The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is proud to announce the release of its 2025–2026 Annual Report, capturing a defining year in which New York wine earned unprecedented national recognition while NYWGF expanded its sustainability, export, domestic marketing, and industry-engagement programs statewide. 

The report details a year in which NYWGF’s public-private partnership continued to drive the industry’s growth as a major economic engine, generating more than $16.81 billion* in direct economic impact for New York State. It also chronicles a series of milestones in press recognition, environmental certification, and international market expansion that reflect a shifting narrative around New York wine. 

“What stands out most from this year is the unmistakable sense that this industry is moving forward with intention, confidence, and momentum, and the world is paying attention,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director of NYWGF. “We are no longer a hidden gem. We are a destination.” 

Among the highlights of the 2025–2026 report: 

• Wine Enthusiast named the Finger Lakes its 2025 American Wine Region of the Year, one of the most prestigious honors in the wine world, alongside major tasting reports from JamesSuckling.com and Cristaldi & Co. declaring New York’s wine scene an outright “awakening.” 

• The New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program grew to 79 certified vineyards, with the Sustainability Trustmark now appearing on more bottles statewide than ever before, and the second annual New York Wines Sustainability Week brought certified sustainable wines directly to consumers, trade, and media in New York City. 

• The New York Wines Export Program expanded to six international markets with the addition of the Caribbean, deepening trade relationships in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Canada, and Western Europe. 

• NYWGF completed its two-year Comprehensive Statewide Vineyard Survey, identifying 29,586 satellite-confirmed acres under vine, in partnership with Agency 29 and Deep Planet, and launched MemberLeap, the NYWGF’s first-ever member portal. 

The report also highlights findings from the New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit, which convened more than 100 industry leaders and identified a clear path forward: New York wine does not have a quality problem, it has a coordination and accessibility problem. Regional Listening Sessions across five wine regions further shaped NYWGF’s priorities heading into the coming year. 

“None of this work happens without the partnership of our members,” said Filler. “New York wine’s moment is here, and we intend to make the most of it together.” 

NYWGF’s ongoing initiatives, including its Domestic Marketing Program, Research Program, and Membership Program, are made possible through collaborative industry engagement and support from state and federal partners. The full 2025–2026 Annual Report is available at newyorkwines.org.