News Summary
Weis Vineyards of Hammondsport has been named Winery of the Year at the 39th annual New York Wine Classic. This achievement marks their second consecutive win, celebrating their outstanding contributions to the wine industry. The award acknowledges the winery’s excellence across various categories and highlights the collaborative efforts of local grape growers in the Finger Lakes region. Additionally, Rose Hill Vineyards received the Governor’s Cup for its 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon, underlining the quality of New York wines.
New York – Weis Vineyards of Hammondsport has been honored as the Winery of the Year at the 39th annual 2025 New York Wine Classic. The announcement, made by Governor Kathy Hochul on July 18, recognizes the winery’s outstanding achievements in the competitive wine industry, marking their second consecutive win and third overall for this prestigious award.
The recognition is a testament to the hard work of the Weis Vineyards team and the collaborative efforts of local grape growers in the Finger Lakes region. The winemakers and owners, Peter and Ashlee Weis, expressed their appreciation for the award, highlighting the invaluable support from their community throughout their journey in the wine business.
Conducted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, the New York Wine Classic is a highly regarded competition that showcases the finest wines produced in New York State. This year, more than 100 wineries participated, submitting nearly 700 wines to be judged. The competition aims to highlight the diversity and quality of wines from the state, which has gained a reputation for its outstanding varietals.
Rose Hill Vineyards of Long Island also garnered attention during the event by winning the esteemed Governor’s Cup for its 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon. The Governor’s Cup is awarded to the “Best of Show” among the entries and is a significant honor within the festival, underscoring the excellence in winemaking across New York.
This year’s recognition of Weis Vineyards was attributed to their exceptional performance across various wine categories, including Best Sparkling, White, Red, Pink, Dessert, and Specialty. The Winery of the Year award specifically honors the winery with the best overall showing based on the number of awards and entries received.
Throughout its nearly four decades of history, the New York Wine Classic has become an important platform for culling premier wines from the New York region, fostering growth and innovation in the winemaking community. Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, pointed out that the competition serves as an essential celebration of the skilled winemakers and growers in the state.
Governor Hochul, in her remarks, emphasized the excellence of New York’s wine and grape industry, which is noted for producing high-quality, unique varietals. This acknowledgment of local wineries not only boosts their visibility on a national scale but also strengthens the community ties and pride surrounding their craft.
The latest award adds to Weis Vineyards’ impressive track record, solidifying its place among the leaders in the New York wine industry. The commitment to quality, community engagement, and collaboration with local growers reflects the passion and dedication that the Weis family brings to each bottle produced.
In conclusion, the win at the 2025 New York Wine Classic serves not only as a remarkable achievement for Weis Vineyards but also highlights the overall strength and potential of the New York wine sector. It is a celebration of the area’s rich viticultural heritage and the ongoing commitment of its winemakers to enhance the quality and reputation of their wines.
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