WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) today announced the winners of the 34th Annual New York Wine Classic. The New York Wine Classic took place on August 5th – 7th in Watkins Glen, NY and included 883 entries from wineries across the state. Six Mile Creek Vineyardfrom the Finger Lakes region took home the most prestigious award of the competition, The Governor’s Cup, with their 2016 Cabernet Franc. Additionally, the esteemed Winery of the Year award was presented to Wagner Vineyards of the Finger Lakes region. The Specialty Wine Champion award, reserved for wines made of fruit or meads, was given to Johnson Estate Winery for their Passionate Peach fruit wine.
The Governor’s Cup recognizes the “Best of Show” or top prize in the New York Wine Classic. The Winery of the Year award is presented to the winery with the best overall showing based on the level and number of awards in relation to entries. The Governor’s Cup and Winery of the Year winners will be presented with their awards at a special event later this summer.
Known as “The Oscars®” of New York wine competitions, the Classic is organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. A total of 31 Double Gold, 56 Gold, 278 Silver, and 320 Bronze medals were awarded by a panel of 21 expert judges consisting of influential wine writers, wine educators, retailers, restaurateurs and experts from around the state and globe.
“The New York Wine Classic is one of our largest annual events honoring the best of Ne York Wines. We are thrilled with the turnout this year. The Classic and our annual NY Drinks NY events continue to help New York shine as a truly exciting and innovative wine region,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director, New York Wine & Grape Foundation.
“We here at Six Mile Creek Vineyard are very honored to have won the Governor’s Cup,” said owner Mark Renodin. “When my wife Amy and I took over Six Mile Creek four years ago it was with a passion for wine and the Finger Lakes in general. For us this an acknowledgment of our goal to produce great wine. We want to thank our winemaker, Paul King, and all of our staff that helped make this possible.”
“We are extremely proud to receive the honor of Winery of the Year at this year’s New Yor Wine Classic,” said Wagner Vineyards owner John Wagner. “Our team has worked tirelessly to strive for excellence for 40 years now – what a way to cap off a season of celebration at Wagner Vineyards!”
New York Wine Classic winners will be featured on August 28th and 31st, 2019 at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse and at regional events and wine dinners through the rest of the year. Event details will be published on www.newyorkwines.org soon.
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—New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF)