New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program Added 27 Vineyards
The foundation integrated new members and took over management of the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing Program.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Wine
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The New York Wine & Grape Foundation has expanded its sustainability initiative by adding 27 vineyards and wineries to the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program. This move marks the largest single-year growth in the program's history.
Why it matters
The foundation is working to ensure that New York wines become synonymous with sustainable practices. By consolidating certification efforts statewide, the initiative aims to provide a unified, science-backed standard for environmental, social, and economic responsibility.
The program now includes 97 certified vineyards and wineries across New York State. This expansion follows the foundation's integration of the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing Program, which was originally established in 2012.
The players
New York Wine & Grape Foundation
This organization promotes the regional wine industry and manages the state's sustainability certification standards.
Quarry Ridge Winery
Located in Union Springs, this producer is one of the new participants in the statewide sustainability certification network.
Fulkerson Winery
This Dundee-based winery recently joined the program as part of the state's largest single-year expansion of certified producers.
Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing Program
Originally founded in 2012, this regional initiative is now managed by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.
The details
The program now oversees a unified statewide certification network that evaluates environmental, social, and economic sustainability metrics. Newly added members include the Quarry Ridge Winery in Union Springs and the Fulkerson Winery located in Dundee.
Timeline
The Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing Program was established in 2012.
The foundation added 27 new vineyards and wineries to the program in 2026.
The 2027 certification process is scheduled to open in November 2026.
Culture Shift
This consolidation of regional certification programs reflects a broader shift toward statewide standardized sustainability reporting in the craft beverage industry. It mirrors efforts across the country to align local agricultural practices with unified environmental metrics to satisfy increasing consumer demand for transparency.
Consumers can expect more New York wines to feature official sustainability certifications on their labels, aiding in shopping decisions. Those interested in identifying these producers can use the foundation's online resources to track certified vineyards across the state.
The takeaway
The move toward a unified state certification signals that sustainable viticulture is becoming a baseline requirement for New York producers. Readers can support this transition by looking for the official program seal when purchasing local bottles.
What happens next
The next cycle for vineyard and winery certification is scheduled to begin in November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local viticulture standards on the New York Wine section page.
More information
View the interactive map of certified vineyards to locate participating wineries in your area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Finger Lakes Times.
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