NY Wine and Grape Foundation Opens 2026 Research RFP

By Blake Jackson

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) has released its Request for Proposals (RFP) for research projects to be funded in Fiscal Year April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027. Submissions are due by January 16, 2026.

Founded in 1985, NYWGF manages state-supported research funding to promote the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of New York’s wine and grape industry. Each year, the foundation invests in projects that address production challenges, explore innovative technologies, and strengthen the resilience of vineyards and wineries across the state.

This year, the application process includes both a traditional written proposal and a five-minute summary video. The video is intended to improve reviewer accessibility and streamline the February reporting session.

Applicants must submit the following: a written proposal in NYWGF format, a five-minute MP4 video summarizing the project in accessible language, letters of support from partners if applicable, disclosure of alternative funding, and a detailed project budget. All materials must be submitted electronically to research@nywgf.org by January 16, 2026. Video files should be uploaded using the submission link provided in the full RFP.

Funded projects must acknowledge NYWGF support in all publications and digital content. Final project reports are due by March 31, 2027. Researchers will also join a Q&A session with the NYWGF Research Committee on February 12, 2026, at Cornell AgriTech’s Jordan Hall Auditorium in Geneva, NY, with a hybrid Zoom option.

Research priorities include viticulture topics such as disease and pest management, mechanization, sustainability, floor and weed management, and grape cultivar evaluation. Enology priorities cover wine quality, sustainability, microbiology, and analysis, along with non-fermented grape products. Business development research focuses on consumer preferences, customer awareness, technology adoption, and market acceptance of cold-hardy and native grape wines.

Full proposal instructions and templates are available at newyorkwines.org/industry/research/researchers. Questions can be directed to Dana Alexander at danaalexander@nywgf.org or 315-924-3705.

Photo Credit: istock-jimfeng