Two Long Island wineries received accolades at the 35th annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York's wine.

 

Pindar Vinyards, based in Peconic, ran away with the Governor's Cup for its 2019 Dr. Dan's Signature Collection, Gewurztraminer. Pindar is a family-run winery that was founded in the early 1980s and helped create the winemaking industry on Long Island. Today, the winery produces over 70,000 cases of wine a year. Pindar Vineyards also received the only Platinum Medal of the competition for Best White Wine.

 

“We're proud to release this wine with the Dr. Dan's label in honour of our founder, Dr. Damianos, to celebrate our 40th anniversary,” said Pindar Vineyards Owner & General Manager Pindar Damianos.

 

Paumanok Vineyards was presented with the 'Winery of the Year' award at the competition. Located in Aquebogue, the winery also took home gold medals in Best Vinifera Red Blend; Best Traditional Method Sparkling Wine and Best Sauvignon Blanc. Paumanok is a family-owned, 127-acre estate managed by Ursula and Charles Massoud, and their three sons.

 

“Above all, we thank our entire hard-working team at PaumanokVineyards for their commitment to producing outstanding, delicious wines,” said Paumanok Vineyards Winemaker Kareem Massoud. “We congratulate all of our colleagues for their awards."

 

The Governor's Cup, a large silver chalice, recognizes the "Best of Show" or top prize of all entries in the New York Wine Classic. 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.

 

"We had a particularly strong showing from the North Fork of Long Island this year,” said Samuel Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. “The results of the Classic shine a spotlight on the fact that New York produces amazing wine worth exploring in every region across the state.”

 

"Best in Category" included:

 

Governor's Cup and Best White Wine 

Pindar Vineyards 

Dr. Dan's Signature Collection 

Gewurztraminer 2019

 

Best Sparking Wine 

Paumanok Vineyards

Blanc De Blancs 2016

 

Best Pink Wine 

Ryan William Vineyard 

Pinot Noir Rose 2019

 

Best Red Wine 

Paumanok Vineyards

Assemblage 2015

 

Best Dessert Wine 

Boundary Breaks 

Riesling Ice Wine

 

Judging for The New York Wine Classic took place from November 1, 2020 - February 15, 2021 and included 607 entries from 96 wineries from across the state. A total of 1 Platinum, 138 Gold, 355 Silver, and 104 Bronze medals were awarded.