Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the winners of the 2025 New York Wine Classic, which honors excellence within the state’s wine industry. The prestigious Governor’s Cup went to Rose Hill Vineyards from Long Island for their 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon. Meanwhile, Weis Vineyards from the Finger Lakes was named Winery of the Year for the second consecutive year and the third time overall.

The Governor’s Cup represents the best of all entries, highlighting the quality of wines produced in New York. In addition to the top honors, various other awards were given for specific categories, recognizing wineries across several wine types including sparkling, white, red, pink, dessert, and specialty wines.

Notable winners included:

• Best Sparkling: 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

Hochul expressed her congratulations to all participating wineries, noting the impressive caliber of New York wines produced by dedicated winery owners and farmers statewide.

Now in its 39th year, the New York Wine Classic continues to showcase a diverse range of wine recipes and flavors from various American Viticultural Areas, including Lake Erie, Niagara Escarpment, Finger Lakes, Upper Hudson, Hudson River Region, Champlain Valley of New York, and Long Island.

According to Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, the Classic celebrates not only exceptional wine but also the passion and resilience of the industry, providing a platform that highlights the creativity of winemakers and growers. This year, the competition awarded a total of 12 platinum, 261 gold, 299 silver, and 80 bronze medals, judged by a panel of experts from the wine industry.

For more information about American Viticultural Areas, you can visit the TTB website.