Governor Kathy Hochul announces the winners of the 2025 New York Wine Classic celebrating the best in the state’s wine industry

New York – New York’s long-standing tradition of winemaking was in the spotlight once again as Governor Kathy Hochul officially announced the winners of the 39th Annual New York Wine Classic, a highly regarded competition celebrating the best wines and wineries across the state. This annual event, often seen as the “Oscars” for New York’s wine industry, gathered the finest producers from all corners of the Empire State, from the picturesque vineyards of the Finger Lakes to the thriving wineries on Long Island.

Rose Hill Vineyards, based on Long Island, secured the competition’s most prestigious honor — The Governor’s Cup — for its standout 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon, which judges praised for its remarkable quality and craftsmanship. In addition, Weis Vineyards, located in the Finger Lakes region, was recognized as Winery of the Year for the third time, solidifying its reputation as a leading force in New York’s dynamic and competitive wine industry.

The results were shared during a special virtual event hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF), which oversees the competition. The foundation has been central to spotlighting the innovation, resilience, and global appeal of New York’s wine sector, now recognized internationally for producing wines that rival the best from more established regions.

Governor Hochul praised the winners and the entire industry for their ongoing dedication to quality and craft. “Congratulations to Rose Hill Vineyards, Weis Vineyards, and all of the wineries who joined this competition,” she 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.”

A Showcase of Excellence Across the State

The New York Wine Classic serves as a vital platform to highlight the exceptional wines produced throughout the state’s varied American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), which include Lake Erie, Niagara Escarpment, Finger Lakes, Upper Hudson, Hudson River Region, Champlain Valley of New York, and Long Island. Each region contributes distinct characteristics to New York’s growing reputation for crafting world-class wines.

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The Governor’s Cup is reserved for the competition’s best wine overall, while the Winery of the Year title is awarded to the producer with the strongest overall performance across all categories, determined by the number and caliber of medals won. Additional honors include best wines in sparkling, white, red, pink, dessert, and specialty categories.

Over 100 wineries entered the competition this year, submitting nearly 700 wines for evaluation. In total, judges awarded 12 Platinum, 261 Gold, 299 Silver, and 80 Bronze medals. These numbers reflect not only the impressive quality but also the depth and variety of New York’s wine production.

Recognizing Craftsmanship and Dedication

Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, emphasized the significance of the competition, stating, “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. 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.”

For Rose Hill Vineyards, this year’s triumph is particularly meaningful, as it marked their first year entering the competition. General Manager Ami Opisso expressed excitement and gratitude for the recognition. “Wow. We could not have dreamed of a better result in the first year of entering our wines in this competition, or a better wine to win. 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!”

Weis Vineyards, under the guidance of Peter and Ashlee Weis, continues to set the standard for excellence in the Finger Lakes and beyond. Their recognition as Winery of the Year for the third time, and the second consecutive year, is a testament to their consistency and dedication. “We’re incredibly honored, and still a little shocked, to be named Winery of the Year for the third time. 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!”

Celebrating Category Winners

This year’s category winners further demonstrate the wide range of varietals and styles flourishing across New York. Standouts include:

• Best Sparkling Wine: Milea Family Wines 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 (Finger Lakes)

These honors reflect not only the traditional strengths of regions like the Finger Lakes in white and sparkling wines but also the emergence of unique offerings from other parts of the state.

A Nationally Recognized Judging Process

For the fifth consecutive year, the competition’s judging was conducted in collaboration with the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest), known for its stringent and impartial review process. Panels were made up of seasoned industry professionals, including sommeliers, educators, retail buyers, and beverage directors. Their combined expertise ensures that the awards reflect genuine excellence and adherence to the highest industry standards.

Industry Leaders Applaud the Winners

New York’s wine industry has not only become a source of pride for the state but also a driver of local economies through job creation, tourism, and export potential. Leaders from across the state hailed the winners and acknowledged the vital role of the competition.

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Richard A. Ball, New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner, highlighted the industry’s growing global reputation: “Our wine makers are gaining fast recognition across the globe for something we’ve long known: New York is a premier wine making region with some of the highest quality producers in the world. The prestigious New York Wine Classic helps us shine the spotlight on our industry and our producers, who are incredibly important to our agricultural industry, supporting our grape growers and helping to fuel our economy. Congratulations to all of the wineries who entered into this competition and who continue to set themselves apart by producing some of the very best wines in the world.”

Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner of Empire State Development, echoed these sentiments: “The annual New York Wine Classic celebrates not only the best wines from the Empire State but serves as an opportunity to recognize the workers and winemakers who act as the engine that drives this industry. Vineyards across the state support jobs, encourage tourism, and produce world-class wines that generate local and state revenue. Congratulations to this year’s winners, and thanks to all of this year’s participants for all of your hard work to sustain this vital and dynamic industry.”

Lily M. Fan, Chair of the State Liquor Authority, pointed to the growing stature of New York wines on the world stage: “New York is now the nation’s second-largest wine producer, with wines and grapes that consistently rank among the best in the world. The New York Wine Classic once again showcases the craftsmanship and creativity of our winemakers on a world-class stage. We thank our partners at the Department of Agriculture and Markets for their dedication to promoting New York’s wine industry. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the SLA remains focused on modernizing licensing and expanding access to New York-made wines in this rapidly evolving marketplace.”

Supporting an Industry from Farm to Glass

Elected officials also voiced support for the industry and the importance of celebrating its achievements. State Senator Michelle Hinchey emphasized the local agricultural impact: “From farm to glass, New York’s wine and grape industry is a cornerstone of our craft beverage sector, and the annual Wine Classic celebrates the exceptional wines being produced across our state. Congratulations to this year’s top winners and thank you to all the growers and winemakers who continue to elevate New York agriculture with their world-class products.”

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo added: “Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 New York Wine Classic, including Rose Hill Winery, recipient of the prestigious Governor’s Cup, and Weis Vineyards, Winery of the Year. This annual competition showcases New York’s world-class wines, and the talented winemakers and farmers who produce them. It has been a privilege to watch NY’s wine and grape industry garner attention for their outstanding varietals. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, the Beverage Testing Institute, and to all the participants for making this great event possible.”

Looking Ahead

With each passing year, the New York Wine Classic continues to elevate the state’s wine industry, providing a crucial platform to recognize excellence and promote the hard work of growers and winemakers. For those involved in the industry, and for wine enthusiasts across the country, the competition offers a compelling glimpse into the future of New York wines — a future marked by passion, innovation, and continued global recognition.

To see the full list of winners and learn more about the competition, visit newyorkwines.org/new-york-wine-classic-2025.