Governor Kathy Hochul announced the winners of the 40th annual New York Wine Classic on Tuesday, recognizing the excellence and diversity of the state’s wine industry.
Ryan William Vineyard, located in the Finger Lakes region, earned the prestigious Governor’s Cup for its 2025 Pinot Blanc. Weis Vineyards, also from the Finger Lakes, was named Winery of the Year, marking its third consecutive win and fourth overall title. The winners were revealed during a live virtual event hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.
The competition, which is considered one of the most respected wine contests in the country, featured more than 100 wineries and over 700 wine entries. A panel of experts from the Beverage Testing Institute, consisting of sommeliers, beverage directors, educators, and retail buyers, served as judges. The competition awarded a total of 14 Platinum, 282 Gold, 296 Silver, and 106 Bronze medals.
Category winners included Milea Family Wines Hudson Valley Vineyards for Best Sparkling, Ryan William Vineyard for Best White, Weis Vineyards for both Best Pink and Best Dessert, and Millbrook Vineyards & Winery for Best Red.
State officials highlighted the economic and cultural importance of the industry. Governor Hochul noted that the state’s award-winning producers showcase New York’s agricultural heritage and innovation while supporting jobs and enhancing the state’s reputation as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts. Hope Knight, president and CEO of Empire State Development, added that the craftsmanship of the state’s winemakers bolsters tourism and encourages long-term local and state investment.
The New York Wine Classic highlights the range of wines produced across various American Viticultural Areas, including the Finger Lakes, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Niagara Escarpment, Lake Erie, the Upper Hudson, the Hudson River Region, and the Champlain Valley of New York. Sam Filler, executive director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, stated that New York’s cool-climate regions are exceptionally well-suited for producing the elegant and complex wine styles currently sought by consumers.
