The Governor’s Cup was awarded to the 2019 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc from Paumanok Vineyards, Long Island.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the winners of the 37th annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition that showcases the best of New York’s wine industry. The 2023 Governor’s Cup competition was awarded to Paumanok Vineyards 2019 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc on Long Island. In addition, Paumanok Vineyard also won the Best Winery Award. The announcement was made during a special live virtual event hosted by the Wine & Grape Foundation of New York.
“The New York Wine Classic celebrates the best of the state’s wine and grape industry and highlights our incredible selection of locally grown wines,” Governor Hocher said. “Congratulations to Paumanok Vineyards on this prestigious award. New York State’s wine industry is an important part of our agricultural economy and I am proud to support the innovation, growth and success of our local farmers and wineries.”
Presented by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation (NYWGF), the New York Wine Classic recognizes a variety of world-class wines from New York State producers.
The Governor’s Cup, the competition’s most esteemed award, recognizes the “best of performance” at the New York Wine Classic, while the Winery of the Year Award is given to the overall best performer based on the class and number of awards village. relationship to the item.
For the third year, NYWGF is partnering with the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) to serve as competition judges. BTI’s highly 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 has received the following awards:
- 2019 Late Harvest, Sauvignon Blanc – 97, Platinum
- 2019 Cabernet Franc – 93, Gold Medal
- 2021 Barrel Chardonnay – 93, Gold Medal
- 2022 Dry Rosé – 93, Gold Medal
- 2014 Tuthills Lane Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon – 93, Gold Medal
- 2022 Off-Dry Riesling – 91, Gold Medal
- 2019 Merlot – 89, Silver Medal
Samuel Filler, executive director of the Wine and Grape Foundation of New York, said: “I look forward to this event every year as it is a great celebration of our industry and all the great wines produced across the state from our New York terroir.”
Kareem Massoud, Winemaker, Paumanok Vineyards explain, “We are delighted and honored to receive the 2023 Governor’s Cup and Winery of the Year Award from the New York Wine Classic. This recognition means a lot to us. It validates our long-standing commitment to producing high-quality wines. We We thank the Wine & Grape Foundation of New York for this honor. Most importantly, we thank the entire hard-working team at Paumanok Vineyards for their commitment to producing outstanding, delicious wines. We congratulate all our colleagues on this award.”
These awards are especially important for Paumanok Vineyards, as Long Island Wine Country celebrates 50 years of producing premium New York wines with local flavors this summer.Those interested in visiting the area and celebrating its history can find out more here.
The New York Wine Classic “Best in Category” winners were also announced.
best white wine
Pushing Boundaries 2022 Gewürztraminer, Finger Lakes
best sparkling wine
Jason’s Vineyard Sparkling Rosé 2021, North Fork, Long Island
best red wine
KUKA Spring Vineyard 2021 Blaufrankisch, Finger Lakes
best liqueur
Paumanok Vineyards 2019 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, North Fork of Long Island
Best Rosé Wine
Wolfer Estate Vineyards 2022 Rosé, Long Island
Best Specialty Wine
Middleburg Winery 2022 Blackberry Wine, Hudson River Region
New York Wine Classic ‘Best of’ winners can be found here.
The New York Wine Classic included 749 entries from 108 wineries across the state. In total, 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 for being honored with the Governor’s Cup and Winery of the Year, and to all the winners and participants of the 2023 New York Wine Classic. This esteemed competition is an annual opportunity for New York’s diverse , an innovative wine industry that continues to stand out and produce some of the finest wines in the world. I thank Governor Hochul and the New York Wine and Grape Foundation for their continued support of New York wineries and the farming communities that produce the ingredients used to create these outstanding varieties .”
Lily M. Fan, President of the State Liquor Administration, said“New York State’s winemakers continue to rank among the best in the world, and this year once again proved that hasn’t changed. The New York Wine Classic is a world-class event that brings together the state’s top vintners to celebrate New York’s wine industry and Showcasing everything from Chardonnay to dessert wine. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, our winery continues to be a source of pride and inspiration. Let’s raise a glass to our winemakers who are supporting agriculture, driving tourism and strengthening local economy while producing exceptional wines”.
State Senator Michelle Hinch said, “New York State’s world-class wine industry is vital to our agricultural sector and is a powerful driver of local tourism and job creation, supporting communities across the state. The New York Wine Classic is a tribute to our state’s winemaking A great opportunity to toast the incredible winemakers and grape growers who produce them. I would like to congratulate this year’s esteemed winner, Paumanok Vineyards, for the 2023 Governor’s Cup Award and Winery of the Year.”
Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Conference Committee on Agriculture, said, “Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 New York Wine Classic. This competition has deservedly brought attention to New York’s world-class wines and the talented winemakers who produce them. I am proud that no matter where in New York State, New York “We have many options to enjoy locally produced high-quality wines. Thank you Governor Hochul, organizers and participants for making this fantastic 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 varieties and incredible wines they create. Our unparalleled wineries are important economic partners who create globally recognized wines, support jobs and encourage congratulations to all of this year’s entrants and winners; your continuous efforts to perfect your craft are the catalysts that propel New York’s wine industry to greater heights.”
Hosting tonight’s awards ceremony, Karen MacNeil & Company President, author of The Wine Bible and founder of WineSpeed said: “Wine in New York State is one of America’s best kept secrets. New York has a long history of making beautiful cool-climate wines, and the state is now entering a new golden age of high-quality winemaking.”
Since taking office, Governor Hochul has supported the growth of New York’s craft beverage industry and paved the way for unprecedented growth through regulatory reform and groundbreaking initiatives. Today, there are 496 licensed wineries statewide, including 394 farm wineries.
About the New York Wine and Grape Foundation
The New York Wine and Grape Foundation’s mission is to advance the world-class image of New York grapes and wine through innovative marketing, research, communication and advocacy to responsibly benefit farmers, producers and consumers. We work hard to ensure 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, visit www.newyorkwines.org/classic.
