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 quality of New York wines on a national and international basis.

Last fiscal year was indeed a banner year, with several notable organizational breakthroughs and accomplishments. With constant input and support from our industry colleagues, the Foundation is successful in channeling funding from the State, matched by private sector dollars, to serve as a catalyst for the industry’s extraordinary growth.  

The Annual Report provides a summary of these accomplishments, a list of consultants and outside contracts, assets and liabilities, and receipts and expenditures during the fiscal year. The report includes information on funding dedicated to applied research and the types of research conducted;  the amount of money designated for promotion, the geographic distribution of promotion funds, and the effectiveness of the promotional program. 

The State’s investment in the wine and grape industry provides sound economic returns in the form of tax revenue, jobs, and rural economic development. This public-private partnership drives the grape and wine industry’s growth and makes it a major state economic engine that generates more than $6.65 billion in direct economic impact, supports 71,950 jobs, contributes $1.12 billion in state and local taxes, and attracts over 4.71 million tourists to wineries every year who spend $1.33 billion.

This longstanding public-private partnership has yielded an extraordinary return on investment for our community and we look forward to continuing that relationship.