ALBANY, N.Y. — The 38th annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition, selected its winners on Wednesday during a live virtual event hosted by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation.
Weis Vineyards earned the two top awards in this years competition, Winery of the Year and the Governor’s Cup for their 2018 Riesling Ice Wine.
“New York State is home to a community of world-class winemakers producing high-quality, unique varietals that continue to set them apart as leaders in the industry,” Governor Hochul said. “The New York Wine Classic celebrates the very best of the state's wine and grape industry, and I am proud to support the innovation, growth, and success of our local farmers and wineries. I congratulate Weis Vineyards on receiving these distinguished awards, and all the wineries who joined in the competition.”
The Governor's Cup is the competition's most esteemed award which recognizes the "Best of Show" in the New York Wine Classic. The Winery of the Year award is given to the winery with the best overall showing based on the level and number of awards in relation to the entries.
NYWGF partnered with the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) to judge the competition. The judging panel included beverage directors, sommeliers, top bartenders, retail buyers, and educators. The ceremony was hosted by Wanda Mann, East Coast Editor of ‘The SOMM Journal’ and Founder of ‘Wine with Wanda.’
"We are so honored to receive the Governor’s Cup Award, and it is so exciting to see all the hard work our team put into this 2018 Riesling Ice Wine be rewarded! Riesling and Ice Wine hold a special place in our hearts, and we are thrilled to be recognized among such an outstanding group of New York producers," Weis Vineyards owner and winemaker Peter Weis said. "We can barely contain our excitement at receiving the Winery of the Year Award for the second time. It is truly an honor to be recognized among such an outstanding group of New York producers. This award represents the culmination of hard work by our entire team who we want to give a huge shout out to in appreciation."
In addition to winning the Governor’s Cup and Winery of the Year, Weis Vineyards also won the following awards:
- 2022 Dry, Riesling | Gold Medal
- 2022 Terroir Limestone, Riesling | Gold Medal
- 2022 Winzer Select A, Riesling | Gold Medal
- 2022 Gruner Veltliner | Gold Medal & Best Gruner Veltliner
- 2022 Heart of The Lake White, Aravelle (NY.81 | Gold Medal & Best Hybrid White Wine
- 2022 Chardonnay | Silver Medal
- 2022 Semi Dry, Riesling | Gold Medal
- 2021 Blaufrankisch | Silver Medal
- 2021 Winzer Select Edel Süss | Gold Medal
- 2018 Ice Wine, Riesling | Platinum Medal & Best Dessert Win
“Each year, wine enthusiasts and industry professionals eagerly anticipate the results of the New York Wine Classic, which serves as a grand celebration of our thriving industry," Executive Director of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation Samuel Filler said. "This competition shines a spotlight on the incredible wines being produced across the state, showcasing the unique characteristics of our terroir, and the dedication and passion of those who cultivate and produce these wines.”
The New York State Wine Classic had nearly 200 entries from over 90 wineries across the state.
“Best of Class” winners of the New York Wine Classic can be found here.
