The Unity Awards were created in 1990 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. We would like to thank all of our award winners for their tireless advocacy and support of the New York wine and grape community. They have our tremendous gratitude for all they do every day to raise the awareness of the world class products being made right here in New York.
Jim Trezise Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded for the first time in 2018, and named for the first Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, this award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the New York wine and grape industry and made impactful contributions that advanced the industry.
Phyllis Feder Unity Award
This award was established in 1990 and recognizes individuals who have volunteered their time, shown exceptional leadership, and achieved recognized results in building industry co-operation and unity. This award is now named in honor of Phyllis Feder.
Jim Finkle Industry Award
This award is intentionally broad in scope in order to recognize outstanding achievements in aspects of the industry not directly covered by the Unity and other awards. The area may be marketing, promotion, legislative, organizational, or other. Starting in 2016, this award was named in honor of Jim Finkle.
John H. Brahm III Grower Award
Given for the first time in 1993, this award recognizes an individual for dedication and contributions to the New York grape industry.
Winery Award
Established in 2002, this award recognizes a winery that has made major contributions to advancing the image and reputation of the New York wine industry.
Research Award
This award recognizes major contributions in the area of grape growing processing, and wine research.
Sustainability Award
Established in 2019, this award recognizes an organization or winery that has exemplified sustainable practices.
Ron Reals Distributor Award
This award, first presented in 2005, recognizes achievement in distributing and promoting New York wines. Starting in 2016, this award was named in honor of Ron Reals.
Restaurant Award
This award recognizes excellence in promoting New York wines in a fine dining experience.
Retailer Award
This award is presented to wine stores which do an exceptional job in educating consumers about the quality and variety of New York wines.
Consumer Award
Established in 1998 for enthusiastic support of the New York wines industry and for exemplifying the use of wine as part of a happy, healthy lifestyle.
The 2024 New York Vineyard Report provides detailed information on bearing acreage, grape varieties by AVA and region, as well as classifications by origin (vinifera, American, hybrid) and color.
