ALBANY — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the winners of the 32nd New York Wine & Food Classic — a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine, spirits and ciders. This year, the coveted Governor’s Cup trophy, the most esteemed award given at the Classic, was presented to Buttonwood Grove Winery from the Finger Lakes Region for their 2016 Riesling wine. In addition, CK Cellars/Torrey Ridge Winery also from the Finger Lakes and Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery from Long Island tied for the ‘Winery of the Year’ award.
“Across the state, New York’s wineries, distilleries and cideries are driving tourism, creating jobs and strengthening our economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “The annual New York Wine & Food Classic celebrates and recognizes the best of the best of this booming industry. I congratulate the winners and encourage New Yorkers to try these world-class products for themselves.”
Known as “The Oscars” of New York wine competitions, the Classic is organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and is open to the more than 420 New York wineries across the state. This year’s competition included 958 individual entries: 915 New York wines, 27 hard ciders and 16 craft spirits from Long Island, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, and Western New York and other regions.
Samuel Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, said, “We are proud to organize the New York Wine & Food Classic each year and recognize the excellence and diversity of New York wines, spirits and ciders. This is a very competitive competition. Every entry offers its own unique qualities and we applaud this year’s winners. We also thank Governor Cuomo and his administration for their continued support of the New York wine industry.”
New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “New York wines are among the best in the world, and the State’s top-notch agricultural sector is the foundation of every bottle. It is exciting to celebrate the collaboration of our growers and producers through this competition. I congratulate all of the winners, and I thank Governor Cuomo for his commitment to strengthening both industries, so the next generation of farmers and vintners may continue to build on these accomplishments.”
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Under the guidance of Governor Cuomo, New York State’s craft beverage industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, creating jobs and bringing new products to a growing market. Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Wine & Food Classic, and thanks to all of the participants for supporting statewide craft beverage production.”
New York State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley said, “Craft beverage manufacturing is in the midst of a renaissance thanks Governor Cuomo’s efforts to revitalize and transform the industry. As this competition demonstrates, the Governor’s leadership has paved the way for incredible growth in the creation of high-quality wine, spirits and cider across the State. I congratulate all of today’s winners, who not only produce world renowned craft beverages, but also contribute significantly to New York’s economy.”
The entries are awarded based on blind tastings by 21 expert judges from across the country. Judges included prominent wine writers, restaurateurs, retailers, and wine educators. Judging panels determined the initial awards and top-scoring wines were then evaluated by all 21 judges for the Best of Category awards and the Governor’s Cup.
This year, a total of 81 Double Gold, 88 Gold, 454 Silver, and 241 Bronze medals were awarded. Double Gold medals require unanimity among the judging panel, whereas Gold medals require a majority vote.
The Governor also announced the following winners from the 2017 New York Wine & Food Classic competition:
The ‘Best of Category’ Winners:
Best Sparkling Wine | Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery 2014 Topaz Imperial, Méthode Champenoise |
Best White Wine | Buttonwood Grove Winery 2016 Riesling |
Best Blush or Rosé Wine | CK Cellars/Torrey Ridge Winery Catawba |
Best Red Wine | 3 Brothers Wineries & Estates 2016 Zweigelt/Cabernet Sauvignon |
Best Dessert Wine | Goose Watch Winery Classic Cream Sherry |
The ‘Best of Class’ Winners:
Best Oaked Chardonnay | Osmote Wine 2014 Chardonnay |
Best Unoaked Chardonnay | Martha Clara Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay |
Best Gewürztraminer | Dr. Konstantin Frank 2016 Gewürztraminer |
Best Dry Riesling | Lucas Vineyards 2015 Dry Riesling |
Best Medium Dry Riesling | Dr. Konstantin Frank 2016 Riesling, Semi-Dry |
Best Medium Sweet Riesling | Buttonwood Grove Winery 2016 Riesling |
Best Sweet Riesling | Fox Run Vineyards 2014 Lot 11 Riesling, Lake Dana Vineyard |
Best Overall Riesling | Buttonwood Grove Winery 2016 Riesling |
Best Sauvignon Blanc | Paumanok Vineyards 2016 Sauvignon Blanc |
Best Pinot Grigio | Seneca Shore Cellars Pinot Grigio |
Best Grüner Veltliner | Dr. Konstantin Frank 2016 Grüner Veltliner |
Best Other Vinifera White Varietal | Kontokosta Winery 2016 Viognier |
Best Vinifera White Blend | Bedell Cellars 2016 Taste White |
Best Traminette | Johnson Estate Winery 2016 Traminette |
Best Vignoles | Anthony Road Wine Company 2016 Vignoles |
Best Cold Climate White Varietal | Weis Vineyards 2016 Heart of the Lake |
Best Hybrid White | 3 Brothers Wineries & Estates Nearly Naked |
Best Diamond | Thirsty Owl Wine Company 2016 Diamond |
Best Niagara | Chateau LaFayette Reneau Niagara Mist |
Best Rosé | Chateau LaFayette Reneau 2016 Pinot Noir Rosé |
Best Blush | Owera Vineyards Cazenovia Blush |
Best Catawba | CK Cellars/Torrey Ridge Winery Catawba |
Best Merlot | Damiani Wine Cellars 2012 Merlot Reserve |
Best Pinot Noir | Martha Clara Vineyards 2015 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir |
Best Cabernet Franc | Fjord Vineyards 2015 Cabernet Franc |
Best Syrah | Clovis Point Vineyard & Winery 2014 Syrah |
Best Vinifera Red Blend | 3 Brothers Wineries & Estates 2016 Zweigelt/Cabernet Sauvignon |
Best Other Red Vinifera Varietal | Thirsty Owl Wine Company 2015 Malbec |
Best Cold Climate Red Varietal | Tug Hill Vineyards 2015 Marquette |
Best Hybrid Red | Stone Age Winery Reugeon de Chaunac |
Best Fruit Wine | 21 Brix Winery Raspberry |
Best Cider | Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard Cider Tree with Citra Hops |
Best Spirit | Finger Lakes Distilling Seneca Drums Gin |
Best Port | Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard Light Port |
Best Late Harvest | Wölffer Estate Vineyard 2014 Diosa Late Harvest |
Best Ice Wine | Leonard Oakes Estate Winery 2015 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine |
Best Vinifera Sparkling White | Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery 2012 Blanc de Blanc, Méthode Champenoise |
Best Vinifera Sparkling Pink | Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery 2014 Topaz Imperial, Méthode Champenoise |
Best Hybrid Sparkling White | J.R. Dill Winery Cayuga White Rise |
A “Specialty Wine Champion” award recognizes consistent quality among the increasing number of wines made from fruits other than grapes, or honey. The 2017 winner was 21 Brix Winery Raspberry. A “Best Limited Production Wine” award, for wines produced with fewer than 100 cases, went to Barnstormer Winery 2016 Riesling N6679P.
Complete results of the 2017 Classic will be available here.
Since taking office, Governor Cuomo has led the effort to modernize New York’s craft beverage industry and pave the way for unprecedented growth through new legislation, regulatory reforms, groundbreaking initiatives and promotional campaigns. Today, there are more than 1,000 licensed wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries across the State, a threefold increase over 2011.
—NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
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