North Fork Vintners Represent At New York Wine Classic

NORTH FORK, NY — A selection of New York wineries got the nod at the recent 2019 New York Wine Classic.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced the winners of the 34th annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation highlighting the best of New York's wine.

This year, the Governor's Cup, the most esteemed award given at the Classic, was presented to Six Mile Creek Vineyard's 2016 Cabernet Franc from the Finger Lakes region, a release said.

In addition, Wagner Vineyards from the Finger Lakes region was presented with the "Winery of the Year" award. The Specialty Wine Champion award, reserved for wines made fruit or meads, was given to Johnson Estate Winery for their Passionate Peach fruit wine, the release said.

Cuomo also also announced"Best of Category" and "Best of Class" winners — and the North Fork took home a number of honors.

"Best of Category" winners included:

- Best Sparkling Wine, which went to Harbes Vineyard's Blanc de Blancs.

- Best Rosé Wine award went to Coffee Pot Cellars' 2018 Rosé.

"Best of Class" awards were given to Double Gold or Gold medal wines in classes of at least seven wines. North Fork winners included:

- Best Oaked Chardonnay went to Lieb Cellars' 2018 Chardonnay; the North Fork winery also won Best Overall Chardonnay, which went to Lieb Cellars' 2018 Chardonnay.

- Best Medium Dry Riesling was given to Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard's 2015 Riesling.

- Best Pinot Gris went to Lenz Winery's 2015 Pinot Gris.

- Best Rosé went to Coffee Pot Cellars' 2018 Rosé.

- Best Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded to Lenz Winery's 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon.

- Best Merlot was taken home by Clovis Point's 2015 Vintners Select Merlot.

- Best Syrah went to Harbes Vineyard's 2015 Syrah.

- Best Red Vinifera Blend was awarded to Osprey's Dominion Vineyards' 2013 Flight Meritage, Estate Grown.

- Best Other Red Vinifera Varietal went to Clovis Point's 2017 Petit Verdot.

- Best Traditional Method Sparkling was awarded to Harbes Vineyard's Blanc de Blancs.

"The winners of the New York Wine Classic represent the very best of New York's wineries and the innovation and high-quality production that goes into making these award-winning wines cannot be understated," Cuomo said. "New York is proud to support these wineries and grape growers for their accomplishments, and they are a critical component of our tourism and agricultural industries in New York. We're excited to welcome wine lovers everywhere to New York State so that they can experience our wines for themselves."

New York is home to some of the best wineries, and the New York Wine Classic highlights the great beverages local producers have to offer, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul added. "Through the state's investment in the industry, we are committed to ensuring that producers and wineries have the support to continue to grow and succeed," she said.

Known as "The Oscars" of New York wine competitions, the New York Wine Classic is open to the more than 458 wineries across the state. The wine competition took place over three days in Watkins Glen, NY and included 883 entries from 113 wineries from across the state. A total of 31 double gold, 56 gold, 287 silver, and 320 bronze medals were awarded by a panel of more than 20 expert judges from around the state and globe.

Samuel Filler, executive director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, added: "The New York Wine Classic is one of our largest annual events honoring the best of New York wines. We are thrilled with the turnout this year. The Classic and our annual NY Drinks NY event continue to help New York shine as a truly exciting and innovative wine region."

New York State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley said the New York Wine Classic competition further demonstrates Cuomo's "continuing commitment to supporting and promoting New York's thriving wine industry. I congratulate all of today's winners, who are manufacturing world class wines and generating an enormous economic impact in communities across our state."

A complete list of results from the 2019 Classic is available here.

Since taking office, Cuomo has led the effort to grow New York's craft beverage industry and pave the way for "unprecedented growth through new legislation, regulatory reform, groundbreaking initiatives and promotional campaigns," the release said. Currently, there are 458 licensed wineries across the state, including 361 farm wineries.