Weis Vineyards in Hammondsport was named Winery of the Year at the New York Wine Classic, hosted Tuesday by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation.
German-born winemaker finds success on Keuka Lake
The award goes to the winery with the best overall showing among the wines it submits for judging. Winemaker Hans Peter Weis was born in Germany and after working briefly in California, decided on the Finger Lakes as the place to start a winery. He and his wife, Ashlee opened their Hammondsport tasting room in 2017 when the winery released its first vintage.
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards shares Governor’s Cup
It was a historic night for Finger Lakes wines and wineries. The co-winner of the coveted Governor’s Cup for best overall New York wine was Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, which shared the award with the only non-Finger Lakes winner, Long Island’s Wölffer Estate Vineyard, for their dessert wines.
Finger Lakes wineries sweep category awards
Of the six award winners by category, five were from the Finger Lakes and three from Keuka Lake.
- Sparking – Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery 2017 Blanc de Blanc
- White – Weis Vineyards 2020 Winzer Select Riesling A
- Pink – Weis Vineyards 2021 Dry Rose
- Red – Keuka Lake Vineyards 2020 Leon Millot
- Dessert – Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Solera Sherry, Wölffer Estate Vineyard 2020 Diosa Late-Harvest (tie)
The awards were hosted by nationally-known wine writer Karen MacNeil, author of the Wine Bible. Governor Kathy Hochul made an appearance to announce the Governor’s Cup winners. Wines were judged by the Beverage Testing Panel.
“The New York Wine Classic celebrates the very best of New York’s wine and grape industries, and this year’s winners are stellar examples of the high-quality wine we’ve come to know and love in our State,” Governor Hochul said. “I congratulate Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, and Weis Vineyards on receiving these prestigious awards. The wine industry is an essential part of New York’s agricultural economy and I’m proud to support the continued innovation, growth, and success of our wineries and farmers.”
Best of class winners can be found here.
Related: Auburn brewpub wins gold medal for IPA at Governor’s Cup contest
