The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) was created by the State of New York in 1985 as a private, non-profit organization. The enabling legislation established a financing mechanism for promotion and applied research, providing the industry with both short-term assistance and the potential for long-term viability. NYWGF’s programs are developed by a 22-member Board of Directors in consultation with representatives from industry and state government, and its activities are designed to support all uses of New York-grown grapes from all regions of the state.

Mission: “To promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from our diverse regions to responsibly benefit farmers, producers, and consumers through innovative marketing, research, communication, and advocacy.”

Vision: “To be the world’s premier region for cool and cold climate viticulture.”

Every May, the NYWGF Board of Directors meets to fill vacant board seats. The term of office for directors is three years, and there are currently 22 members of the Board of Directors. Thirteen (13) board seats are statutorily mandated by the law that created NYWGF in 1985, and there are nine (9) at-large board seats. NYWGF aims to establish a Board comprised of Directors representing a diversity of regions, business sizes and models, demographics, and functional professional expertise.

The NYWGF Board of Directors is a “self-perpetuating” board by virtue of our bylaws. The organization feels that it is important to solicit the industry for interested applicants. While voting is not a ‘right’ of NYWGF membership, we do prioritize being transparent in this process, and we appreciate the interest in participating on the board. Please note that the applications will all be reviewed, but that the final board member nominee(s) may come from the internal board process itself.

This year, the NYWGF Board of Directors is seeking applications for two (2) At-Large board vacancies. We are particularly encouraging applications from individuals based in Long Island and the Hudson Valley, as NYWGF is committed to ensuring our Board reflects the full geographic diversity of New York’s grape and wine industry. NYWGF is looking for mission-aligned individuals with strong collaboration, communication, implementation, and strategic skills.

Why Serve on the NYWGF Board?

Board service at NYWGF is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of New York’s most important agricultural industries. Directors play a meaningful role in setting the strategic direction of a statewide organization whose work touches every grape-growing region in the state — from research that improves what happens in the vineyard, to marketing that builds New York wine’s reputation at home and around the world.

Board members also gain access to a peer network of growers, producers, marketers, researchers, and industry leaders from across New York State, as well as connections to state government and partner organizations. For those who are passionate about New York’s wine and grape industry, NYWGF board service is a distinctive way to contribute expertise, amplify their region’s voice, and help drive lasting, industry-wide impact.

A Meaningful Commitment

Serving on the NYWGF Board of Directors is a meaningful and substantive commitment. It is more than lending your name or attending meetings a few times a year — it is a governance role that carries real responsibilities on behalf of the organization and the New York grape and wine industry it serves.

Board members are guardians of the mission, stewards of organizational resources, and advocates for the industry in their regions and beyond. They bring their best judgment to strategic decisions, engage actively in committee work, maintain confidentiality, and represent NYWGF with integrity in their professional and regional communities — both in and between board meetings.

We share this not to discourage anyone from applying, but because we believe the best board members are those who come in with a clear-eyed understanding of what the role entails. The NYWGF Board Job Description provides a full statement of individual director responsibilities, and we encourage all prospective candidates to review it before applying.

At-Large Board Seats

At-Large directors are voting members of the NYWGF Board of Directors and represent the broad interests of New York’s grape and wine industry. At-Large directors are not required to represent a specific statutory industry category, making these seats open to a wide range of qualified candidates, including growers, producers, distributors, retailers, researchers, marketers, attorneys, and other industry professionals.

Geographic Priority: Long Island and Hudson Valley

Geographic representation has been a foundational principle of NYWGF since its creation. The 1985 state law that established the Foundation directed that “consideration should be given to ensure that the four wine/grape regions of the state are geographically represented” on the Board. Since then, New York’s wine and grape industry has grown significantly: there are now seven federally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) across the state, each with its own distinct growing conditions, industry organizations, and community of producers.

Regional representation on the Board is also essential to fulfilling NYWGF’s statutory mandate to establish and maintain working relationships with organizations and institutions across the state involved in the production, processing, and sale of wine, grapes, and grape products. Board members rooted in their home regions serve as critical links between NYWGF and the growers, wineries, industry groups, and promotional organizations in their communities.

As current board terms conclude in June 2026, NYWGF is working to ensure continued representation from two of New York’s seven AVAs:

• Long Island – home to the North Fork and the Hamptons sub-AVAs, Long Island has a strong tradition of representation on the NYWGF Board. We are actively recruiting from this region to ensure that tradition continues without interruption as current Long Island directors complete their terms.
• Hudson Valley – one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the country, the Hudson Valley is home to a growing community of farm wineries and grape growers. The region has not had a Board representative since 2023.

Candidates from other New York regions are also welcome to apply and will be given full consideration.

What We’re Looking For

NYWGF board members are passionate advocates for New York’s grape and wine industry who bring their expertise, energy, and regional perspective to a collaborative governing body. Strong candidates will typically:

• Be deeply committed to the NYWGF mission and enthusiastic about New York’s grape and wine industry.
• Bring experience serving on non-profit boards and an understanding of effective governance.
• Demonstrate strong collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Be able to dedicate time to four (4) quarterly Board meetings per year, quarterly committee meetings, and supporting NYWGF activities in their home region throughout the year.
• Offer perspectives – in terms of region, business model, professional background, or personal experience – that complement and strengthen the Board’s overall composition.

NYWGF is committed to supporting its board members through comprehensive orientation, ongoing education, and meaningful engagement in the governance of the organization.

Board Terms and Time Commitment

NYWGF Board Members serve a three-year term and are eligible for re-appointment for up to two consecutive additional terms (nine years total). Newly appointed board members will begin their term of service on July 1, 2026. Board service is without remuneration, except for reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs related to Board duties.

Directors should expect the following time commitment:

• Four (4) quarterly Board meetings per year, each approximately three (3) hours in length, held in-person or via teleconference.
• Four (4) quarterly committee meetings per year, each approximately one (1) hour in length, held exclusively via teleconference.
• Availability to support NYWGF events and activities in their home region throughout the year.

See the NYWGF Board Job Description for a full statement of individual director responsibilities and expectations. Prospective board members are strongly encouraged to review it before applying.

How to Apply and What to Expect

Interested candidates should submit a board application by May 4, 2026. The application asks candidates to share their background, qualifications, regional affiliation, board experience, references, and a brief bio or resume. All applications are kept confidential.

Following the application deadline, the process proceeds as follows:

• The NYWGF Governance Committee reviews and evaluates all submitted applications.
• The Governance Committee makes its recommendations to the full Board.
• The Board votes to elect new Directors at the May 19, 2026 Board Meeting.

Please note that while all applications will be reviewed, the final board member nominee(s) may also come from the internal board process itself.

Click here to complete the Board Application

Applications must be submitted by May 4, 2026. All applications are kept confidential.