PENN YAN NY, March 28, 2022 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce the winners of the prestigious 2022 Unity Awards. The Unity Awards were created in 1990 as a way for the community to recognize, encourage, and celebrate cooperation among grape growers, wineries, researchers, retailers, and others to advance the entire industry.  Honoring the longstanding and bold spirit of our community members and their numerous achievements, NYWGF is proud to continue the 30-year tradition of celebrating industry leaders and champions. 

 “The events of the last few years demonstrated just how much we rely on each other and, moreover, how successful we can be when we work together in the face of a challenge,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director of NYWGF. “This year’s winners exemplify the spirit of the Unity Awards as imagined by our founder Jim Trezise. To pay that forward, we are pleased to offer each Unity Award winner the opportunity to designate an industry related program to receive a donation in their name.” 

The Unity Award Winners, along with the organizations receiving a donation from NYWGF on their behalf, will be recognized during the B.E.V. NY Virtual Conference held from March 29-31, 2022.  Attendees will hear from the top honorees during the event and learn more about their commitment to the community and how the spirit of unity has impacted their work. 

2022 Unity Award Winners   

John Martini, Owner, Anthony Road Wine Co. | The Jim Trezise Lifetime Achievement Award  
Honoring individuals demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the New York wine and grape industry. 
 
Brittany Gibson, Executive Director, Seneca Lake Wine Trail | Phyllis Feder Unity Award 
Honoring individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership in building industry cooperation and unity. 

Robert Ketchin, Managing Director, Ketchin Marketing | Jim Finkle Industry Award 
Honoring outstanding achievements and contributions to the New York wine industry. 

Three Brothers Wineries & Estates | Winery Award 
Honoring those making major contributions to advancing the image and reputation of New York wines. 

Cameron & Timothy Hosmer, Patrician Verona Vineyards | Grower Award 
Honoring individuals demonstrating exceptional dedication and contributions to the New York grape industry. 

Jennifer Phillips Russo, Lake Erie Regional Grape Program | Research Award 
Honoring individuals making major contributions to research and education. 

Timothy Martinson, Cornell University, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences | Sustainability Award 
Honoring commitment to sustainable practices in grape growing and winemaking. 

Scott Signori, Stonecat Café | Restaurant Award 
Honoring excellence in promoting New York wine as part of a fine dining experience. 

The Premier Group |Retailer Award 
Honoring excellence in promoting New York wines to consumers. 

Maiah Johnson Dunn | Consumer Award 
Honoring individual demonstrating enthusiastic support of the New York wine and grape industries. 

“I am truly honored to receive the Jim Trezise Lifetime Achievement award,” said John Martini Owner, Anthony Road Wine Co. “Jim is and has been a great asset for the New York Grape industry and led the industry to where we are today.” 

“I believe in building community, helping where I can, and leaving things better than I found them,” said Brittany Gibson, Executive Director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. “The Phyllis Feder Unity Award truly belongs to the member wineries at the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do every day, which truly is living my passion. I am so thankful to count them as members of our great organization, but more importantly, lucky to call them mentors and friends. It’s been an incredible ride so far and I am beyond excited for the future.” 
 
“I am very proud of our efforts on behalf of New York wines in Canada,” said Robert Ketchin winner of the Jim Finkle Industry Award. “I had the pleasure of working alongside some wonderful people, winery owners, winery personnel and some truly iconic pioneers!! It has indeed been a privilege representing them all, there are friendships and memories that I will always fondly remember and be proud of. Thank You!” 

“To be recognized for this Grower Award is a huge honor,” said Cameron Hosmer. “We are joining a list of friends, colleagues, and legends. We have established such solid relationships with other vineyards and wineries alike and after 50 years in this game, we could not be happier.”  

Erica Paolicelli of Three Brothers Wineries & Estates said “We are honored to be the recipient of the 2022 Winery Award. This year marks the 15th anniversary of our opening, and the recognition by our peers feels really exciting.  If it weren’t for the collaborative nature of those that came before us, who worked so hard to elevate the perception and understanding of New York Wines, we would not have recognized the success that we see today. It is an honor for us to continue that legacy.” 

Community members are invited to learn more about all the 2022 Unity Award winners online. NYWGF will be featuring the stories of the honorees and the programs they support throughout the year at www.newyorkwines.org.  

Tickets for B.E.V. NY are still available at www.bevny.org for $100 and can be purchased by 5:00PM on March 28^th.  

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About the New York Wine & Grape Foundation The mission of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation is to promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from our diverse regions to responsibly benefit farmers, producers and consumers through innovative marketing, research, communication, and advocacy. We endeavor to ensure that New York State is recognized as the world’s premier region for cool and cold climate viticulture. Learn more at www.newyorkwines.org.