ITHACA — The winners of the 2026 New York Wine Classic were announced Monday night, and one of the competition’s elite awards will stay in the same place.
Weis Vineyards, which is just northeast of the village of Hammondsport, was named Winery of the Year for the third consecutive year and the fourth time overall in recognition of its exceptional performance across multiple categories. According to the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, Weis’ three-peat underscores what has made it one of New York’s most celebrated producers: a relentless commitment to quality and a deep understanding of what cool-climate viticulture can achieve.
“We’re incredibly honored to be named Winery of the Year,” said Peter and Ashlee Weis of Weis Vineyards. “To be recognized alongside so many talented New York wineries is something we’ll never take for granted. This award belongs to our entire team, as well as the incredible grape growers we have the privilege of working with. Their passion, hard work, and commitment to quality are what make recognitions like this possible. To our customers, friends, and community, thank you for believing in what we do and supporting us year after year. We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Finger Lakes wine community and are excited for what’s ahead.”
Meanwhile, Ryan William Vineyard of Burdett, which is on the southeast side of Seneca Lake, earned the competition’s highest honor, the Governor’s Cup, for entering the wine that was judged best overall, its 2025 Pinot Blanc.
“This is a decades-long dream come true,” said Ryan Bossert, owner and founder of Ryan William Vineyard. “We are profoundly humbled and thrilled to see our work and dedication to our farm recognized on such a prestigious stage. This achievement belongs to all the phenomenal people who make up our vineyard, winery, tasting room, and restaurant teams. We share this proud moment with our supporters and everyone who has believed in us throughout our winemaking journey. We strive to let our grapes speak for themselves, and this honor proves we are capturing the true essence of our vineyard.”
Bossert grows chardonnay, gewürztraminer, grüner veltliner, pinot blanc, riesling, sauvignon blanc, cabernet franc, merlot, pinot noir, and syrah. He said only 100% estate-grown fruit is used in his winemaking.
The awards were presented during a live virtual awards ceremony hosted by Wanda Mann, East Coast editor of The SOMM Journal & Tasting Panel and founder of “Wine With Wanda.” Organized by NYWGF, the state’s premier wine competition is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
This year’s competition saw more than 100 wineries submit 700-plus wines, one of the largest showings in the competition’s history, with 14 platinum, 282 gold, 296 silver, and 106 bronze medals awarded. Wines were evaluated using a blind-tasting format by an expert sensory panel at the Beverage Testing Institute made up of sommeliers, beverage directors, educators, retail buyers, and seasoned industry professionals.
“New York is consistently producing world-class wines, and competitions like this one give us the opportunity to share that story with a broader audience,” said Sam Filler, executive director of the NYWGF. “Our cool-climate regions are exceptionally well-suited for the elegant, complex varieties and styles that today’s wine drinkers are seeking.”
Filler added that the growth of the industry, “spanning Lake Erie and the Niagara Escarpment in the west, the Finger Lakes at the state’s center, and the Hudson Valley and Long Island in the east, reflects an industry that has spent decades honing its craft. As New York wines continue to earn recognition in markets across the country and around the world, the New York Wine Classic remains one of the most important platforms we have to celebrate the producers leading that charge.”
“New York’s wine industry represents the very best of our agricultural heritage, innovation and craftsmanship,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “These award-winning producers are creating exceptional products, supporting good-paying jobs and helping showcase New York State as a world-class destination for wine lovers everywhere.”
Mann also weighed in on the diversity of the wine industry.
“The 2026 New York Wine Classic Awards are more than a celebration of the winning wineries — they’re confirmation that the Empire State’s winemaking prowess can’t be underestimated,” Mann said. “The honored wineries speak to the quality, diversity, and creativity of New York wines. Stop calling us an up-and-coming region; New York has arrived.”
In addition to the Governor’s Cup and Winery of the Year, the following major awards were handed out:
Best Sparkling: Milea Family Wines Hudson Valley Vineyards, Right Bank Blanc De Blancs, Staatsburg, Hudson Valley.Best White: Ryan William Vineyard, 2025 Pinot Blanc, Burdett, Finger Lakes.Best Pink: Weis Vineyards, 2025 Zweigelt Dry Rosé, Hammondsport, Finger Lakes.Best Red: Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, 2024 Cabernet Franc Clone 623, Millbrook, Hudson Valley.Best Dessert: Weis Vineyards, 2024 Riesling Ice Wine, Hammondsport, Finger Lakes.
For a full list of Best of Class and medal winners, visit newyorkwines.org/classic/new-york-wine-classic-2026/.
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