New York Wine & Grape Foundation

About

Who we are

A Band of Outsiders

First they ignored us, then dismissed us, then called us crazy
But we didn’t ask for approval
We are the outsiders in an industry of old world institutions
We were never supposed to make it big
We could easily move and grow in perfect conditions, but we didn’t.
We leaned into adversity and came together as a family to make
something out of nothing.
The game is changing and we’re staking a spot at the front of the pack.
Instead of following centuries of tradition, rituals or rules
We are redefining quality, tastes, and experiences
Enjoy it how you’d like, we won’t judge.
Our future is not in algorithms.
It’s about our customers, our growers and our members
It’s for the people, by the people
Our collaborative ethos is irreverent in and of itself.
We’re an intrepid band of outsiders and we’re in this together.
A family, and we believe in what we do.

What we do


The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF), founded in 1985, is dedicated to elevating the brand awareness and sales of New York’s wines and grapes. Through a range of impactful programs—including international marketing, research initiatives, a sustainability certification program for vineyards, and the regular New York State Vineyard Survey—NYWGF provides invaluable support to the industry. 


At the heart of everything NYWGF does is a commitment to prioritizing services and benefits for its grower and winery members. Membership offers more than access to resources; it’s an investment in the collective future of New York’s wine and grape industry. By joining, members gain opportunities to connect, collaborate, and shape a bold vision for the industry’s growth and success. 


Meet our Staff

Sam Filler
Executive Director

Kim Hughes
Director of Finance

Dana Alexander
Director of Operations

Kyle Anne Pallischeck
Director of Programs

Jenn Cooper
Membership Manager

Justin Jackson
Sustainability Program Manager

Meg Hopkins
Communications Manager

Board of Directors

Mark Amidon

National Grape Cooperative

Kwaw Amos

Gotham Winery/Oson Wines

Dr. Terry Bates

Cornell AgriTech

Michael Brooks

Bed-Vyne Wine

Oskar Bynke

Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard

Mike Colizzi

Kashong Glen Vineyards

Matt Doyle

Doyle Vineyard Management

Stefan Fleming

Empire State Development

Bob Madill

RJM Consulting

Anna Katharine Mansfield

Cornell AgriTech

Charlie Marshall

The Marshal

Jen McCormick

Former 1st Deputy Commissioner, NYSDAM

Mike Nozzolio

Harris Beach LLC

Wendy Oakes Wilson

Leonard Oakes Estate Winery

Ami Opisso

Rose Hill Vineyards

Adam Rak

Double A Vineyards

Max Rohn

Wölffer Estate Vineyard

Katie Roller

RNDC NY

Matt Schrader

E & J Gallo Winery

Jeniffer Taylor

Bully Hill Vineyards

Leah VanScott

Greater Rochester Enterprise

Kelly Young

NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets

Board of Directors