Field Notes

News and Updates from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation

The New York Wine Classic

Fulkerson Winery Wins ‘Best Pink Wine’ in New York Wine Classic

With more and more wine lovers eager to think and drink pink, Fulkerson Winery has had a lot to celebrate since first launching its line of Syrah Rosé. That the wine was even released, never mind won ‘Best Pink Wine’ is a coup in and of itself, its sixth-generation owner and operator admits. “I was very reluctant to use Syrah for rosé because it’s such a rare grape in the

In a Region That’s ‘Built for Sparkling,’ Damiani’s 2017 Brut Comes Out on Top in the 2024 New York Wine Classic

“Only the unimaginative can fail to find a reason for drinking Champagne,” playwright and poet Oscar Wilde is quoted as saying, and he’s not wrong—but we’d go even further. There is never a wrong time to sip a well-made sparkling wine. It goes with every meal, every celebration, every moment alone sitting on your front porch.  New York wine producers technically can’t make Champagne. That honorific can be given only

The Pioneering Dr. Konstantin Frank Wins Best White for Reserve Riesling

It seems fitting that the winery that launched a vinifera revolution in the Finger Lakes and reinvigorated wine lovers’ passion for Riesling snagged Best White for its 2022 Reserve Riesling in this year’s New York Wine Classic. “My great-grandfather was a researcher and scientist, and his approach is foundational to what we do here today,” says Meaghan Frank, who joined her family’s winery, Dr. Konstantin Frank, 11 years ago and

From a Perfect Vintage, Raphael Wine’s 2019 Reserve Cabernet Franc Wins Best Red in the 2024 New York Wine Classic

In the U.S. no regulation stipulates what can be labeled as a reserve wine. But a winery that’s focused on quality and authenticity will bottle a reserve wine only when it’s truly warranted. “It’s not every year we can do the reserve wines, but when the vintage is spectacular we will,” says Julia Petrocelli-Vergari, owner-operator of Raphael Wine in Peconic. “The 2019 vintage was perfect. The stars were aligned. I

Weis Vineyards Wins Winery of the Year and Governor’s Cup for Best Dessert Wine

Six generations of know-how and passion spread across two continents went into Weis Vineyards’ wins at the 38th Annual New York Wine Classic. “I grew up on vineyards in the Mosel,” says Hans Peter Weis, the German-born winemaker and co-owner of Weis Vineyards with his wife Ashlee Weis. “Winegrowing and winemaking have always been a part of my life, and my family’s life going back six generations in the Mosel.

three wine glasses against black background. Red wine is being poured into the center glass.

Governor Hochul Announces Winners of the 2024 New York Wine Classic 

Weis Vineyards Named Winery of the Year Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the winners of the 38th Annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine industry. Weis Vineyards, located in the Finger Lakes region, took home the two top awards in the 2024 Competition. They were honored as Winery of the Year, and their 2018 Riesling Ice Wine was awarded the prestigious

New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony

The 2024 New York Wine Classic Award winners will be honored on Wednesday, July 17th at 6:00PM EST in a live virtual ceremony hosted by Wanda Mann. Organized annually by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, the New York Wine Classic celebrates a diverse selection of world-class wines from producers within the State. NYWGF has partnered again with the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) to judge wines submitted. Scores will be awarded by BevTest’s

2024 New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony to be Hosted by Wanda Mann, East Coast Editor of ‘The SOMM Journal’, and Founder of ‘Wine With Wanda’ 

PENN YAN, NY– The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce that the 2024 New York Wine Classic Award winners will be honored on Wednesday, July 17th at 6:00PM EST in a live virtual ceremony hosted by Wanda Mann.    The New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony will reveal and celebrate the prestigious “Governor’s Cup” (Best Wine), “Winery of the Year” (Best Overall Showing by a Winery), and

New York Wine Classic 2024: The Ultimate Celebration of New York Wines 

PENN YAN, NY – March 1, 2024 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2024 New York Wine Classic, the ultimate celebration of New York wines. This annual wine competition, now in its 38th year, recognizes excellence in winemaking and provides an important platform for New York wineries to showcase their products to a global audience.  The New York Wine Classic is open to

Alethea Damianos Conroy

Family Behind Jason’s Vineyard Toasts to a Sparkling Legacy & Future

New York is justly celebrated for the incredible diversity of the wine that it produces, from grape varieties to styles. In sparkling form, everything from rustic Pet-Nat to meticulously crafted and aged traditional methode champenoise can be found. But the one that is really turning heads this year is a 2021 Bubbly Rosé from Jason’s Vineyard. The New York Wine Classic 2023, which celebrates the diversity of wine in New

