New York Wine & Grape Foundation
join or renew
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 Unity Awards Luncheon

We invite you to celebrate this year’s Unity Award recipients at a special luncheon during the B.E.V. NY Conference on March 28, 2023 in Syracuse, NY.
Buy Tickets
nywgf unity awards logo
View past Winners

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

Phyllis Feder on Earning the New York Grape & Wine Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves March 14, 2023

“This is the culmination of a very, very important time in my life,” says Phyllis Feder, of the Jim Trezise Lifetime Achievement Award she received this year from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. “I’m very touched and moved by it.” The fact that Feder can say that it’s the culmination of a certain time in her life speaks volumes about the length—she’s 87 years old—and breadth—she’s had two wildly successful careers—of her life.

Read More »
unity awards logo on white background with two glasses of sparkling white wine

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Unity Awards Announced, Winners to be Honored at B.E.V. NY Conference in Syracuse, NY

New York Wine & Grape Foundation February 28, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Contact: Valerie Venezia-Ross Phone: 1 (518) 229-3765 Email: valerieross@nywgf.org PENN YAN NY, March 1, 2023 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce the winners of the prestigious 2023 Unity Awards. The Unity Awards were created in 1990 as a way for the community to recognize, encourage, and celebrate cooperation among grape growers, wineries, researchers, retailers, and others to advance the entire industry.  Honoring the longstanding and bold spirit of our community members and their

Read More »
unity awards logo on white background with two glasses of sparkling white wine

Unity Awards Luncheon

New York Wine & Grape Foundation February 8, 2023

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 has been honoring industry leaders & champions of New York wine with the Unity Awards since 1990. We invite you to celebrate this year’s Unity Award recipients

Read More »

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

Jim Trezise