Top New York Vineyards to Explore at the 2025 Wine Classic

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the winners of the 2025 New York Wine Classic, a prestigious event that celebrates excellence in the state’s wine industry. Rose Hill Vineyards, located in Long Island, won the coveted Governor’s Cup for their 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon, highlighting their remarkable craftsmanship.

In a remarkable feat, Weis Vineyards from the Finger Lakes was named Winery of the Year for the second straight year and the third time overall, underscoring their superior quality. The Governor’s Cup represents the ‘Best of Show’ amongst all entries, making it the competition’s highest honor.

This year’s event featured a variety of categories, with notable winners including:

• Best Sparkling: Milea Family Wines Hudson Valley Vineyards Right Bank Blanc De Blancs, Hudson Valley
• Best White Wine: Weis Vineyards 2024 Grüner Veltliner, Finger Lakes
• Best Pink Wine: Weis Vineyards 2024 Dry Rosé, Finger Lakes
• Best Red Wine: Rose Hill Vineyards 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon, Long Island
• Best Dessert Wine: Billsboro Winery 2023 Après, Finger Lakes
• Best Specialty Wine: Montezuma Winery Crimson Queen Cranberry & Rhubarb, Finger Lakes

Governor Hochul congratulated all participating wineries and emphasized the high-quality wines produced across New York, from Lake Erie to the Finger Lakes and Long Island. This year marks the 39th annual celebration of the New York Wine Classic, which has consistently showcased a diverse array of wine styles from across the state.

The event is organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, which aims to promote the unique American Viticultural Areas in New York, including regions like Lake Erie, Niagara Escarpment, and Hudson River Region.

Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, Sam Filler, praised the competition for not just highlighting excellent wines, but also telling the story of a vibrant, resilient industry that continues to innovate. This year, the competition awarded a total of 12 platinum, 261 gold, 299 silver, and 80 bronze medals, reflecting the exceptional talent of New York’s winemakers.

The judging process was undertaken by the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest), incorporating a panel of sommeliers and seasoned wine industry professionals to ensure rigorous evaluations of the entries.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!