Vineyard certification program launches in New York

By Blake Jackson

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is excited to announce the launch of their Vineyard Certification program. Following a successful year with 19 newly certified vineyards, the program is now open to all wineries and vineyards in the state.

"The New York Sustainable Winegrowing program is a strategic priority of the NYWGF Board of Directors’ and is intended to support the resiliency and continued growth of the New York wine and grape industry," says Sam Filler, NYWGF Executive Director. "NYWGF’s statewide, national, and international education and marketing plans will prominently feature sustainably produced wines that both trade and consumers will recognize in the marketplace.”

Certification Process:

• Vineyards apply using the VineBalance workbook. This annually reviewed document outlines 144 best practices across various aspects of sustainability. These include minimizing resource use, protecting soil health, managing water responsibly, reducing waste, and promoting social equity.
• Certification requires a score of 75% on the VineBalance 2025 by January 31, 2025. Vineyards also undergo an independent in-person audit to verify their self-reported data.
• A webinar on December 10th, 2024, at 10:00 AM will explain the certification process in detail for both new and returning applicants.

Certification Benefits:

• Certified vineyards can market themselves and their grapes as sustainable.
• Wineries that use at least 85% certified grapes can display the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Trustmark on their bottles. This signifies the winery's commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Consumers looking to support sustainable viticulture can look for the Trustmark on New York wines. The first certified bottles hit the shelves in 2024, with more to come.

For more information on the program, visit the NYWGF website: newyorkwines.org/industry/sustainability

Ready to apply for certification? Click here: [https://form.jotform.com/243188850474162]

Photo Credit: istock-jhvephoto