Submissions are now open for the 2026 competition, celebrating the excellence and diversity of New York wines.
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is proud to announce that submissions are now open for the 2026 New York Wine Classic, marking the 40th anniversary of the state’s premier wine competition.
For four decades, the New York Wine Classic has recognized excellence in winemaking and celebrated the remarkable diversity of wines produced across New York State. Since its founding, the competition has served as a platform for wineries to showcase their craft, gain industry recognition, and highlight the quality and innovation that define New York wines.
The 2026 competition is expected to feature more than 600 wines from approximately 100 wineries across the state. Wines will be blind-tasted and evaluated by a panel of expert judges from the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest), a globally respected organization known for its rigorous and professional beverage evaluations.
Medals will be awarded across a range of categories, including Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, along with Best of Class honors. Top-scoring wines will also compete for the competition’s most prestigious awards: the Governor’s Cup, recognizing the best wine in the competition, and Winery of the Year, awarded to the winery demonstrating exceptional overall performance.
Beyond the medals, the New York Wine Classic plays an important role in telling the story of New York wine. Over the past forty years, wines recognized in the competition have helped shape the reputation of New York as one of the most exciting and diverse wine regions in the United States. Winning wineries and wines are highlighted throughout the year through digital features, storytelling, and industry outreach designed to spotlight the talent, innovation, and craftsmanship of New York winemakers.
“As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the New York Wine Classic, we are proud to continue a tradition that recognizes the dedication and creativity of New York’s winemakers,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. “This competition reflects the incredible progress our industry has made and provides an opportunity to spotlight the wines and wineries shaping the future of New York wine.”
Since its inception, the New York Wine Classic has highlighted wines made from a wide range of grape varieties and production styles — from classic vinifera wines like Riesling and Cabernet Franc to hybrid wines like Traminette and Seyval Blanc, to native grapes, fruit wines, and honey wines — reflecting the rich agricultural heritage and innovation of New York’s producers.
Wineries across the state are invited to submit their wines for consideration in this milestone 40th anniversary competition.
The deadline to submit entries is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
For competition details and entry information, visit:
newyorkwines.org/classic
