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Field Notes

News and Updates from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation

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What Wine Lovers Should Know About New York’s Sustainability Trustmark

Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves September 4, 2026

The New York Sustainable Winegrowing Trustmark is gracing bottles across the Empire State.  The certification, launched by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation in 2024, is based on grower self-assessment and then confirmed through a third-party audit. Vineyards who earn the Trustmark and wineries making wine with a minimum of 90% fruit from certified vineyards are permitted to use the logo on bottles and in marketing. The Trustmark is designed to show wine lovers

New Continuous Open Enrollment Agritourism Curriculum Helps New York Farms Prepare for the 2027 Season

New York Wine & Grape Foundation September 3, 2026

Flexible online training provides practical tools, expert guidance, and peer networking for current and aspiring agritourism operators. New York agritourism operators and farm businesses looking to strengthen their operations are invited to enroll in the new Continuous Open New York Agritourism Curriculum, a comprehensive professional development program designed to help farms build successful, sustainable, and profitable agritourism experiences. Participants can choose the learning format that best fits their schedule. The curriculum is available as: Asynchronous

Global NY State Trade Expansion Program (STEP): Open for 2026

New York Wine & Grape Foundation September 3, 2026

Overview Empire State Development (ESD) is working in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to increase the number of small businesses that begin to export; increase the value of exports for small businesses that currently export; and increase the number of small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities. Allowable Uses of Program Funds Approved STEP funds can assist New York State businesses with: Participation in programmed foreign trade missions Subscription to services provided

New Voices Join the Table: New York Wine & Grape Foundation Welcomes New Board Members 

New York Wine & Grape Foundation September 3, 2026

Four industry leaders join the Board, strengthening the connection between New York’s wine and grape industry and its next generation of consumers.   Shelby Hearn Ulrich is a third-generation wine professional carrying forward a family legacy on Long Island’s North Fork. River Allan brings a rare blend of scientific rigor and hospitality expertise to Hudson Valley winemaking. Sasha Pardy turned an idea into a festival that now draws 6,000 attendees a year. Clark Simmons is

What My Winery’s Sales Data Taught Me About Using AI for Pricing 

Andrew Weber, Northern Cross Vineyard August 29, 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is receiving enormous attention, but for many small wineries, the subject can still feel remote. We hear about global companies using AI to forecast demand, optimize prices and personalize promotions. It is less obvious how a small winery with limited staff, limited data and a relatively small number of annual transactions can use the same ideas.  I recently decided to find out.  My goal was not to allow a computer to set

How Researchers Are Helping Growers Fight Pests With Greener Weapons

Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves August 29, 2026

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 and $500,000. The NYWGF Board of Directors is proud to share the results of 2025-26 funded research projects through individual reports, articles, and a series of upcoming webinars. Featured in this article are