Our Western Europe team at Think Drink Global has had a very successful few years in the face of great challenges. We are proud to welcome them back to steward 2023-2024 New York Wines programming in target markets within Western Europe. Join us for TDG’s overview and an update on opportunities (on-trade / off-trade) and what wines are selling well in the key markets – the UK, France, and Scandinavian countries will
After an exciting and productive year of activities in Japan, we are pleased to welcome back the Asahi Agency for an update on the market, and details about what is next on the agenda for the New York Wines Export Program! You are invited to come meet this expert team, including wine specialist & educator Takenori Beppu, J.S.A. Sommelier, WSET Diploma. Akiko Kurose, our lead strategic partner at Asahi Agency, will talk
Today, the New York Wine and Grape Foundation released their Annual Report for the 2022-2023 State Fiscal Year. The Annual Report provides a summary of the Foundation’s operations and accomplishments during the fiscal year. The report also includes information on the amount of funding designated for applied research and the types of research conducted; and the amount of funding designated for promotion, and the effectiveness of the promotional program. With
Weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable and volatile which is exposing growers to risks from all directions. This year’s late May freeze event has left the industry stunned and wondering what’s next. This webinar led by Crop Growers LLP will discuss how crop insurance policies respond to losses and what steps farmers need to take to take in the event of a loss. This webinar is free for all NYS Wineries
Have you ever wondered how some New York wineries are selling their products successfully in international markets and garnering worldwide press? Much of the behind the scenes work is done by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s Export Program. Through a grant from the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) and the Market Access Program (MAP), NYWGF assists New York wineries seeking to explore opportunities in markets abroad. The Export Program for
Join us on Thu Jun 15 2023 at 1:00 PM EDT for our online Environmental Results Program for Wineries: Water & Wastewater webinar. Learn about the latest strategies and best practices for wineries to manage water use and wastewater discharge in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way. Our expert panel will share insights on how to reduce water consumption, minimize wastewater generation, and managing winery wastewater. Don’t miss this opportunity
SYRACUSE, New York, May, 23, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), has disaster assistance programs available to help agricultural producers recover after damaging weather, including freeze events. Recent extreme weather conditions have impacted farmers in New York. “FSA offers a variety of disaster assistance programs to support farmers through times of adversity,” said Jim Barber, State Executive Director for FSA in New
Is your winery or vineyard exploring or engaging upon capital investments in facilities, production equipment, or even adding jobs? If so, there are partners and programs available in New York State to support your investments in growth. This webinar will introduce key economic development partners and programs and include specific examples of how industry colleagues are currently leveraging resources to reduce risk. Speakers: Stefan Fleming, Director, Industry Development; Craft Beverage
Eric Graham, Field Technical Service expert from Amcor will present an overview of key application requirements and troubleshooting for screw cap closures. This discussion will include the basics of capping, common cap application issues, and the basics of torque testing. Eric will also take a look at the quality control measures applied to cap manufacture and how this affects your capping success. Eric will be joined by George Hall of
Are there tangible returns on investments in farmworker housing? Kaitlyn Ann Lutz, Dairy Management Specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension points out that substandard housing is a driver of turnover on some farms. Jay Canzonier, Extension Support Specialist at Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development adds that a high standard of housing sends a message to farmworkers about standards on the farm. Many New York Wine & Grape Foundation members are familiar with
Join us to learn more about the Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition (FLIWC). An informational session to educate wineries on the benefits of entering the FLIWC and how to enter. The session will focus on the purpose and cause behind the competition — Camp Good Days, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of children with cancer or sickle cell anemia, and how entering will benefit your winery.
Building on the success of the recently updated New York Wine Reference Guide, NYWGF is now pleased to bring comprehensive, expertly delivered New York wine education to you each week from April 25th through June 20th, 2023. All are welcome to join writer and educator Dan Belmont as he leads this nine (9) part series designed to help you build essential knowledge about the history, styles, varietals, and exciting innovations
Join us as Business Partner Works Design Group provide information for wineries on grants currently available through New York State Electric & Gas and National Grid 50% off brand enhancement, product expansion, marketing projects, and more! Manufacturers can receive a refund up to $15k for growth initiatives targeted to expand facility utilization. The team will outline this grant program, share examples of completed grant projects from across New York State, and discuss
In New York, the native—wild grapes—were here first. Forming the backbone of the early New York wine industry, native varieties (the majority of which are Vitis labrusca) came into use when it became apparent that European vines lacked the disease resistance and winter hardiness to survive. The term “hybrid” refers to a crossing (accidental or deliberate) between two species of grape, most often these are North American or Asian crossed with Vitis vinifera from Europe. Most of the hybrids used in New York today were developed by French hybridizers who did the bulk of their work from 1880 to 1950. These grapes underpin much of New York wines’ unique, local flavor – which needs to be better understood and explored. With climate change and sustainability top of mind, the potential of these grapes is exciting. As with our other sessions, the objective of today’s seminar will be to highlight the varying production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make hybrid and native grapes so special. Join us to learn more!
