New York Wine & Grape Foundation

New York Wine & Grape Foundation
Name	New York Wine & Grape Foundation
Formation	1985
Headquarters	Canandaigua, New York
Region served	New York State
Leader title	Executive Director

New York Wine & Grape Foundation The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the grape and wine industry in New York State through promotion, research, and education. It works with growers, vintners, academic institutions, trade organizations, tourism boards, and government agencies to advance grape production and wine tourism across regions such as the Finger Lakes, Long Island, Hudson Valley, and Lake Erie. The foundation collaborates with industry partners to enhance market access, improve viticultural practices, and raise the profile of New York wines in domestic and international markets.

Overview

The foundation serves as a bridge among stakeholders including the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell University, State University of New York at Fredonia, American Viticultural Areas, United States Department of Agriculture, Wine Institute, Wine America, U.S. Wine Export Council, Wine Spectator, and Wine Enthusiast. It liaises with regional bodies such as the Finger Lakes Wine Country, Long Island Wine Council, Niagara County, Erie County, Ontario County, and municipal authorities like the City of Rochester and Town of Canandaigua. The foundation engages with trade shows such as the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, Vinexpo, London Wine Fair, and events like the New York Wine & Food Classic while interacting with media outlets including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, NPR, and Wine Business Monthly.

History

Founded in 1985, the organization emerged in the context of agricultural policy changes influenced by actors such as Nelson Rockefeller, Hugh Carey, and regulatory shifts in the New York State Legislature. Early partners included academic leaders from Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, researchers from United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, and extension agents linked to United States Cooperative Extension Service. Over decades it responded to milestones like the expansion of the Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area, the establishment of the Long Island American Viticultural Area, and industry pressures from trade agreements involving entities such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization. The foundation’s evolution paralleled the rise of New York wineries such as Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, Ravines Wine Cellars, and Jackson Family Wines investments that spurred regional development.

Programs and Initiatives

Program areas include marketing campaigns that coordinate with New York State Tourism Industry Association, export promotion linking to the U.S. Commercial Service, and regional branding efforts with groups such as Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association and Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. Initiatives include cooperative advertising with WineAmerica partners, sponsorships at fairs like the New York State Fair, and participation in trade missions to markets such as China, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Germany. The foundation supports events like the Harvest New York series, the Wine & Food Classic events, and collaborates with culinary institutions such as the Culinary Institute of America, Institute of Culinary Education, and hospitality programs at Johnson & Wales University.

Research and Education

Research partnerships are centered on Cornell University research programs including the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, collaborations with the Grape Laboratory at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, and applied projects with the Viticulture Extension Program. The foundation funds trials addressing pests like phylloxera and diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis cinerea, while coordinating research on cold-hardy cultivars such as Vitis labrusca and hybrid varieties promoted by breeders like Elmer Swenson. Educational outreach includes workshops with American Society for Enology and Viticulture, certification programs in cooperation with Finger Lakes Community College, and internship placements at wineries including Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars and Benmarl Winery.

Industry Support and Promotion

Support mechanisms involve grant programs, press relations with outlets like Decanter and The New Yorker food sections, and joint promotions with hospitality partners such as Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and regional inns in Hudson Valley. The foundation assists producers in compliance with regulations from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and market access via partnerships with distributors like Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits and retailers such as Total Wine & More and Whole Foods Market. Promotional tactics include digital campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube and collaborations with sommeliers from institutions such as the Court of Master Sommeliers and publications like Wine & Spirits Magazine.

Governance and Funding

Governance is overseen by a board representing stakeholders from entities including New York Farm Bureau, Empire State Development, regional grape growers associations like the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program, and institutional partners such as Cornell University. Funding sources comprise state appropriations approved by the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate, private contributions from wineries and growers, and federal funds channeled through programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. The foundation complies with reporting requirements related to the New York State Comptroller and coordinates auditing with firms similar to Ernst & Young or Deloitte for accountability.

Impact and Recognition

The foundation’s work contributed to growth in regions recognized by awards from organizations such as the James Beard Foundation, accolades in competitions like San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and listings in guides by Robert Parker and Wine Advocate. Economic impact studies with partners like IHS Markit and academic analyses published via Cornell University Press have documented increases in wine tourism, job creation, and farm revenue across the Finger Lakes, Long Island, and Lake Erie AVA regions. The foundation has been cited in policy discussions alongside entities such as Agricultural Energy Consumers Association and development programs like Economic Development Administration, reflecting its role in shaping New York’s wine industry profile.

Category:Wine industry organizations