By Blake Jackson
The New York Sustainable Winegrowing Trustmark is gaining recognition across the Empire State as more wineries and vineyards adopt the certification to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable production.
According to Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves, the program was launched by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation in 2024 and combines grower self-assessments with independent third-party audits to verify sustainability practices.
Vineyards that achieve certification, along with wineries sourcing at least 90% of their fruit from certified vineyards, are permitted to display the Trustmark on wine labels and marketing materials.
The certification highlights practices that support soil health, water conservation, biodiversity, energy efficiency, worker safety, economic sustainability, and community responsibility.
Consumer interest in sustainably produced products continues to grow, especially among younger generations. Studies indicate that many Millennials are willing to pay more for sustainably produced wines, making certifications like the Trustmark increasingly important in the marketplace.
The program is also regularly updated with input from researchers, scientists, and growers to ensure it remains science-based and regionally relevant.
John Wagner, co-owner and general manager of Wagner Vineyards in the Finger Lakes, has observed this growing demand firsthand.
“It is nice that we can share our longtime efforts with a quantifiable certification that is third-party verified,” Wagner said.
Wagner also emphasized his operation's commitment to the program.
“We take the Certification very seriously and have worked for many decades to position our farm to be 100% sustainable now and into the future,” said Wagner. “We are including the Trustmark on the majority of our wines from the 2023 vintage and newer. We also sell grapes to many wineries, and some of them are requesting proof of sustainability.”
Mike Eighmey, vice president of sales at Anthony Road Wine Company, supports the program's flexible approach.
“We recognize that sustainability is both broad and ever-evolving, less a fixed definition or a cookie-cutter approach, and a more dynamic, ongoing process,” Eighmey said.
“Our goal is to encourage meaningful dialogue rather than present a one-size-fits-all standard. The program creates space for producers to highlight the practices that matter most to them, while maintaining a shared commitment to responsible stewardship.”
“We purchase all of our grapes from certified growers,” said co-owner and general manager Kim Aliperti of Billsboro Winery. “For us, the Trustmark signals a commitment to producing environmentally sustainable grapes, which in a rapidly changing climate is more critical than ever.”
As noted by Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves, participation in the program continues to expand. In 2025, 10 additional vineyards earned certification, reinforcing New York’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable wine production and responsible vineyard management.
Photo Credit: pixabay-vinotecarium
Categories: New York, General