This wine region derives its name from the Niagara Escarpment, a limestone ridge that runs for over 650 miles through the Great Lakes Region. While the region has a history that includes native grapes and hybrids, a warming climate and improved growing techniques are changing everything. The power of Lake Ontario in combination with the slope of The Niagara Escarpment—to moderate temperatures, extend the growing season, and protect against winter damage —is allowing more vinifera grape varieties to pop up on the landscape. And once planted, the soil and climate conditions of our unique terroir squeeze every ounce of flavor from the fruit. This session will take you on a walk through the gravelly limestone and clay loam soil to experience the unique and varied production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make wines from the Niagara Escarpment so special. Join us to learn more!
Long Island, the southeastern tip of New York State, is the largest island in the contiguous United States, stretching from the East River into the Atlantic Ocean and shouldered by the Long Island Sound. In contrast to the grape growing industries of the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley, Long Island began on a foundation of vinifera vines. Long Island has made a name for itself by producing stunning red wine. Merlot forms the base for Long Island’s many awarding winning red “Bordeaux style” blends. However, that is just the (delicious) start to the Long Island wine journey. This session will transport you to Southampton and the North Fork to experience the unique and varied production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make Long Island wines so special. Join us to learn more!
One of the oldest and most historically important wine areas in the US, the Hudson River Valley can be credited for pioneering many of the innovations that helped the NY wine industry grow. This area, which includes the Hudson River Region AVA and Upper Hudson AVA, is proud of its long-standing agricultural and viticultural history as well as the diverse alluvial soils and microclimates found throughout. The Hudson Valley has been a crucible for the development of French American hybrids, however, it’s vinifera that we’re seeing increased plantings of. This session will take you on a journey up the 315-mile Hudson River to experience the unique and varied production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make the Hudson River Valley so special. Join us to learn more!
The Finger Lakes region of northwest New York is known for its picturesque grouping of narrow glacial lakes—some of the deepest freshwater lakes in the United States. Over the past two decades, the Finger Lakes have become known as one of the finest cool-climate winegrowing regions—especially for Riesling—in North America. To be sure, the contribution of independent, family-owned wine growing operations to that prestigious achievement cannot be understated. This session will weave the history of the region together with an exploration of the varietals claiming the spotlight today. From Riesling to Cabernet Franc, from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, this session will showcase the unique and varied production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make the Finger Lakes region so special. Join us to learn more!
Sparkling wine is, quite literally, deeply rooted in New York State history and is produced in all the state’s major AVAs. In a February 2022 article for JancisRobinson.com, Elaine Chukan Brown suggested that sparkling wine could be the key to shifting New York’s perception of being “value -focused” to a region producing “prestige wines.” As sparkling wine is such an integral part of our past, it makes sense that New York winemakers look to historical methods beyond the traditional method bubbles. Production methods vary—from forced carbonation and Charmat (tank) method using native and hybrid grapes, to traditional (Champagne) method using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. As with our other sessions, the objective of today’s seminar will be to highlight the varying production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make New York Sparkling wines so special. Join us to learn more!
Cabernet Franc is the parent of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot but, somehow, this grape is often forgotten or not given time to shine (parents out there can totally understand…), fortunately that is changing. Cabernet Franc is now being grown and vinified in most of New York’s major AVAs. Suited to a cool climate this grape can produce fine red wines that are light to medium bodied with vibrant acidity and firm tannins. The quality level achieved across our state’s different regions statewide has certainly established the grape as a flagship red variety. As with our other sessions, the objective of today’s seminar will be to highlight the varying styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make New York Cabernet Franc so special. Join us to learn more!
