New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s Annual Awards Showcase the Best Wines in the Empire State
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the winners of the 39th Annual New York Wine Classic, the premier wine competition celebrating the best of New York’s vibrant and world-class wine industry.
This year’s top honor was awarded to Rose Hill Vineyards, who received the prestigious Governor’s Cup for their exceptional 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon from Long Island. Weis Vineyards has been named Winery of the Year for the second consecutive year—and the third time overall—in recognition of their outstanding performance across multiple categories. These accolades reflect a continued tradition of excellence in winemaking, as well as the creativity, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality that define New York’s top producers.
“Congratulations to Rose Hill Vineyards, Weis Vineyards, and all of the wineries who joined this competition,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “The New York Wine Classic celebrates the very best of the state’s wine and grape industry, which is widely recognized across the globe for producing high-quality unique varietals that continue to set us apart as leaders in the industry. From Lake Erie to the Finger Lakes to Long Island, and across the State, the caliber of New York wines made by our hard-working winery owners and farmers— is second to none.”
Organized annually by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF), the New York Wine Classic has showcased the excellence of New York’s wine industry since its inception in 1985. Now one of the most respected wine competitions in the country, the Classic highlights the impressive range of wines produced across the state’s distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) – including Lake Erie, Niagara Escarpment, Finger Lakes, Upper Hudson, Hudson River Region, Champlain Valley of New York, and Long Island. The competition serves as a powerful platform to recognize the skilled winemakers, passionate growers, and regional diversity that continue to elevate New York’s global wine reputation.
The Governor’s Cup is awarded to the wine deemed “Best in Show,” while Winery of the Year honors are given to the producer with the most outstanding overall performance across categories. Additional honors are awarded in various categories including Best Sparkling, White, Red, Pink, Dessert, Specialty, and more.
For the fifth consecutive year, NYWGF partnered with the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) to manage the judging process. BevTest’s expert panel—comprising sommeliers, beverage directors, educators, retail buyers, and seasoned industry professionals—uses a blind tasting format to ensure fairness and consistency throughout the competition.
This year, more than 100 wineries submitted nearly 700 wines, demonstrating the strength and growing reach of New York’s wine industry. In total, 12 Platinum, 261 Gold, 299 Silver, and 80 Bronze medals were awarded.
“The New York Wine Classic celebrates more than just great wine – it tells the story of a passionate, resilient, and innovative industry that continues to elevate its craft year after year,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director of the NYWGF. “This competition is a platform for honoring the skill and creativity of our winemakers and growers while helping consumers discover the quality and diversity of New York wine.”
The 2025 Awards Ceremony was hosted live by Wanda Mann, East Coast Editor of The SOMM Journal & Tasting Panel and founder of Wine With Wanda, marking her second year as host of the event.
“Once again, I am impressed and inspired by the winners of the New York Wine Classic,” said Mann. “The quality and array of the awarded wines solidifies New York’s status as a premier wine region where excellence and creativity flow in abundance. The Classic plays a pivotal role in putting a well-deserved spotlight on New York wines.”
2025 Governor’s Cup Winner
2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon, Rose Hill Vineyards, Long Island
2025 Winery of the Year
Weis Vineyards, Finger Lakes
2025 Best in Category Awards
Best Sparkling: Hudson Valley Vineyards Right Bank Blanc De Blancs, Hudson Valley
Best White Wine: Weis Vineyards 2024 Grüner Veltliner, Finger Lakes
Best Pink Wine: Weis Vineyards 2024 Dry Rosé, Finger Lakes
Best Red Wine: Rose Hill Vineyards 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon, Long Island
Best Dessert Wine: Billsboro Winery 2023 Après, Finger Lakes
Best Specialty Wine: Montezuma Winery Crimson Queen Cranberry & Rhubarb
“Wow. We could not have dreamed of a better result to the first year of entering our wines in this competition, or a better wine to win,” said Ami Opisso, General Manager of Rose Hill Vineyards. “Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon is our vineyard’s crowned jewel. It exemplifies the quality, depth and longevity that can be achieved in New York State wines when the stars align: an exceptional vintage, a vineyard at the peak of sustainable health, and a talented, non-compromising, purist winemaker. Thank you so much for the recognition!”
“We’re incredibly honored, and still a little shocked, to be named Winery of the Year for the third time,” said Peter and Ashlee Weis, owners of Weis Vineyards. “It’s a true privilege to be recognized among so many outstanding New York producers. This award is a nod to the passion and hustle of our amazing team and grape growers; none of this would be possible without them. And to our community: thank you for cheering us on every step of the way. Zum Wohl!”
For a full list of Best in Class and medal winners, please visit newyorkwines.org/classic/new-york-wine-classic-2025.
