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