By Blake Jackson
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) has announced the largest expansion in the history of the New York Sustainable Winegrowing (NYSW) Program, adding 26 new vineyards and wineries for 2026. The milestone marks a significant step forward for sustainability efforts across the state’s wine industry.
A major development behind this growth is the integration of the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing (LISW) Program into the statewide NYSW framework. Established in 2012, the Long Island program was New York’s first sustainability certification initiative and has played an important role in promoting environmentally responsible wine production practices for more than a decade.
With the transition, certified Long Island vineyards are now part of a broader statewide network that promotes consistent sustainability standards while recognizing the achievements of growers who helped pioneer sustainable winegrowing practices in the region.
Justin Jackson, Sustainability Program Manager at NYWGF highlighted the significance of the transition, stating, “The Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing Program was a trailblazer. It was the first of its kind in New York, and its growers have spent over a decade proving what a commitment to sustainability looks like in action. Taking on this program isn’t just an administrative transition; it’s a recognition of that legacy and an investment in carrying it forward. Our goal is to make New York wines synonymous with sustainability, and Long Island has always been a critical part of that story.”
The newly expanded program includes vineyards and wineries from both the Finger Lakes and Long Island regions. New participants include Quarry Ridge Winery and Fulkerson Winery in the Finger Lakes, along with numerous Long Island operations such as Borghese Vineyard, Channing Daughters Winery, Duckwalk Vineyards, Lenz Winery, Palmer Vineyards, Paumanok Vineyards, Pellegrini Vineyards, Sparkling Pointe Vineyards, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, and several others.
The NYSW Program follows a science-based certification process that encourages continuous improvement in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Areas of focus include soil health, water conservation, energy efficiency, responsible resource management, and social responsibility. Through these practices, participating vineyards and wineries work to strengthen both environmental stewardship and long-term business success.
Sam Filler, Executive Director of NYWGF emphasized the importance of the expansion, saying, “Every vineyard that joins this program is making a commitment, not just to their land, but to the future of New York wines. This year’s expansion, and especially the integration of Long Island’s certified growers, marks a turning point. For the first time, we have a truly statewide sustainability network, and that is something the entire New York wine and grape industry should be proud of.”
Consumers can identify wines produced from certified sustainable grapes by looking for the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Trustmark on participating wine bottles. The expanded certification network reflects the industry's growing commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsible production practices.
With a record number of certified participants and a unified statewide approach, New York’s wine industry is strengthening its position as a leader in sustainable agriculture while supporting the long-term success of vineyards, wineries, and grape growers across the state.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-willhowecreative
Categories: New York, Rural Lifestyle