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Field Notes

News and Updates from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation

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The Shift Towards Lighter-Style Reds and Why NY Cool-Climate Reds Work 

Robin Shreeves and Kathleen Willcox January 21, 2026

Fueled by a consumer desire for food-friendly, versatile, and easy-drinking red wines, lighter-style reds are increasingly popular both in the U.S. and in global wine markets. That’s good news for New York winemakers and for those of us who drink wines from the Empire State. With its cooler climate, New York is well-situated for producing what wine drinkers are clamoring for. Why do cooler climate wine regions, in general, produce lighter red wines? Grapes don’t

The New York Wines That Revved Sommelier Engines in 2025…And What To Seek Out in 2026

Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves January 7, 2026

2025 was a banner year for New York Wines. Wine Spectator named Ravines 2022 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling as one of its Top 100 wines of the year, and Wine Enthusiast named Wölffer 2020 The Grapes of Roth Merlot and Ravines Wine Cellars 2019 Sparkling Riesling as two of its Top 100. Plus … the Finger Lakes was crowned American Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.  All of this is great news for

Registeration OPEN: New York Wines Leadership Summit

New York Wine & Grape Foundation December 20, 2025

Register for the Leadership Summit Here A Pivotal Moment for New York Wine — Register Today Registration is now open for the inaugural Industry Leadership Summit, hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the New Yorker Hotel in New York City. This special gathering will bring together winery owners, grape growers, marketers, distributors, policymakers, and allied professionals from across the state for an open, solutions-driven dialogue about the future

The 31st New York Ice Wine & Culinary Festival Returns on Valentines Day February 14, 2026

New York Wine & Grape Foundation December 19, 2025

Fire and Ice are in the air….Casa Larga Vineyards announces the return of the 31st New York Ice Wine & Culinary Festival on Saturday, February 14. This annual event, first held in 1995, celebrates the art of traditional Ice Wine production with tastings, culinary pairings, and unique experiences. Falling on Valentine’s Day, the festival offers an inviting setting for couples and friends to enjoy New York’s award-winning wines and seasonal cuisine together. Ice Wines are rare,

Heritage Mixed With Innovation: New York Wines Have Both a Deep History and a Bold Future

Robin Shreeves and Kathleen Willcox December 18, 2025

Wine publications frequently herald “emerging wine regions,” and New York is often cited as one of them, perhaps giving an impression that it’s only recently that the state has made strides in producing fine wine. But the truth is that New York has a deep history of grape growing, winemaking, and innovation. Prohibition devastated much of the early success of winemaking in the state, but post-Prohibition, the Empire State reclaimed its place at the forefront

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Issues RFP for 2026-27 Grape and Wine Research

New York Wine & Grape Foundation December 5, 2025

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) today announced the release of its Request for Proposals (RFP) for research projects to be funded in Fiscal Year April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027. Proposals are due January 16, 2026. Established in 1985, NYWGF administers state-backed funding for research that supports the long-term growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of New York’s wine and grape industry. Each year, the organization invests in research that addresses production challenges,