Wölffer Estate’s Roman Roth Says New York Classic Awards Sweep Confirms Bullish Stance on New York Wine

“We didn’t just win awards in one or two vintages, we won awards across four vintages,” says Wölffer Estate Vineyard’s winemaker and partner Roman Roth. “To me, that says a lot about the quality of the wine being made in New York overall.” Roth was referring, of course, to the New York Wine Classic 2023, which celebrates the diversity of wine in New York State. This year, 749 wines were

Keuka Spring’s Dan Bissell Approaches Each Vintage Individually

“Blaufrankisch is a variety that we really believe in for the region,” says Dan Bissell, head winemaker for Keuka Spring Winery in the Finger Lakes. Also called Lemberger by some of the wineries in the region, there are an estimated 70 acres of Blaufrankisch planted throughout New York state. The majority of them are found in the Finger Lakes, and the low acreage does not indicate it’s a new grape.

For Boundary Breaks, An Unusual Wine Is the Standout White of the Year

Something surprising happened at the 2023 New York Wine Classic competition. The top white wine was a 2022 Gewurztraminer, not a grape that the state is particularly known for unless you’re really into New York wine. And, it was a medium-dry Gewurztraminer, adding to the surprise.  But Bruce Murray, who co-owns Boundary Breaks in Lodi on Seneca Lake with his wife Diana Lyttle, isn’t surprised this particular bottle from his

Paumanok Vineyards Winemaker Reflects on Winery of the Year and Governor’s Cup Win

“I was speechless,” says Kareem Massoud, a second-generation winemaker at Paumanok Vineyards in Aquebogue, Long Island. Kareem was referring to the recent honors he received at the New York Wine Classic 2023, which celebrates the diversity of wine in New York State. This year, 749 wines were entered from 108 wineries across the state. Scores were awarded by the Beverage Testing Institute’s sensory panel, made up of sommeliers, retail buyers,

three wine glasses against black background. Red wine is being poured into the center glass.

Governor Hochul Announces Winners of the 2023 New York Wine Classic

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the winners of the 37th Annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine industry. The competition’s 2023 Governor’s Cup was presented to Paumanok Vineyards 2019 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc from Long Island. In addition, Paumanok Vineyards was also honored with the Winery of the Year award. The Governor made the announcement this evening during a special live virtual

New York Wine Classic 2023 Awards Ceremony

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is pleased to announce the 2023 New York Wine Classic Award winners on July 13th at 6:00PM EST in a live virtual ceremony hosted by returning guest host Karen MacNeil, author of the Wine Bible. The New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony will reveal and celebrate the prestigious “Governor’s Cup” (Best Wine), “Winery of the Year” (Best Overall Showing by a Winery), and

2023 New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony to be Hosted By Karen MacNeil

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Venezia-RossPhone: 1 (518) 229-3765Email: [email protected] PENN YAN NY, June 12, 2023 –  The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce that the 2023 New York Wine Classic Award winners will be honored on July 13th at 6:00PM EST in a live virtual ceremony hosted by Karen MacNeil.   The New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony will reveal and celebrate the prestigious “Governor’s Cup” (Best Wine), “Winery

three wine glasses against black background. Red wine is being poured into the center glass.

New York Wine Classic 2023: The Ultimate Celebration of New York Wines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Contact: Valerie Venezia-Ross Phone: 1 (518) 229-3765 Email: [email protected] PENN YAN, NY – March 1, 2023 – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2023 New York Wine Classic, the ultimate celebration of New York wines. This annual wine competition, now in its 37th year, recognizes excellence in winemaking, and provides an important platform for New York wineries to showcase their products to a global audience. The

Having Found Its Style, New York’s Winery of the Year Weis Vineyards Is Finding Its Stride

“Quality all starts with the grapes,” says Peter Weis, co-owner of Weis Vineyards in Keuka Lake. In 2017, Weis and his wife Ashlee bought a small existing winery in Hammondsport. In the span of five years, they have turned quality grapes from the Finger Lakes into quality wine from Weis Vineyards. They’ve quickly become a celebrated winery in the region, earning the “Winery of the Year” award in the 2022

Finger Lakes Sparkling Wine: The Next “Big Buzz”

The early history of vinifera grape growing in the colder climates on the East Coast goes something like this: Vinifera was planted. It died. Grape growers and winemakers gave up and chose to use native grapes for wine, eventually turning to hybrid grapes, too.  That’s an overly simplified version of how it unfolded, but for the most part, people believed growing vinifera in the cold and wet climate of the

