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Field Notes

News and Updates from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation

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Enrollment Now Open for the 2026 New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program 

New York Wine & Grape Foundation November 21, 2025

New York Sustainable Winegrowing builds momentum in 2026, offering growers a clear path to certification and long-term environmental and community impact. The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) today announced that enrollment is officially open for the 2026 New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program (NYSWP), the statewide, third-party-certified sustainability initiative for vineyards and wineries committed to continuous improvement, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term economic resilience.  The program continues to build momentum, with ten new

Survey on Unsold Grapes in NY and PA

Andrew Holden November 21, 2025

The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program, along with our collaborating land grant universities (Penn State University Extension & Cornell Cooperative Extension), is asking grape growers to contribute to the 2025 Unmarketable Grapes Survey. Growers from both New York and Pennsylvania are encouraged to complete the following form. Survey Link:  https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9TEV2wdiHGqknEa You are asked to answer questions about the grape varieties you grew in 2025 and couldn’t sell due to current market conditions. Please share the approximate

Grower Tour: Explore Global Viticulture in Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula & Austria

New York Wine & Grape Foundation November 21, 2025

Hello New York Grape Growers,   In partnership with Sojourn Travel Advisors, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation will host two immersive, educational ‘skillcations’ next year designed exclusively for New York grape growers. Each experience offers the chance to explore a viticulture region similar to our own, meet with local growers, tour vineyards and processing facilities, and engage with university research specialists.  You’re invited to choose between — or join us for both — of our

Washington Post Highlights New York Wines in Thanksgiving Guide

New York Wine & Grape Foundation November 19, 2025

A new Washington Post feature exploring the best wines for Thanksgiving spotlights New York as a top source for versatile, high-quality bottles that shine at the holiday table. In the article, Finger Lakes Dry Riesling is named one of the most food-friendly wines for Thanksgiving—praised for its bright acidity and ability to complement rich, savory dishes. New York’s cool-climate Cabernet Franc is also highlighted as a perfect match for turkey and classic sides, thanks to

How New York Winemakers Are Pushing Sustainability Efforts Far Beyond the Vineyard

Robin Shreeves and Kathleen Willcox November 12, 2025

Image of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards courtesy of Rima Brindamour. At its root, sustainability is about life. Official definitions of sustainability, such as this one from the U.S. EPA, include the basic idea that we need a healthy natural environment to not just survive, but thrive. There’s more to it, of course.  A product that is cultivated in the most environmentally responsible way instantly becomes unsustainable the moment it fails to offer the person or

New York Cabernet Franc Moves Forward

New York Wine & Grape Foundation November 5, 2025

“Most of all, I would love to see the group push hard on the wine and hospitality industry in one of the largest wine markets in the world. There is absolutely no excuse for the lack of New York wines on the wine lists of most New York City restaurants. It is time for New Yorkers to get on the ‘drink local’ bandwagon. These wines are too good to ignore.” – Alder Yarrow, JancisRobinson.com In