New York Wine Industry Invited to NYWGF Listening Events

By Blake Jackson

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is organizing a series of Regional Listening Sessions this spring to bring together wineries, grape growers, and industry professionals from across New York. The initiative aims to create open discussions about the challenges and opportunities shaping the state’s wine and grape sector.

These sessions are intended to encourage collaboration throughout the industry while ensuring that the Foundation’s programs and services reflect the needs of vineyards, wineries, and related businesses.

Participants will also receive updates from NYWGF leadership, including insights from the recent Industry Leadership Summit: The Up State of Wine. Attendees will be able to share regional viewpoints and discuss issues affecting their local wine communities.

“These Listening Sessions are an important opportunity for us to hear directly from you,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.

“Our industry is evolving quickly, and meaningful progress depends on strong collaboration. By bringing conversations into each region, we can better understand local challenges and opportunities while ensuring that our work reflects the voices of the entire New York wine and grape community.”

Participants will also get an early look at the Foundation’s new Member Portal, a platform designed to make it easier for members to access benefits, industry tools, and NYWGF programs.

“Connecting with our members and industry partners is at the heart of what we do,” said Jennifer Cooper, Membership Manager at the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.

“These sessions create a welcoming space for growers, winemakers, and industry professionals to share their ideas, ask questions, and help shape the programs and services that support New York’s wine community.”

Each session will include light refreshments or lunch and time for networking.

Upcoming Listening Sessions:

• Niagara Listening Session - Tuesday, March 24 | 11 AM | The Winery At Marjim Manor
• Hudson Valley Listening Session - Thursday, April 9 | 11 AM | Benmarl Winery
• Long Island Listening Session - Thursday, April 16 | 9 AM | Rose Hill Vineyards
• Lake Erie Listening Session - Tuesday, April 21 | 11 AM | Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Lab
• Finger Lakes Listening Session - Tuesday, May 5 | 11 AM | Cornell AgriTech

NYWGF also acknowledged support from American National Insurance, whose sponsorship helps make the regional meetings possible. Registration for the sessions is available through the Foundation’s website.

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