We are proud to share that Wölffer Estate CEO Max Rohn has been named one of SevenFifty Daily's 2026 Drinks Innovators, an annual recognition honoring the people and organizations "whose innovation, leadership, and advocacy are shaping the future of beverage."
Max was recognized for his leadership in co-founding Cab Franc Forward, a collaborative initiative launched with Gabriella Macari of Macari Vineyards to position Cabernet Franc as New York State's defining grape.
As SevenFifty Daily writes, "When Macari Vineyards' Gabriella Macari and Wölffer Estate's Max Rohn started comparing notes, they realized Cabernet Franc had become more than a bright spot for New York wine—it was an opportunity to rethink how American wine regions build identity."
What began with just eight founding wineries has grown into a statewide movement bringing together producers from Long Island, the Finger Lakes, and the Hudson Valley. Today, Cab Franc Forward has become a powerful example of how collaboration can elevate an entire wine region.
SevenFifty Daily notes that, "By its second grand tasting, 40 wineries were pouring Cabernet Franc for more than 600 trade and consumer attendees, with sold-out seminars and growing engagement from media, sommeliers, retailers, and educators."
The publication concludes that "Cab Franc Forward is demonstrating how regional collaboration can create momentum that no single producer could build alone." We couldn't agree more. At Wölffer Estate, we believe the future of New York wine is built through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Congratulations to Max, our partners at Cab Franc Forward, and all of this year's SevenFifty Daily Drinks Innovators.
Read SevenFifty Daily's full feature on the 2026 Drinks Innovators HERE.
