News Summary
Weis Vineyards has been awarded Winery of the Year at the New York Wine Classic, marking its second consecutive win. This prestigious accolade recognizes the vineyard’s excellence and contributions to New York’s wine industry. Co-owners Peter and Ashlee Weis expressed their gratitude to the team and grape growers in the region. Out of over 100 wineries, Weis stood out for its performance across various wine categories. This recognition not only highlights the vineyard’s talent but also the flourishing wine culture in New York.
Weis Vineyards Named Winery of the Year at 2025 New York Wine Classic
Hammondsport, New York – Weis Vineyards has been honored with the prestigious title of Winery of the Year at the 39th annual New York Wine Classic held on July 18, 2025. This accolade, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, highlights the vineyard’s exceptional contributions to New York’s booming wine industry.
This recognition marks a significant achievement for Weis Vineyards, as it is the second consecutive year receiving this title and the third overall since its inception. The co-owners and winemakers, Peter and Ashlee Weis, expressed their surprise and pride in receiving such a distinguished honor. They expressed gratitude towards their dedicated team and the grape growers in the Finger Lakes region who have supported their winemaking endeavors.
Recognition in a Competitive Landscape
Weis Vineyards stood out among over 100 wineries, which collectively submitted nearly 700 wines to this year’s competition. The New York Wine Classic serves as a nationally recognized platform that emphasizes the quality and diversity of wines produced across the state. Weis Vineyards was recognized for its outstanding performance across multiple wine categories, demonstrating the vineyard’s strong commitment to excellence in winemaking.
During the live virtual event, the Governor also recognized the exceptional 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon from Rose Hill Vineyards of Long Island, which won the coveted Governor’s Cup, awarded to the “Best of Show.” The methodology for determining the Winery of the Year considers the overall performance of wineries relative to the number of awards received across various categories, including Best Sparkling, White, Red, Pink, Dessert, and Specialty wines.
Impact on New York’s Wine Industry
The New York Wine Classic has been celebrating the state’s diverse selection of world-class wines for nearly four decades, enhancing New York’s reputation in the global wine market. Governor Hochul congratulated all participating wineries during the event, emphasizing the global recognition of New York’s unique varietals and high-quality wines.
Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, noted the significance of the competition in showcasing the innovative and resilient nature of the New York wine industry. The enthusiasm surrounding this year’s competition, characterized by a large number of submissions, underscores the growth and strength within the sector, affirming New York’s place on the international wine stage.
Acknowledgment of Community and Team Efforts
Weis Vineyards’ repeated successes highlight not only the talent of the winemakers but also the support from the local community and dedicated grape growers in the Finger Lakes area. In acknowledging this win, the Weis team reflected on the collaborative nature of winemaking, crediting their achievements to teamwork and community engagement.
The victories at the New York Wine Classic have implications beyond individual wineries, helping to enhance the overall perception of New York as a premier winemaking region, capable of producing exceptional wines that compete internationally.
As Weis Vineyards continues to evolve and innovate, this recent accolade serves as a testament to their commitment to quality and the thriving culture of winemaking in New York.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Leader
- Wikipedia: Winery
- Syracuse.com
- Google Search: New York Wine Classic
- Democrat and Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine
- CNY Central
- Google News: Weis Vineyards
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