FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Valerie Venezia-Ross
Phone: 1 (518) 229-3765
Email: [email protected]
PENN YAN, NY, June 28, 2023 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is proud to announce the certification of the first set of vineyards from the New York Sustainable Winegrowing program, marking a significant milestone in promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability in the New York wine industry. This voluntary third-party certification program recognizes vineyards that adhere to the highest standards of sustainability, ensuring the long-term health and vitality of New York’s vineyards.
The New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program provides a clear pathway for vineyards to achieve certification by implementing regionally defined sustainability standards. These standards are compiled in the annually reviewed VineBalance workbook, which encompasses 144 action items addressing various aspects of sustainability, including input reduction, soil health, water protection, resources and waste, energy conservation, ecosystem health, climate resiliency, continuous improvement, and social equity.
The list of vineyards achieving certification are as follows:
Finger Lakes
- Airy Acres Vineyard*
- Anthony Road Wine Company/Martini Vineyards*
- Atwater Vineyards*
- Boundary Breaks*
- Buttonwood Grove Winery*
- Buzzard Crest Vineyards/Barrington Cellars*
- Chateau Frank*
- Doyle Vineyard Management (Caywood)*
- Doyle Vineyard Management (Dresden)*
- Doyle Vineyard Management (Pulleney)*
- Dr. Konstantin Frank Eric Volz Vineyard*
- Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery*
- Forge Cellars*
- Fox Run Vineyards*
- Heart & Hands Wine Company*
- Hermann J. Wiemer*
- Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard*
- Heron Hill Winery*
- Hillick and Hobbs*
- Hosmer Winery/Patricia Verona*
- Hunt Country Vineyards*
- Ingle Vineyard
- Kashong Glen Vineyards*
- Keuka Lake Vineyards West*
- Keuka Lake Vineyards East*
- Lake Road Vineyards*
- Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars*
- New Vines Winery*
- Ravines Wines Cellars Geneva*
- Ravines Wines Cellars Hammondsport*
- Ravines Wines Cellars Ovid*
Finger Lakes (con’t)
- Rock House Vineyards*
- Sawmill Creek Vineyards*
- Silver Thread Vineyard*
- Standing Stone Vineyards*
- Thirsty Owl Wine Company*
- Three Brothers Wineries*
- Treleaven Wines/King Ferry Vineyards
- Vineyard View Winery/Crooked Vines*
- Wagner Vineyards*
Hudson Valley
- Benmarl Winery*
- Clover Pond Vineyard*
- Fjord Vineyard
- South Dominion Vineyard
- Whitecliff Vineyard*
Long Island
- Ev&Em Vineyards
Champlain Valley
- Four Maples Vineyard & Winery*
Niagara
- Arrowhead Springs Vineyards
- Chateau Niagara Winery*
*Vineyards marked with an asterisk are also members of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.
Vineyards that meet all the requirements and are certified through the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program are entitled to market their vineyard and grapes as sustainable. Furthermore, bottles of wine produced with a minimum of 85% certified grapes will bear the prestigious New York Sustainable Winegrowing Trustmark, serving as a clear indication of the winery’s commitment to environmental and social sustainability.
“We are proud to recognize the first officially certified growers under the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program.” Said Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. “Without their dedication to doing good for the environment and the community, this initiative wouldn’t exist. We look forward to wine enthusiasts tasting the fruits of their labor soon.”
“We are thrilled to recognize the first set of vineyards certified under the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program,” said Justin Jackson, program manager. “These vineyards have demonstrated their dedication to sustainable practices, showcasing the industry’s commitment to preserving our environment and supporting our communities. By implementing the standards outlined in the VineBalance workbook, they have set a benchmark for excellence that we hope others will strive to achieve.”
The New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program’s certification process undergoes rigorous evaluation and verification by a third-party auditor, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the certification. Vineyards that have successfully met the sustainability standards will be able to promote their certified status, thereby differentiating themselves in the marketplace and building consumer trust.
Wines produced from certified grapes are expected to be released beginning in 2024. Consumers will be able to identify these wines through the prominent display of the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Trustmark (pictured above) on the bottles, making it easier for them to support wineries that prioritize sustainability.
The New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program encourages all vineyards across the state to participate in this groundbreaking initiative. By working together, the New York wine industry can enhance its environmental stewardship, foster social responsibility, and ensure a prosperous and sustainable future. For more information about the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program, please visit newyorkwines.org/sustainability.
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