The staff of the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is committed to providing grape growers in the Lake Erie Region and beyond with cutting edge, research-based information to help them improve the productivity and sustainability of their vineyards and the quality of the fruit that they produce. We work with researchers and extension staff from Cornell and other institutions to create informative extension materials and programs that help to keep grape growing a viable and profitable industry that enhances the communities of the Lake Erie Region of Western New York. 

Terry Bates

Director, Cornell Lake Erie Research & Extension

Areas of Interest: Viticulture Research in the Lake Erie Grape Production Region

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Andrew Holden

LERGP Business Management Educator

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Jennifer Russo

Team Leader, Viticulturalist

Areas of Interest: Viticulture

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Megan Luke

PSU Viticulture and Tree Fruit Educator

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Kim Knappenberger

Extension Specialist

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2026 LERGP Winter Grape Grower Conference

March 19, 2026 : 2026 LERGP Annual Winter Grape Grower Conference
Fredonia, NY

2026 NYSDEC How to Get Certified Course

April 8, 2026 : NYSDEC How to Get Certified Training Course and Exam Registration
Portland, NY

LERGP Coffee Pot Meeting #1 -Sprayer Calibration

May 6, 2026 : LERGP Coffee Pot Meeting- Sprayer Calibration
Portland, NY

Updated Grants & Programs Available February 2026

Andrew Holden, LERGP, Penn State  Business Management Educator, has updated this resource to show all grants and programs that are or will soon become available.  Check out the handout here.

LERGP Podcasts- check them out!

LERGP POD CASTS