New York Wine & Grape Foundation

Boldly,

celebrated.

The Unity Awards

The Unity Awards were created in 1990 as a way to recognize, encourage, and celebrate cooperation among grape growers, wineries (and their staff), researchers, retailers and others to advance the entire industry. The winery and grower community in New York state has a rich history of working and succeeding together despite facing a variety of challenges through the years. Recognizing the longstanding and bold spirit of our community members and their numerous achievements, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation is proud to continue honoring industry leaders & champions of New York wine for more than 30 years.

2023 Award Categories

Jim Trezise Lifetime Achievement Award

This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the New York wine and grape industry and made impactful contributions that advanced the industry.
$2,500 Award

Phyllis Feder Unity Award

This award recognizes individuals who have volunteered their time, shown exceptional leadership, and achieved recognized results in building industry cooperation and unity.
$500 Award

Jim Trezise Lifetime Achievement Award

This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the New York wine and grape industry and made impactful contributions that advanced the industry.
$500 Award

Jim Finkle Industry Award

This award is intentionally broad in scope in order to recognize outstanding achievements in aspects of the industry not directly covered by Unity and other awards.
$500 Award

John H. Brahm III Grower Award

This award recognizes an individual for dedication and contributions to the New York grape industry.
$500 Award

Winery Award

This award recognizes a winery that has made major contributions to advancing the image and reputation of the New York wine industry.
$500 Award

Researcher Award

This award recognizes major contributions in the area of grape growing processing, and wine research.
$500 Award

Sustainability Award

This award recognizes an organization or winery that has exemplified sustainable practices.
$500 Award

Ron Reals Distributor Award

This award recognizes achievement in distributing and promoting New York wines.
$500 Award

Restaurant Award

This award recognizes excellence in promoting New York wines in a fine dining experience.
$500 Award

Retailer Award

This award is presented to wine stores which do an exceptional job in educating consumers about the quality and variety of New York wines.
$500 Award

Consumer Award

This award recognizes enthusiastic support of the New York wine industry and exemplifying the use of wine as part of a happy, healthy lifestyle.
$500 Award

Silver Thread Vineyard’s Continued Commitment to Sustainability Earns Them the Sustainability Award

Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves August 14, 2023

Located on Seneca Lake, Silver Thread Vineyard is one of the oldest grape-growing sites in the region. The winery’s previous owners were the first to obtain organic certification in the Finger Lakes, and its current owners Shannon and Paul Brock continue the winery’s legacy of sustainability by building upon its organic roots. In recognition of this continued work, Silver Thread is the recipient of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation Sustainability Award in the

Jason Londo Earns Accolades for Outstanding Grapevine Research

Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves July 31, 2023

Does good wine begin in the vineyard, or the lab? Without the behind-the-scenes work of grape researchers and geneticists, wine growers and makers—even with the best terroir and cellars—would have fewer disease-resistant and cold-hardy grapes to work with. Too often, this quiet, but essential work is swept aside or forgotten when mulling a particularly great vintage of Finger Lakes Riesling. Which may explain just how “surprised and happy” Jason Londo says he was when learning

67 Wine & Spirits

Unity Retailer Award Winner Introduces New York’s Upper West Side to New York State Wines

Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves June 20, 2023

In New York’s popular wine-producing regions, you may walk into a wine shop and find several bottles of New York wine on the shelves. Walk into a New York City wine shop, and you’re less likely to see a selection of local wines. That’s not so at 67 Wine & Spirits. The shop on New York City’s Upper West Side is increasingly adding to its local wine offerings. For its support of the state’s wine

"Diversity is our strength, unity is our power."

Jim Trezise