Governor’s Cup Presented to Rose Hill Vineyards from Long Island
From the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul,
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the winners of the 39th Annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine industry. Rose Hill Vineyards from Long Island earned the prestigious Governor’s Cup for their exceptional 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon while Weis Vineyards was awarded Winery of the Year in recognition of their outstanding performance across multiple categories. This is the second consecutive year and the third time overall that Weis Vineyards has 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 Rose Hill Vineyards, Weis Vineyards, and all of the wineries who joined this competition,” Governor Hochul said. “The New York Wine Classic celebrates the very best of the state’s wine and grape industry, which is widely recognized across the globe for producing high-quality, unique varietals that continue to set us apart as leaders in the industry. From Lake Erie to the Finger Lakes to Long Island, and across the State, the caliber of New York wines made by our hard-working winery owners and farmers is second to none.”
The New York Wine Classic, organized by the NYWGF, has been celebrating a diverse selection of world-class wines made from producers across the State for nearly four decades. Now one of the most respected wine competitions in the country, the Classic highlights 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 serves as a powerful platform to recognize the skilled winemakers, passionate growers, and regional diversity that continue to elevate New York’s global wine reputation.
The Governor’s Cup is the competition’s most esteemed award, recognizing the “Best of Show” in the New York Wine Classic, 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.
For the fifth consecutive year, NYWGF partnered with the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) to manage the judging process with an expert panel comprising sommeliers, beverage directors, educators, retail buyers, and seasoned industry professionals.
This year, more than 100 wineries submitted nearly 700 wines, demonstrating the strength and growing reach of New York’s wine industry. In total, 12 Platinum, 261 Gold, 299 Silver, and 80 Bronze medals were awarded.
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Executive Director Sam Filler said, “The New York Wine Classic celebrates more than just great wine – it tells the story of a passionate, resilient, and innovative industry that continues to elevate its craft year after year. This competition is a platform for honoring the skill and creativity of our winemakers and growers while helping consumers discover the quality and diversity of New York wine.”
Rose Hill Vineyards General Manager Ami Opisso said, “Wow. We could not have dreamed of a better result in the first year of entering our wines in this competition, or a better wine to win. Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon is our vineyard’s crowned jewel. It exemplifies the quality, depth, and longevity that can be achieved in New York State wines when the stars align: an exceptional vintage, a vineyard at the peak of sustainable health, and a talented, non-compromising, purist winemaker. Thank you so much for the recognition!”
Weis Vineyards Winemaker and Owners Peter and Ashlee Weis said, “We’re incredibly honored, and still a little shocked, to be named Winery of the Year for the third time. It’s a true privilege to be recognized among so many outstanding New York producers. This award is a nod to the passion and hustle of our amazing team and grape growers; none of this would be possible without them. And to our community: thank you for cheering us on every step of the way. Zum Wohl!”
2025 Best in Category Awards
- 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
For a full list of Best in Class and medal winners, please visit newyorkwines.org/classicnew-york-wine-classic-2025.
