Winners of the 2018 New York Wine Classic announced

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the winners of the 33rd New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York's wine and ciders. This year, the Governor's Cup, the most esteemed award given at the Classic, was presented to Keuka Spring Vineyards, 2017 Gewürztraminer from the Finger Lakes region. The first ever Governor's Cider Cup was awarded to Kite & String's "Pioneer Pippin" cider. In addition, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery from the Finger Lakes region was presented with the 'Winery of the Year' award. The Governor's announcement of the Governor's Cup coincides with a current USA Today poll that has the Finger Lakes leading as the best wine region in the country.  

"New York's world-renowned wineries and cideries are second to none and help drive tourism, strengthen local economies and create jobs across the state," Governor Cuomo said. "The annual New York Wine Classic celebrates and recognizes the best of the best of our craft beverage industry, and I congratulate the winners and encourage those interested to try these world-class products for themselves."

 

"New York is home to some of the best wineries and cideries, and this competition highlights the many craft beverages our local producers have to offer," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Through the state's investment in the craft beverage industry, we're ensuring that producers have the support to continue to grow and succeed."  

Known as "The Oscars" of New York wine competitions, the Classic is organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and is open to the more than 440 New York wineries across the state. This year's competition included 924 individual entries: 853 New York wines and 71 hard ciders from across the State. 

The Governor also announced the following "Best of Category" and "Best of Class" winners for wine:

 

"Best of Category" winners:

 

Best Sparkling Wine

Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery, 2008 Brut Seduction Méthode Champenoise

 

Best White Wine

Keuka Spring Vineyards, 2017 Gewürztraminer

 

Best Pink Wine

Sheldrake Point, 2017 Dry Rosé

 

Best Red Wine

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, 2016 Blaüfrankisch

 

Best Dessert Wine

Brotherhood Winery, 2017 Late Harvest Riesling

 

"Best of Class" awards go to Double Gold or Gold medal wines in classes of at least seven wines:

 

Best Oaked Chardonnay

Macari Vineyards, 2015 Chardonnay Reserve

 

Best Unoaked Chardonnay

Osmote Wines, 2017 Cayuga Lake Chardonnay

 

Best Overall Chardonnay

Osmote Wines, 2017 Cayuga Lake Chardonnay

 

Best Gewürztraminer

Keuka Spring Vineyards, 2017 Gewürztraminer

 

Best Dry Riesling

Heron Hill Winery, 2016 Riesling Reserve

 

Best Medium Dry Riesling

Hosmer Winery, 2016 Limited Release Riesling

 

Best Medium Sweet Riesling

Boundary Breaks, 2017 Riesling Reserve #198

 

Best Sweet Riesling

Fox Run Vineyards, 2016 Lot 11 Lake Dana Riesling

 

Best Overall Riesling

Hosmer Winery, 2016 Limited Release Riesling

 

Best Pinot Gris

Lakewood Vineyards, 2017 Pinot Gris

 

Best Grüner Veltliner

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, 2014 Grüner Veltliner

 

Best Vinifera White Blend

Atwater Estate Vineyards, 2016 Riewurz

 

Best Traminette

Thirsty Owl Wine Company, 2016 Traminette

 

Best Rosé

Sheldrake Point Winery, 2017 Dry Rosé

 

Best Blush

Owera Vineyards, 2017 Cazenovia Blush

 

Best Cabernet Sauvignon

Brotherhood Winery, 2015 New York Icon Cabernet Sauvignon, Single Vineyard

 

Best Merlot

Brotherhood Winery, 2014 New York Icon Merlot, Single Vineyard

 

Best Pinot Noir

Winery of Ellicottville, 2016 Pinot Noir

 

Best Cabernet Franc

Heron Hill Winery, 2016 Classic Cabernet Franc

 

Best Lemberger/Blaufrankisch

Dr. Konstantin Frank, 2016 Blaufrankisch

 

Best Syrah

Harbes Vineyard, 2014 Syrah

 

Best Red Vinifera Blend

Harbes Vineyard, 2014 Red Blend, Proprietor's Reserve

 

Best Hybrid Red Varietal

Vineyard View Winery, 2016 Marquette

 

Best Late Harvest

Brotherhood Winery, 2017 Late Harvest Riesling

 

Best Ice Wine

Hunt Country Vineyards, 2016 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine

 

Best Vinifera Sparkling White

Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery, 2008 Brut Seduction Méthode Champenoise