Field Notes

News and Updates from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation

Latest

The Empire State’s Red-Hot Love Affair With Cabernet Franc

Far be it from us to play favorites with grape varieties, but it’s impossible to ignore the Empire State’s emerging star grape, Cabernet Franc. Riesling hogged the headlines and the critical acclaim in the state for decades, but thanks to a delicious cocktail of developments—including improved clones and viticultural techniques, and the auspicious pairing of grape and terroir—Cabernet Franc is now able to begin to compete with Riesling for star status in the minds of

three wine glasses against black background. Red wine is being poured into the center glass.

Governor Hochul Announces Winners of the 2024 New York Wine Classic 

Weis Vineyards Named Winery of the Year Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the winners of the 38th Annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine industry. Weis Vineyards, located in the Finger Lakes region, took home the two top awards in the 2024 Competition. They were honored as Winery of the Year, and their 2018 Riesling Ice Wine was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Cup. The announcement was

finger lakes wine month logo

Everybody Get Excited. August Is Finger Lakes Wine Month

Celebrate New York’s largest wine region with special tastings, exclusive experiences, and more.  If you’ve ever wondered when the best time to visit a winery in the Finger Lakes is, the best answer is, “any time.” Each season has its charms. But, if you’re thinking about visiting the region in August, it’s certainly an exciting time to do so. The vines are lush and full. Verasion, when the grapes start to change color and ripen,

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Releases 2023-2024 Annual Report

Dear Friends, This past year, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation Board and Staff remained focused on the needs of growers, winemakers, and other partners as we worked to strengthen the state’s agricultural economy. NYWGF aims to play a vital role in promoting New York State’s top-quality grapes and wines by implementing innovative programs, practicing sustainability, and forming strategic partnerships to secure a prosperous future for New York wines worldwide.  The following pages provide

Why You Should Be Popping Empire State Fizz on Independence Day

Photo Credit: Sparkling Pointe Champagne had a good run. For centuries, fizz from France was the bottle to pop for celebrations large and small. But increasingly, winemakers across the world are producing sparkling wines in a range of styles—from a variety of grapes—and wine lovers can’t get enough of any of it. From the rarefied traditional method Blanc de Blancs to the unexpectedly exuberant and delightful offbeat Pet-Nats, and everything in between, wine drinkers are

NYWGF Issues RFP for Organizational Analysis and Partnership Development Consultant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Contact: Valerie Venezia-RossPhone: 1 (518) 229-3765Email: [email protected] The Board of Directors of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance (FLWA) and the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) are pleased to announce an RFP for organizational analysis and partnership development consulting. NYWGF and FLWA are established organizations in the New York wine industry, with a shared mission of expanding market presence and brand recognition of Finger Lakes wines. Board leadership of both organizations recognize