Wölffer’s Wins (and Wines) Are Defined By Passion, Tradition and Innovation

Since 1988, Wölffer Estate Vineyards has been walking a fine line between innovation and elegance. It is rare indeed for a winery to coax former Long Island potato fields into producing wines that consistently earn 93+ point raves from Robert Parker while also cranking out fun, beach-worthy ciders infused with botanicals.  Roman Roth, Winemaker. (Photo by Rima Brindamour) From the outside, it may seem incomprehensible. But few in the industry

Keuka Lake Vineyards’ Unconventional Success Story Continues With Best Red Trophy

Keuka Lake Vineyards snagged Best Red Wine at the 2022 New York Wine Classic for their 2020 Leon Millot, adding another accolade to an unconventional success story for the small, farmstead winery in the Finger Lakes.  The New York Wine Classic’s judging process is comprehensive and painstaking: between April 15 and June 15, 694 entries from 101 wineries across the Empire State are sipped, assessed and analyzed. A total of

Governor’s Cup Winner Hazlitt 1852 Shines Spotlight on Native Grapes

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards has a long agricultural history that goes well beyond wine. The winery’s name itself reveals a bit of its story.  In 1852, the Hazlitt family purchased 153 acres in Hector, NY, already planted with fruit trees and vineyards. And while grapes thrived there for more than a century, the winery itself didn’t come along until 1985. In the 37 years since the family became winemakers, Hazlitt 1852

New York State Announces Top Winners of the 2022 New York Wine Classic

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the top winners of the 36th annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine. Governor Hochul made the announcement this evening during a special live virtual event hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. This year, the Governor’s Cup was presented to two wineries in a surprise tie for the competition’s most esteemed award. The

karen macneil

2022 New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony to be Hosted By Karen MacNeil, Author of The Wine Bible and creator of WineSpeed

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce that the 2022 New York Wine Classic Award winners will be honored on July 12th at 6:00PM EST in a live virtual ceremony hosted by Karen MacNeil.   The New York Wine Classic Awards Ceremony will reveal and celebrate the prestigious “Governor’s Cup” (Best Wine), “Winery of the Year” (Best Overall Showing by a Winery), and “Best in Category”

2022 New York Wine Classic Virtual Awards Ceremony

You are invited to attend the New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s Live Awards Ceremony announcing the Winners of the 36th New York Wine Classic competition on July 12th at 6:00pm/EST. This online event will reveal and celebrate the “Best in Category” winners, as well as the prestigious Governor’s Cup (Best Wine) and Winery of the Year (Best Overall Showing by a Winery) Winners. You will also learn more about

NYWGF Issues RFP for Conference & Event Management

The mission of the NYWGF is to promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from our diverse regions to responsibly benefit farmers, producers and consumers through innovative marketing, research, communication, and advocacy. To accomplish our mission and meet industry needs, we are excited to be leading two (2) important events over the next year, the B.E.V. NY Conference (March 2022) and the New York Wine Classic Awards

ten selections of cheese on a wood cutting board, seen from above.

10 Winning Cheeses for the 2021 New York Wine Classic Winners

A good rule of thumb – if it grows together, it goes together. A French wine has a high likelihood of pairing successfully with a French cheese! (Assuming you don’t forget about BALANCE.) These things share terroir – a sense of place! With that in mind, I tried to offer an American artisan cheese suggestion when it fits, four of which hail from the Empire State. I also considered the ancestral home of each grape and their local pairings!

Top Awards Announced from the 2021 New York Wine Classic

Last night, the New York Wine & Grape foundation announced the top winners of the 35th annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement during a special live virtual event.  This year, the Governor’s Cup, the most esteemed award given at the Classic, was presented to Pindar Vineyards for its 2019 Dr. Dan’s Signature Collection, Gewurztraminer from the Long Island region. In addition, Paumanok Vineyards from Long Island was presented with the ‘Winery of the Year’ award.

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation Announces “Best of Class” from the 2021 New York Wine Classic

Known as “The Oscars®” of New York wine competitions, the Classic is organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. New this year, NYWGF partnered with the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) to judge wines submitted from across New York state. A total of 1 Platinum, 138 Gold, 355 Silver, and 104 Bronze medals were awarded by BTI’s trained sensory panel comprised of beverage directors, sommeliers, top bartenders, retail buyers and educators.

logo for New York Wine Classic

New York Wine Classic Awards Presentation

You are invited to attend the New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s Live Awards Ceremony announcing the winners of the 35th New York Wine Classic competition on March 18th at 6:00pm/EST. This online event will reveal and celebrate the “Best in Category” winners, as well as the prestigious Governor’s Cup (Best Wine) and Winery of the Year (Best Overall Showing by a Winery) Winners. You will also learn more about