Eastern Promises: Appellations and Precision
Jim Meyers, Viticulture Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

Viticultural diversity is central to the collective identity of eastern New York wine culture. From the viewpoint of a consumer, diversity is manifest in a broad variety of grape cultivars and wine styles ranging from local expressions of ancient Bordeaux blends in the Hudson Valley, to the recently developed and less globally recognized grapes and wine styles of the Champlain Valley. There are additional brand differentiators across the region such as local history, varying philosophies of chemical use in the vineyard, and favored enological techniques, bot the products are significantly constrained by the expression of one key evolutionary force: local air temperature.
Eastern Promises: Appellations and Precision (pdf; 2821KB)

Upcoming Events
Leading the Farm Team: Supervisory Skills for New Managers
April 14, 2026 : Session 1: Becoming a Supervisor
The transition from working alongside employees to supervising them can be challenging. This session explores the shift from individual contributor to supervisor and the mindset and skills needed to lead a team effectively. Participants will learn about the role of a supervisor, key leadership behaviors, and how to build trust and credibility with employees.
April 21, 2026 : Session 2: Improving Performance
This session will introduce the performance triad—clear expectations, training, and feedback—to support employee success. We will discuss practical communication strategies, how to give constructive feedback, and how supervisors can help employees improve their performance over time.
April 28, 2026 : Session 3: Managing Conflict
Supervisors are responsible for maintaining a professional and respectful workplace. This session covers some of the legal and ethical responsibilities of supervisors and the responsibilities managers have in addressing workplace concerns.
Participants will also explore common sources of workplace conflict, learn to recognize potential biases that can influence management decisions, and discuss practical approaches for addressing difficult situations and resolving conflicts at work.
