Governor Hochul Announces Winners of the 2026 New York Wine Classic

Governor Kathy Hochul today 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 Vineyardfrom 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.

New York Wine & Grape Foundation Executive Director Sam Filler said, "New York is consistently producing world-class wines, and competitions like this one give us the opportunity to share that story with a broader audience. Our cool-climate regions are exceptionally well-suited for the elegant, complex varieties and styles that today's wine drinkers are seeking. Congratulations to Ryan William Vineyard, Weis Vineyards, and every winery that entered their wines this year; the breadth of excellence on display, spanning Lake Erie and the Niagara Escarpment in the west, the Finger Lake at the state's center, and the Hudson Valley and Long Island in the east, reflects an industry that has spent decades honing its craft. As New York wines continue to earn recognition in markets across the country and around the world, the New York Wine Classic remains one of the most important platforms we have to celebrate the producers leading that charge."

Ryan Bossert, Owner and Founder of Ryan William Vineyard, said, "This is a decades long dream come true. We are profoundly humbled and thrilled to see our work and dedication to our farm recognized on such a prestigious stage. This achievement belongs to all the phenomenal people who make up our vineyard, winery, tasting room, and restaurant teams. We share this proud moment with our supporters and everyone who has believed in us throughout our winemaking journey. We strive to let our grapes speak for themselves, and this honor proves we are capturing the true essence of our vineyard. Thank you so much for this incredible honor!"

Peter and Ashlee Weis of Weis Vineyards said, "We're incredibly honored to be named Winery of the Year. To be recognized alongside so many talented New York wineries is something we'll never take for granted. This award belongs to our entire team, as well as the incredible grape growers we have the privilege of working with. Their passion, hard work, and commitment to quality are what make recognitions like this possible. To our customers, friends, and community, thank you for believing in what we do and supporting us year after year. We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Finger Lakes wine community and are excited for what's ahead. Zum Wohl!"

New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "The New York Wine Classic is a beloved annual showcase of the caliber of our state's winemakers. I thank Governor Hochul and the New York Wine & Grape Foundation for their continued support of New York's winemakers and grape growers who consistently blend tradition with innovative, sustainable practices to create these outstanding varietals. Congratulations to all the wineries who entered the 2026 competition and who continue to set themselves apart by producing some of the very best wines in the world."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The annual New York Wine Classic has once again recognized the best wines from the Empire State, honoring our expert winemakers whose craftsmanship is recognized - and enjoyed - across the world. Sincere congratulations to all this year's participants - your hard work creates jobs, bolsters tourism, and produces award-winning wines that supports long-term local and state investment."

State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said, "New York's winemakers are the backbone of the state's craft industry. At the New York Wine Classic we can see the creativity and craftsmanship come to light as more people come to understand that New York wines are worthy of the international stage. Our world-class vintners, workers, farmers, and manufacturers can raise a glass in celebration today of these incredible achievements. We would like to thank our partners at the Department of Agriculture and Markets for their stewardship in the wine and grape industry. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, we can take the time to recognize the state's wineries who continue to support local economies, drive tourism, and spearhead innovation with each new bottle uncorked."

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, "The New York Wine Classic shines a well-deserved spotlight on the exceptional wines being produced across our state and the craftsmanship of the grape growers and winemakers behind them. Congratulations to all of this year's distinguished winners whose talent and commitment continue to elevate New York as a world-class wine-producer."

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, "Congratulations to Ryan William Vineyard for winning this year's Governor's Cup and to Weis Vineyards for once again being named Winery of the Year. The New York Wine Classic continues to showcase the exceptional quality of New York's wines and the talented growers and winemakers behind them. It has been a privilege to watch this industry grow in reputation, solidifying their role in New York's agricultural economy and regional tourism. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, the Beverage Testing Institute, and everyone who helped make this year's competition a success."

About the New York Wine & Grape Foundation
The mission of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation is to promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from our diverse regions to responsibly benefit farmers, producers and consumers through innovative marketing, research, communication, and advocacy. To learn more about the New York Wine Classic please visit newyorkwines.org/classic.