New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit Set for 2026

By Blake Jackson

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation will host the first-ever New York Wine Industry Leadership Summit on January 15, 2026, bringing together leaders from across the state’s wine and grape community for a focused, solutions-oriented discussion about the future of the industry. The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the New Yorker Hotel in New York City.

Designed for winery owners, grape growers, marketers, distributors, policymakers, and allied professionals, the Summit is expected to welcome 50 to 100 participants representing diverse regions and perspectives. The goal is to create a collaborative space where stakeholders can openly address the challenges facing the wine sector and identify practical strategies for long-term success.

The global wine market is undergoing significant change. Oversupply, evolving consumer preferences, and increased interest in health and wellness are reshaping demand. In the United States, overall wine consumption has declined by 16 percent since 2019, marking the first major demand-driven shift in decades. At the same time, younger consumers are drinking less frequently but placing greater value on quality, sustainability, and meaningful experiences.

For New York’s wine industry, these shifts present both risk and opportunity. The Leadership Summit will use the World Café conversation model to encourage meaningful dialogue and collective problem-solving. Participants will work together to establish shared priorities and develop a three- to five-year framework for coordinated action.

Discussions will focus on three key areas: marketing strategies to engage the next generation of wine consumers, tourism initiatives that support small family wineries and regional economies, and public policy approaches that strengthen industry resilience through collaboration with government.

Featured speakers include Christian Miller of the Wine Market Council and Christina Pickard of Wine Enthusiast Magazine, with Wanda Mann of SOMM Journal serving as master of ceremonies. A hotel room block will be available for attendees.

For registration, click here.

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