About Us

The Finger Lakes Grape Program is a regional agricultural extension program of Cornell Cooperative Extension. We provide unbiased, research-based information to the region’s grape growers in areas including vineyard and pest management practices, new vineyard establishment, farm business management, marketing and business development and more as a means of supporting the industry’s growth and long-term sustainability. This information is distributed to growers by a variety of means, including printed and electronic communications, field meetings and workshops, and an annual winter conference.

The Finger Lakes Grape Program is supported, in part, by six Cornell Cooperative Extension county associations.

Specialists

Ellen Coyne
Ellen, a native of Rochester, New York, is a 20-year Navy veteran, who has spent the last 20 years falling back in love with her hometown, and, by extension, the Finger Lakes region. She joined the Finger Lakes Grape Program in 2018 as a summer intern while she completed her studies in Viticulture...
Brittany Griffin
Rachael Munroe profile picture
Rachael Munroe
Rachael joined the Finger Lakes Grape Program in August of 2025. As an extension aide, Rachael conducts field research and supports outreach activities. She is a recent graduate from the University of Vermont where she earned a BA in Environmental Science. Before joining the FLGP, she worked for the...
Hans Walter-Peterson in a vineyard
Hans Walter-Peterson
I am the viticulture extension specialist and team leader for the Finger Lakes Grape Program . My outreach and research program covers a wide range of topics, including: Vineyard practices that improve vine health, productivity, and fruit quality Pest management strategies that promote both economic...