Annual portfolio addresses pressing industry challenges, from Spotted Lanternfly to climate resilience and canned wine quality 

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) today released its 2025–2026 Research Reports, delivering a new body of science-backed findings to help New York’s growers, winemakers, and industry professionals navigate the challenges and opportunities defining the industry right now. 

The annual reports are the product of NYWGF’s Research Program, a collaborative effort between the NYWGF, Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY, and the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Lab in Portland, NY, with an annual research budget of $350,000–$500,000 that supports dozens of individual projects. Each year, NYWGF’s Research Committee reviews submitted proposals and recommends project funding based on priorities identified directly by the industry. 

This year’s portfolio spans viticulture, enology, and business, with findings that range from pest management and disease control to varietal development and winemaking quality. 

“New York’s grape and wine industry is facing a convergence of real pressures, from Spotted Lanternfly to disease management, climate variability, and shifting markets. NYWGF’s research program exists to meet those challenges head-on,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director of NYWGF. “We work directly with our growers and producers to identify what matters most, and we fund the world-class researchers who deliver answers. This year’s portfolio is a testament to what that partnership produces. We’re proud to put this work in the hands of every grower and winemaker in New York.” 

Selected Highlights from the 2025–2026 Reports 

This year’s reports address some of the most urgent challenges facing New York producers: 

• Spotted Lanternfly Management: Two new studies evaluate visual trapping devices and candidate repellents to give growers more effective, targeted tools against one of the industry’s most disruptive invasive pests.  

• Preparing for a Future Without Broad-Spectrum Fungicides: As key fungicide registrations face increasing regulatory scrutiny, this project evaluates sustainable alternatives and helps growers get ahead of the transition.  

• Spotted Lanternfly Contamination Thresholds in Wine and Juice: For the first time, researchers have worked to define practical limits for SLF contamination of grapes to prevent sensory defects in finished wines and juices, a direct, production-relevant finding for winemakers across the state.  

• Development of Resilient, High-Quality Wine Grape Cultivars: Ongoing varietal development work aimed at bringing new disease-resistant, climate-adapted cultivars to New York vineyards. 

• Time-Temperature Effects on Canned Wine Quality: As the canned wine category grows, this study examines how storage conditions affect off-aromas, corrosion, and liner integrity, helping producers protect quality and brand reputation. 

• Increasing Automation of Weed and Sucker Control: As labor availability and costs continue to pressure vineyard operations, this research advances automated approaches to two of the most time-intensive routine tasks in the vineyard, helping growers reduce costs and improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. 

“As Chair of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation Research Committee, I firmly believe that investing in viticulture and enology research is one of the smartest things we can do for the long-term health of our industry,” said Michael Colizzi. “With rising input costs, unpredictable weather, and volatile markets, growers need practical, research-driven solutions that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and protect their bottom line. Staying on the cutting edge of science isn’t just about innovation; it’s about ensuring that every grower and winery in New York has the tools they need to remain competitive and profitable, no matter what economic challenges lie ahead.” 

The full 2025–2026 Research Reports are available at newyorkwines.org/industry/research/2025-2026-research-reports.