Governor Hochul Announces Winners of the 2026 New York Wine Classic

Governor's Cup Presented to Ryan William Vineyard from the Finger Lakes Wine Region

Weis Vineyards from the Finger Lakes Wine Region Named Winery of the Year

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the winners of the 40th Annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York's wine industry. Ryan William Vineyard from the Finger Lakes earned the prestigious Governor’s Cup for their 2025 Pinot Blanc while Weis Vineyards from the Finger Lakes was awarded Winery of the Year. This is the third consecutive year and the fourth time overall that Weis Vineyards has been awarded Winery of the Year. The winners were announced this evening during a special live virtual event hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF).

“Congratulations to Ryan William Vineyard, Weis Vineyards, and every winery who participated in this year’s Wine Classic,” Governor Hochul said. “From the vineyards of the Fingerlakes to wineries across the state, New York’s wine industry represents the very best of our agricultural heritage, innovation and craftsmanship. These award winning producers are creating exceptional products, supporting good paying jobs and helping showcase New York State as a world-class destination for wine lovers everywhere.”

The New York Wine Classic, organized by the NYWGF, is one of the most respected wine competitions in the country, highlighting the impressive range of wines produced across the state’s distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) – including Lake Erie, Niagara Escarpment, Finger Lakes, Upper Hudson, Hudson River Region, Champlain Valley of New York, and Long Island. The competition recognizes the skilled winemakers, passionate growers, and regional diversity that continue to comprise New York’s wine industry and their unique varietals.

The Governor's Cup is the Classic's most esteemed award, recognizing the "Best of Show" of the competition, while 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. Additional honors are awarded in various categories including Best Sparkling, White, Red, Pink, Dessert, Specialty, and more.

The Best of Category winners are:

Best Sparkling: Milea Family Wines Hudson Valley Vineyards, Right Bank Blanc De Blancs – Staatsburg, Dutchess County

Best White: Ryan William Vineyard, 2025 Pinot Blanc – Burdett, Schuyler County

Best Pink: Weis Vineyards, 2025 Zweigelt Dry Rosé – Hammondsport, Steuben County

Best Red: Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, 2024 Cabernet Franc Clone 623 – Millbrook, Dutchess County

Best Dessert: Weis Vineyards, 2024 Riesling Ice Wine - Hammondsport, Steuben County

For a full list of Best in Class and medal winners, please visit newyorkwines.org/classic/new-york-wine-classic-2026/.

NYWGF once again partnered with the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) with an expert panel of sommeliers, beverage directors, educators, retail buyers, and seasoned industry professionals judging the competition.

This year, more than 100 wineries submitted over 700 wines, demonstrating the strength and growing reach of New York’s wine industry. In total, 14 Platinum, 282 Gold, 296 Silver, and 106 Bronze medals were awarded.