Riesling is New York’s most widely planted Vitis vinifera grape variety and grown all our state’s major AVAs. Being produced in a range of styles from bone dry to dessert wine, Riesling has certainly established itself as the flagship variety of the Finger Lakes region and received national and international acclaim from all corners of the trade. The potential of this grape is infinite, and this session will highlight the varying styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make New York Riesling so special.
We agree with Eric Asimov who noted in the New York Times that “New York is the third largest wine- producing state in the country, after California and Washington. Yet it doesn’t get nearly the respect it deserves.” Fortunately, much has changed in the last few years and information about New York wines is being sought out by all levels of consumer, trade, and media. This session will empower you with knowledge and introduce you to the major regions, grapes, and styles of New York State wine, and provide an overview of statewide geography, geology, climate & history. Participants will gain conversational-level broad knowledge of New York State wine and leave excited about the upward trends in both quality winemaking and viticulture in New York State.
Join us for an intro to NY’s SHARP program which qualifies employers for up to a 3-year exemption from a general scheduled OSHA inspection. The SHARP program is a FREE service offered by The NYS On-Site consultation program. It is made up of businesses who have achieved a high degree of Safety & Health performance at their respective facilities. Upon recommendation by the NYS DOL SHARP Coordinator, employers may qualify
Join us as Nathan Rudgers from Farm Credit East discusses the most common types of grant opportunities available to wineries & growers. Now more than ever, wineries and growers are looking for other sources of income to help them invest in capital infrastructure, implement sustainable energy solutions like solar panels, and much more. Join us as Nathan Rudgers from Farm Credit East discusses the most common types of grant opportunities
B.E.V. NY is New York’s annual conference for the grape and wine industry, combining the resources of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, Cornell’s Extension Enology Lab, and the Finger Lakes Grape Program. The conference invites academic and industry experts to present information that addresses important issues for the industry, and to do so in a way that provides practical information to those who attend. This year’s B.E.V. NY
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is dedicated to supporting our members’ business development in a rapidly changing world. Along with the myriad of services and seminars we provide throughout the year, NYWGF is often able to take advantage of new opportunities that arise to benefit our members and the industry. In the Spring and Summer of 2022, NYWGF’s longstanding relationship with the WISE Academy resulted in the opportunity
Join Anthony Sandonato of Mengel Metzger Barr & Co. LLP for a tax planning update just in time for tax season. Topics will include: NYS Passthrough Entity Tax NYS Covid-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program Inventory planning Federal tax incentives updates Click Here to Register This webinar is free to all NYWGF Members and $50 for Non-Members.
There is no doubt that increased labor costs, labor shortages, and potential legislative changes have had, and will continue to have, a significant impact on wineries and growers in New York State. In this session you will learn about trends in the New York agricultural labor market, how wineries have already been dealing with those changes, and the potential impact that labor challenges may have on winery margins and production.
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is pleased to announce the culmination of a revision to the New York Wine Course & Reference Guide. Today, NYWGF introduces a refreshed and modernized New York Wine Reference Guide, along with accompanying infographics and videos. We are tremendously grateful to the dozens of grape growers, winemakers, winery owners, and researchers from across New York state who contributed the information that makes the
Wine Folly is developing a digital guide to the wines of New York, and you have the opportunity to be part of it. About this event Be part of Wine Folly’s next wine Region Guide! Wine Folly is developing a digital guide to the wines of New York, and you have the opportunity to be part of it. The guide features dynamic information provided by you, the wineries, that will be
We are pleased to share with you the New York Wine and Grape Foundation’s Annual Report for the 2021-2022 State Fiscal Year. The Annual Report provides a summary of the Foundation’s operations and accomplishments during the fiscal year. The report also includes information on the amount of funding designated for applied research and the types of research conducted; and the amount of funding designated for promotion, and the effectiveness of
The Emergency Relief Program (ERP) is an initiative of the Extending Government Funding and Delivery Emergency Assistance Act which President Biden signed into law on September 30th, 2021. Phase 1 of the program has kicked off as of May 25th, 2022 when letters were sent to affected producers who may be eligible to receive funding from the program. If a producer received an indemnity from a crop insurance policy or
Each year NYWGF develops an annual schedule of domestic and international marketing activities designed to promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from our diverse regions to responsibly benefit farmers, producers, and consumers. Funded by a mix of state, federal, and local entities, these marketing activities, along with a slate of educational and business development resources, are intended to significantly impact NYWGF’s mission goals and further the
All you need to know about joining the New York Wine & Grape Foundation as a winery or grape grower. Much has changed in the NYWGF Membership program over the last few years, and we know it is hard to keep up with it all! We are pleased to bring you these quarterly Membership Orientations led by Executive Director, Sam Filler, and Membership and Events Manager, Jennifer Cooper. Sam, Jenn,
Going solar is a strategic way for wineries cut overhead costs by producing their own electricity, on-site. Thanks to New York State grants and Federal tax incentives, overall costs can be reduced by more than 75% after all incentives are utilized. In fact, many businesses are seeing a payback period of under five years on a solar project that produces free electricity for over 35 years!
Learn about the benefits and responsibilities for wineries participating in Tier 3 Membership. A detailed overview of BuyNewYorkWines.com About this Event New York Wine & Grape Foundation Tier 3 Members have the benefit of being featured in our Virtual Seminar series staring in late April. Our “New York Wines Online” program will host two events monthly, and we want to help you make the most of this opportunity! Wineries participating in the program will also have
In his budget proposal, Governor Cuomo restored NYWGF’s funding to its pre-COVID amount. While two months remain until the Governor and Legislature agree to a final state budget, this commitment from the Governor provides NYWGF the assurance to properly plan an organizational budget and programming plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
Our Fireside Chat in January was focused around the New York Grape Growers. Topics include an update on new Grower Membership Tiers and the benefits provided within each. We also talked about NYWGF’s new marketing campaign roll-out plan. We welcome you to share your ideas on how we can best shine a spotlight on New York’s growers.
To assist our members with critical questions about tax planning, inventory accounting, general accounting, excise tax/TTB issues, sales tax, and more the New York Wine & Grape Foundation is pleased to offer a new benefit for Members, in partnership with Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co. LLP. Beginning in December 2020, members will have access to financial and tax guidance in webinar form, as well as through individual consulting for their specific needs provided via a 60-minute one-on-one session.
As a reminder, for NY Drinks NY participants, virtual workshops will be supplemented by an individual coaching session with a member of the DTC Consultant Network, led by Sandra Hess. Each winery will be provided with a 1.5 hour online coaching session to address a challenge or opportunity of their choice. Network consultants work to ensure your team uses the ideal blends of tools, talent and technologies to achieve direct to consumer wine sales success.
I remember early in my career working in New York’s farm based beverage industry a conversation that I had with Chris Gerling at an introduction to distilling workshop at Catskill Distilling Company. Admittedly, I was super green behind the ears when it came to wine making and really any fermentation process. Chris properly schooled me when he simply described how to make a quality wine, “You can’t make good wine from bad grapes, but you can make bad wine from good grapes.” Reading between the lines, he helped me deduce that quality winemaking starts in the vineyard.
I am excited to be starting my 5th year at the helm of the Foundation. I am grateful to the industry, supporters of the industry, the Foundation team, and the Foundation Board for supporting me as we have worked together to enhance New York’s reputation as a world class grape and wine region. I also value the opportunity each January to refresh my goals and determinations for the upcoming year.
I am writing this message prior to November 3rd, so the Press Deck will be conspicuously silent on the election results. No matter what happens, I am confident that one thing will remain true – Americans will welcome Thanksgiving as an opportunity to connect and celebrate with family and friends. Even if the connection comes with the help of FaceTime or Zoom, I know it will be all the more meaningful and re-energize us for a new year and new challenges to come.
Today we are excited to be launching our new membership model. While we certainly wanted to build a membership ‘toolkit’ that would be more responsive to needs in light of COVID-19, we knew the need to build our collective industry intelligence, diversify business models, and scale up to meet the demands of the online marketplace was coming – even before the pandemic. Our membership programs and services are dedicated to telling the amazing story of New
New York Wine & Grape Foundation offers a Three-Part Series on Tasting Room & Hospitality Challenges Dates: September 10th, 24th and October 8thTime: 10:00AM EST to 11:30AM ESTParticipation is Free and Open to All New York Wineries. Click here to register online. OverviewJoin the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and the Wine Industry Sales Education (WISE) Academy for a special Community Forum Series designed to help New York wineries optimize the guest experience as they grapple