NY Wine Industry Association

Our Mission

The New York Wine Industry Association (NYWIA) is a not for profit organization formed in February of 2009 by a group of passionate grape growers, winery owners and allied suppliers in New York State. It is the only association of New York State wine and grape professionals aimed at informing, promoting, representing and defending the diverse interests of New York's wine industry. NYWIA expresses the concerns of the industry with a unified and powerful voice.

NYWIA's mission is to "promote the stability and advancement of the wine industry in New York State through advocacy and public education." In many parts of the Empire State, the wine industry provides the economic foundation for the whole community. Across the state, 1,631 family vineyards and 320 wineries generate $800 million in local and state taxes, for a total economic impact of $4.8 billion each year*. Therefore, our ability to thrive and grow not only impacts our industry directly but also impacts hundreds of thousands of people and numerous small businesses.  

Finally, NYWIA works towards increasing public awareness about the industry. NYWIA is proud of our state's rich winemaking history, and intends to be a dedicated and fervent promoter of tomorrow's wine industry in the great State of New York. 

*Data from the 2012 Economic Impact Study of Grapes, Grape Juice and Wine on the New York Economy, courtesy of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. Click here to download the study.

Our Action

In its mission to promote industry advancement, NYWIA strives to lead the way with key activities: 

  • Bringing the industry together:
        During its short existence, NYWIA has succeeded in uniting some of the most prominent figures of the New York wine and grape growing industry.  One of our primary focuses is to provide members with information and tools that will allow them to make educated choices and enlightened decisions that will help them grow their businesses and ultimately advance the industry.

  • Being the industry's watchdog:
        NYWIA serves as a watchdog and lobbies on behalf of members. The association closely monitors legislative debates and activity, not only in Albany, but across the country. NYWIA and its executive board members have forged effective relationships with key New York legislators and state agencies' representatives. During its short existence, NYWIA has positioned itself as a voice for the New York wine industry and successfully defeated legislation harmful to consumer choice and New York's farm-beverage based community. 

  • Advocate for an open market:
        One of NYWIA's historical focuses has been to advocate for open market within New York State. NYWIA champions legislative solutions which grant the most freedom to the industry and associates while informing and protecting customers. We believe that an integral way to allow the industry to thrive is to broaden the market of NYS Wines in New York State. 

Want to help us make a difference? 

For the advancement of the NY Wine Industry