & Grape Foundation feels it is important to start this week’s Press Deck with a note addressing recent current events. Speaking up about social or political issues is not what we are accustomed to doing, as the organization exists to conduct promotional and research programs on behalf of the grape and wine industry in New York. That being said, no one is accustomed

Return to Work Risk Management Toolkit

Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy, NYWGF Business Associate Member, has put together the following resources as a “Return to Work” Toolkit. Please stay tuned for a future webinar on this topic in the near future.

lakeside vineyard at sunset. caption reads: Taste NY Wines. Diverse. Bold. Cool Climate.

New York Wines to be Featured by the LCBO

Six New York Wines to be released Online through the LCBO Destination Collection in AprilAdditional Offerings Available through Vintages Catalogue in May Wines from New York Featured in Ontario for the First Time in Almost 30 Years April 22nd, 2020, Penn Yan NY – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is pleased to announce that The Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Canada (LCBO) will be offering New York wines for sale through their

NYWGF Issues RFPs for International Marketing Services

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) has been a longtime partner with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to provide marketing services for New York wineries interested in exporting their products to target international markets. The New York wines staff team, with the guidance of our Board Promotions Committee, In-Market Consultants, and Export Advisory Committee (made up of industry members) execute this program each year.  To deliver more effective

NYWGF Issues RFPs for International Marketing Services

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) has been a longtime partner with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to provide marketing services for New York wineries interested in exporting their products to target international markets. The New York wines staff team, with the guidance of our Board Promotions Committee, In-Market Consultants, and Export Advisory Committee (made up of industry members) execute this program each year.  To deliver more effective

NYWGF Partners with Bryant Christie Inc. to Increase Wine Exports

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Valerie Venezia-RossPhone: 1 (518) 229-3765Email: [email protected]     New York Wine & Grape Foundation Partners with Bryant Christie Inc. to Increase Wine Exports PENN YAN NY, April 14th, 2020 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is pleased to announce a new partnership with Bryant Christie Inc.  (BCI) to further its Export Program objectives and expand the presence of New York wines globally. For over 25 years the New York Wine

Hunt Country Vineyards receiving the Sustainability Award at the 2020 Unity Awards

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Presents 2020 Unity Awards

Unity Awards Celebration LuncheonFebruary 26th, 2020 at 12:30pm The Unity Awards were created 30 years ago as a way to recognize, encourage, and celebrate cooperation among grape growers, wineries (and their staff), researchers, retailers and others to advance the entire industry. Nominated by peers throughout our industry, we are excited to announce the following 2020 award recipients! Update: Photos from the event can be found on our Facebook Page here. More photos from

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Debuts New Brand + Snags Spots on Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 List

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) has revealed a new logo and tagline, ushering in an exciting chapter in the Foundation’s efforts to support New York’s wine and grape industry. “Boldly N.Y.” celebrates the intrepid attitude and strong spirit of the New York wine and grape community. All new assets are part of the Foundation’s brand refresh which will continue to expand over the next year. From the