Archive: Around Town

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Wednesday the winners of the 34th annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation highlighting the best of New York's wine. This year, the Governor's Cup, the most esteemed award given at the Classic, was presented to Six Mile Creek Vineyard's 2016 Cabernet Franc from the Finger Lakes region. In addition, Wagner Vineyards from the Finger Lakes region was presented with the 'Winery of the Year' award. The Specialty Wine Champion award, reserved for wines made fruit or meads, was given to Johnson Estate Winery for their Passionate Peach fruit wine.

"The winners of the New York Wine Classic represent the very best of New York's wineries and the innovation and high-quality production that goes into making these award-winning wines cannot be understated," Governor Cuomo said. "New York is proud to support these wineries and grape growers for their accomplishments, and they are a critical component of our tourism and agricultural industries in New York. We're excited to welcome wine lovers everywhere to New York State so that they can experience our wines for themselves."

"New York is home to some of the best wineries, and the New York Wine Classic highlights the great beverages our local producers have to offer," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Through the state's investment in the industry, we are committed to ensuring that producers and wineries have the support to continue to grow and succeed."

The Governor's Cup, a large silver chalice, recognizes the "Best of Show" or top prize of all entries in the New York Wine Classic. The "Winery of the Year" award is presented to the winery with the best overall showing based on the level and number of awards in relation to entries. The Governor's Cup and Winery of the Year winners will be presented with their awards at a special event later this summer.

Known as "The Oscars" of New York wine competitions, the New York Wine Classic is open to the more than 458 wineries across the state. The wine competition took place over the last three days in Watkins Glen, NY and included 883 entries from 113 wineries from across the state. A total of 31 Double Gold, 56 Gold, 287 Silver, and 320 Bronze medals were awarded by a panel of more than 20 expert judges from around the state and globe.

Samuel Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, said, "The New York Wine Classic is one of our largest annual events honoring the best of New York Wines. We are thrilled with the turnout this year. The Classic and our annual NY Drinks NY event continue to help New York shine as a truly exciting and innovative wine region."

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

"Best of Category" winners:

Best Sparkling Wine
Harbes Vineyard, Blanc de Blancs

Best White Wine
Wagner Vineyards, 2017 Dry Riesling, Estate Grown

Best Rosé Wine
Coffee Pot Cellars, 2018 Rosé

Best Red Wine
Six Mile Creek Vineyard, 2016 Cabernet Franc

Best Dessert Wine
Vineyard View Winery, 2017 Ice Wine

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

Best Oaked Chardonnay
Lieb Cellars, 2018 Chardonnay

Best Unoaked Chardonnay
Toro Run Winery, 2018 Chardonnay, Estate Grown

Best Overall Chardonnay
Lieb Cellars, 2018 Chardonnay

Best Gewurztraminer
Sheldrake Point Winery, 2017 Gewurztraminer, Estate Grown

Best Dry Riesling
Wagner Vineyards, 2017 Dry Riesling, Estate Grown

Best Medium Dry Riesling
Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard, 2015 Riesling

Best Medium Sweet Riesling
Anthony Road Wine Company, 2015 Riesling

Best Overall Riesling
Wagner Vineyards, 2017 Dry Riesling, Estate Grown

Best Pinot Gris
The Lenz Winery, 2015 Pinot Gris

Best Sauvignon Blanc
Hosmer Winery, 2018 Sauvignon Blanc

Best Other Hybrid White Varietal
Deer Run Winery, Aromella

Best Other Native White Varietal
Lakewood Vineyards, 2018 Niagara

Best Rosé
Coffee Pot Cellars, 2018 Rosé

Best Cabernet Sauvignon
The Lenz Winery, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Best Merlot
Clovis Point, 2015 Vintners Select Merlot

Best Cabernet Franc
Six Mile Creek Vineyard, 2016 Cabernet Franc

Best Marquette
Victory View Vineyard, 2015 Independence

Best Syrah
Harbes Vineyard, 2015 Syrah

Best Red Vinifera Blend
Osprey's Dominion Vineyards, 2013 Flight Meritage, Estate Grown

Best Other Red Vinifera Varietal
Clovis Point, 2017 Petit Verdot

Best Other Red Hybrid Varietal
Vizcarra Vineyards at Becker Farms, 2018 Quaker Red Rougeon

Best Red Blend (Non-Vinifera)
Montezuma Winery, NV Canvasback Red

Best Late Harvest
Colloca Estate Winery, 2017 Dolce Riesling Lake Effect Vineyard ®

Best Ice Wine
Vineyard View Winery, 2017 Ice Wine

Best Traditional Method Sparkling
Harbes Vineyard, Blanc de Blancs

Best Forced Carbonation Method Sparkling
Tug Hill Vineyards, 2018 Bubbly Blush

Best Fortified Wine
Anyela's Vineyards, 2009 Final Approach

Best Fruit Wine
Johnson Estate Winery LLC, Passionate Peach

Wagner Creek Vineyard Owner John Wagner said, "We are extremely proud to receive the honor of Winery of the Year at this year's New York Wine Classic. Our team has worked tirelessly to strive for excellence for 40 years now - what a way to cap off a season of celebration at Wagner Vineyards!"

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