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Field Notes

News and Updates from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation

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Cheers to 40 Years! Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

New York Wine & Grape Foundation September 9, 2025

Image courtesy of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards. Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is celebrating an extraordinary milestone this year: 40 years of great wines and great times! Founded in 1985 by the late Jerry and Elaine Hazlitt, this family-owned and operated winery on Seneca Lake has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most beloved destinations in the Finger Lakes. At a time when the future of the farming industry was uncertain – and producing a red

Billsboro Winery Wins Best Dessert in New York Wine Classic 

Robin Shreeves and Kathleen Willcox September 2, 2025

Kim and Vinny Aliperti, the founders of Billsboro Winery, are getting their just desserts.  “Vinny’s palate runs dry, so his late harvest dessert wine is actually incredibly balanced, age-worthy, and refreshing, which isn’t typical of a dessert wine,” says Kim, who runs Billsboro Winery alongside her winemaking husband, Vinny. “The Vignoles grape is naturally high in acidity, providing the 9% of residual sugar with enough mouthwatering backbone. We expect the 2023 Après Late Harvest to

Prescient Research on Conventional Fungicides Upends Conventional Wisdom, But Challenges Remain

Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves August 29, 2025

In the ever-evolving world of wine and grape production, research plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge, improving practices, and ensuring the sustainability of the industry. NYWGF’s commitment to research is evident in its annual research budget, which typically ranges between $350,000 to $600,000. The NYWGF Board of Directors is proud to share the results of 2024-25 funded research projects through individual reports, articles, and a series of webinars in 2025-26.  Image of courtesy of Boundary Breaks.

When Your Vacation Isn’t Just About Wine: New York Wineries With Added Attractions

Robin Shreeves and Kathleen Willcox August 26, 2025

Image courtesy of Airy Acres Vineyard. For wine lovers, the best vacations are going to include at least some visits to wineries. But not every visit has to be only about the wine. There’s the food, of course, the picnics you pack and spread out on picnic tables overlooking the vines, or the food prepared at the winery that’s designed to pair perfectly with their bottles. Sometimes, there’s more.  Many wineries in New York offer

Weis Vineyards Earns its Third Winery of the Year Award at the New York Wine Classic

Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves August 19, 2025

Image courtesy of Weis Vineyards. New York State has many standout wineries and well-made wines throughout all of its regions. Winemakers can opt to enter their wines in the New York Wine Classic, an annual event that celebrates the very best of the state’s wine and grape industry. Each wine entered is scored. The two top awards in the competition are the Governor’s Cup—the Best of Show across all categories—and the Winery of the Year—the

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Invites Industry Input to Shape 2026-27 Research Priorities

New York Wine & Grape Foundation August 15, 2025

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is calling on grape growers, winemakers, and industry partners across the state to help shape the future of research that drives innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in New York’s wine and grape industry. Each year, NYWGF’s Research Committee—comprised of members of our Board of Directors and informed by stakeholder feedback—identifies priority research themes that address the industry’s most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities. These priorities guide the selection