Hudson Valley Sparkling Wine Named Best In New York

STAATSBURG, NY — A Hudson Valley vineyard is putting our region's wines on the map, taking home a top prize in the sparkling category.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday the winners of the 39th Annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York's wine industry.

Milea Family Wine's Hudson Valley Vineyard's Right Bank Blanc De Blancs was named the best in the sparkling wine category.

"Our wine makers are gaining fast recognition across the globe for something we've long known: New York is a premier wine making region with some of the highest quality producers in the world," New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said. "The prestigious New York Wine Classic helps us shine the spotlight on our industry and our producers, who are incredibly important to our agricultural industry, supporting our grape growers and helping to fuel our economy. Congratulations to all of the wineries who entered into this competition and who continue to set themselves apart by producing some of the very best wines in the world."

The New York Wine Classic, organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, has been celebrating a diverse selection of world-class wines made from producers across New York for nearly four decades.

"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," New York Wine & Grape Foundation Executive Director Sam Filler said. "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."

Among the most respected wine competitions in the country, the Classic highlights the range of wines produced across the state's distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVA), including Lake Erie, Niagara Escarpment, Finger Lakes, Upper Hudson, Hudson River Region, Champlain Valley of New York and Long Island.

For the fifth consecutive year, the foundation 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.

But, only one could be the best in each category:

• 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

The Governor's Cup award 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.

Rose Hill Vineyards from Long Island took home 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."

For a full list of Best in Class and medal winners, visit their website.