Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the winners of the 37th Annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York's wine industry. The competition's 2023 Governor's Cup was presented to Paumanok Vineyards 2019 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc from Long Island. In addition, Paumanok Vineyards was also honored with the Winery of the Year award. The announcement was made this evening during a special live virtual event hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.
"The New York Wine Classic celebrates the very best of the state's wine and grape industry, and highlights our incredible, locally grown wine selections," Governor Hochul said. "Congratulations to Paumanok Vineyards on receiving this reputable award. The wine industry in the State of New York is a crucial part of our agricultural economy, and I am proud to support the innovation, growth and success of our local farmers and wineries."
Organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF), the New York Wine Classic, celebrates a diverse selection of world-class wines made from producers in the State.
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.
For the third year, NYWGF partnered with the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) to judge the competition. BTI's trained panel includes beverage directors, sommeliers, top bartenders, retail buyers, and educators.
In addition to winning the Governor's Cup and Winery of the Year, Paumanok Vineyards also won the following awards:
- 2019 Late Harvest, Sauvignon Blanc - 97, Platinum
- 2019 Cabernet Franc - 93, Gold Medal
- 2021 Barrel Fermented, Chardonnay - 93, Gold Medal
- 2022 Dry Rosé - 93, Gold Medal
- 2014 Tuthills Lane Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon - 93, Gold Medal
- 2022 Semi Dry Riesling - 91, Gold Medal
- 2019 Merlot - 89, Silver Medal
Samuel Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, said, "I look forward to this event every year as it is a great celebration of our industry and the all the fantastic wines being produced across the state from our own New York terroir."
Kareem Massoud, Winemaker, Paumanok Vineyards said, "We are thrilled and honored to receive both the 2023 Governor's Cup and Winery of the Year Awards from the New York Wine Classic. This recognition means a lot to us. It validates our long-time dedication to producing high quality wines. We thank the New York Wine & Grape Foundation for this honor. Above all, we thank our entire hard-working team at Paumanok Vineyards for their commitment to producing outstanding, delicious wines. We congratulate all of our colleagues for their awards."
These awards are especially significant for Paumanok Vineyards as, this summer, Long Island Wine Country celebrates its 50th Anniversary of producing premium New York wines with a sense of place. Those interested in visiting the region and celebrating its history can learn more here.
The New York Wine Classic "Best in Category" winners were also announced.
Best White Wine
Boundary Breaks 2022 Gewurztraminer, Finger Lakes
Best Sparkling Wine
Jason's Vineyard 2021 Bubbly Rosé, North Fork of Long Island
Best Red Wine
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2021 Blaufrankisch, Finger Lakes
Best Dessert Wine
Paumanok Vineyards 2019 Late Harvest, Sauvignon Blanc, North Fork of Long Island
"Best of Class" winners of the New York Wine Classic can be found here.
The New York Wine Classic included 749 entries from 108 wineries from across the state. A total of 10 Platinum, 320 Gold, 294 Silver, and 81 Bronze medals were awarded.
New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball, said, "Congratulations to Paumanok Vineyards on winning the Governor's Cup and Winery of the Year, as well as to all of the winners and participants of the 2023 New York Wine Classic. This esteemed competition is an annual opportunity to raise a glass to New York's diverse, innovative wine industry, which continues to set itself apart and produce some of the very best wines in the world. I thank Governor Hochul and the New York Wine & Grape Foundation for their continued support of New York's wineries and our agricultural community that produces the ingredients used to create these outstanding varietals."
State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said, "New York State's winemakers continue to rank among the best in the world and this year shows once again, that hasn't changed. The New York Wine Classic is a world-class event bringing together the state's top vintners to celebrate New York's wine industry and showcase everything from chardonnay to dessert wine. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, our wineries continue to be a source of pride and inspiration. Let's raise a glass to our winemakers who produce exceptional wines while supporting agriculture, driving tourism, and strengthening our local economies."
State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, "New York State's world-class wine industry is essential to our agricultural sector and a strong driver of local tourism and job creation that supports communities across the State. The New York Wine Classic is an important opportunity to raise a glass to our state's wineries and the incredible makers and grape growers who produce them. I'd like to congratulate this year's esteemed winners, Paumanok Vineyards, on receiving both the 2023 Governor's Cup and Winery of the Year Awards."
Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee said, "Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 New York Wine Classic. This competition puts a well-deserved spotlight on New York's world class wines and the talented wine makers who produce them. I'm proud that no matter where in the state, New Yorkers have plenty of options to enjoy high quality, locally produced wine. Thank you to Governor Hochul, organizers, and participants for making this wonderful annual event possible."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The annual New York Wine Classic is a great opportunity to celebrate the importance of the state's wine producers, and recognize the diverse varietals and incredible wines they create. Our unparalleled wineries are vital economic partners who create globally-recognized vintages, support jobs and encourage regional tourism. Congratulations to all of this year's entrants and awardees; your continued efforts to perfect your craft are the catalyst that push New York's wine industry to ever greater heights."
President of Karen MacNeil & Company, Author of The Wine Bible, and Creator of WineSpeed, who hosted tonight's awards ceremony said, "The wines of New York State are among America's best kept secrets. New York has a long history of making beautiful cool climate wines, and the state is now moving into a new golden age of high-quality winemaking."
Since taking office, Governor Hochul has supported efforts to grow New York's craft beverage industry and pave the way for unprecedented growth through regulatory reform and groundbreaking initiatives. Today, there are 496 licensed wineries across the State, including 394 farm wineries.
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. We endeavor to ensure that New York State is recognized as the world's premier region for cool and cold climate viticulture. To learn more about the New York Wine Classic please visit www.newyorkwines.org/classic.