Two Finger Lakes producers captured the top awards at the 2026 New York Wine Classic, with Ryan William Vineyard winning the Governor's Cup and Weis Vineyards earning Winery of the Year.
Ryan William Vineyard, based in Burdett in Schuyler County, received the competition's best-of-show honor for its 2025 Pinot Blanc. Weis Vineyards of Hammondsport in Steuben County was named Winery of the Year for the third consecutive year and fourth time overall.
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation announced the winners Monday during a live virtual event. The 40th annual competition drew more than 700 wines from over 100 wineries across the state's wine regions.
The Beverage Testing Institute assembled a panel of sommeliers, beverage directors, educators, retail buyers and other industry professionals to judge the entries.
Finger Lakes wines lead several categories
Ryan William Vineyard's Pinot Blanc also won Best White. Weis Vineyards received Best Pink for its 2025 Zweigelt Dry Rosé and Best Dessert for its 2024 Riesling Ice Wine.
Milea Family Wines Hudson Valley Vineyards of Staatsburg won Best Sparkling for its Right Bank Blanc De Blancs. Millbrook Vineyards & Winery in Dutchess County won Best Red for its 2024 Cabernet Franc Clone 623.
The Governor's Cup recognizes the competition's top wine. Winery of the Year is based on a producer's overall performance, weighing the number and level of awards against its entries.
Judges awarded 14 platinum, 282 gold, 296 silver and 106 bronze medals. The competition includes wines from American Viticultural Areas across New York, including the Finger Lakes, Lake Erie, Niagara Escarpment, Upper Hudson, Hudson River Region, Champlain Valley and Long Island.
Producers credit workers and growers
Ryan Bossert, owner and founder of Ryan William Vineyard, called the award a decades-long dream and credited the vineyard, winery, tasting room and restaurant teams. He said the winery tries to let its grapes reflect the character of its vineyard.
Peter and Ashlee Weis credited their employees and the grape growers who supply Weis Vineyards. They said the recognition belongs to the broader Finger Lakes wine community and the customers who have supported the winery.
New York Wine & Grape Foundation Executive Director Sam Filler said the results reflected the range of cool-climate wines produced across the state and the industry's growth in national and international markets.
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