This just in from Jim Trezise of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation: Watkins Glen, NY -- Swedish Hill Winery Riesling Cuvee on Cayuga Lake won the coveted “Governor’s Cup” trophy at the 2010 New York Wine & Food Classic competition Monday and Tuesday at Glen Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen. The “Winery of the Year” award went to...
This just in from Jim Trezise of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:
Watkins Glen, NY -- Swedish Hill Winery Riesling Cuvee on Cayuga Lake won the coveted “Governor’s Cup” trophy at the 2010 New York Wine & Food Classic competition Monday and Tuesday at Glen Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen.
The “Winery of the Year” award went to Sheldrake Point Vineyards, also on Cayuga Lake, for the second year in a row.
Swedish Hill also won the Governor's Cup and Winery of the Year awards in 2008.
The elegant Governor’s Cup, a large silver chalice, recognizes the “Best of Show” or top prize of all 850 entries in the Classic, known as “The Oscars” of New York wine. 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.
This year’s competition included 850 New York wines and 17 spirits from the Long Island, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, Niagara Escarpment, Lake Erie, and other regions of New York state.
The Swedish Hill Riesling Cuvee was also voted Best Vinifera Sparkling and Best Overall Sparkling on its way to the ultimate award. Sheldrake Point Vineyards received two Double Golds, two Gold, four Silver and two Bronze awards on its way to the Winery of the Year award.
A “Specialty Wine Champion” award was added in 2008 to recognize consistent quality among the increasing number of wines made from fruits other than grapes, or honey. The 2010 winner was ELF’s Farm Winery and Cider Mill with one Double Gold and two Silver awards.
A new “Best New York Spirit” award went to Finger Lakes Distilling Seneca Drums Gin.
The awards were based on blind tastings by 24 expert judges — four from California, 12 from New York, six from other states and two from the United Kingdom. Judges included prominent wine writers, restaurateurs, retailers, and wine educators. Panels of four judges each determined the initial awards, with top-scoring wines evaluated by all 24 judges for Best of Category and Governor’s Cup awards.
Celebrating its 25th year, the Classic is organized by Teresa Knapp of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, and is open to all 280 New York wineries from all regions.
The “Best of Category” awards, all eligible for the Governor’s Cup, went to:
Best Sparkling Wine Swedish Hill Winery Riesling Cuvee
Best White Wine Keuka Lake Vineyards 2009 Semi Dry Riesling
Best Rosé Wine Arbor Hill Grapery Coriesa Hill Iona Rose
Best Red Wine Bedell Cellars 2008 Cabernet Franc
Best Dessert Wine Casa Larga Vineyards 2007 Fiori Delle Stelle Vidal Ice Wine
Best Specialty Wine Torrey Ridge Winery Scarlet Red
Best New York Spirit Finger Lakes Distilling Seneca Drums Gin
The “Best of Class” awards went to:
Best Vinifera Sparkling Swedish Hill Winery Riesling Cuvee
Best Sparkling Swedish Hill Winery Riesling Cuvee
Best Unoaked Chardonnay Coyote Moon Vineyards Naked Chardonnay
Best Overall Chardonnay Coyote Moon Vineyards Naked Chardonnay
Best Dry Riesling McGregor Vineyard 2008 Riesling
Best Medium Dry Riesling Keuka Lake Vineyards 2009 Semi Dry Riesling
Best Medium Sweet Riesling Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars 2009 Semi Dry Riesling
Best Overall Riesling Keuka Lake Vineyards 2009 Semi Dry Riesling
Best Niagara Schulze Vineyards & Winery Thirty Mile Point Sweet Niagara
Best Gewürztraminer Sheldrake Point Vineyards 2008 Gewürztraminer
Best Cayuga White Swedish Hill Winery 2009 Cayuga White
Best Traminette Bet the Farm Winery 2009 Traminette
Best Vidal Blanc Swedish Hill Winery 2009 Vidal Blanc
Best Vignoles Lucas Vineyards 2009 Vignoles
Best Hybrid White Thousand Islands Winery Wellesley Island White
Best Diamond Torrey Ridge Winery Diamond
Best Native White Blend Niagara Landing Wine Cellars 2009 Rosebud Gold
Best Vinifera Rosé McGregor Vineyard 2009 Rosé D’Cabernet Franc
Best Native Rosé Arbor Hill Grapery Coriesa Hill Iona Rosé
Best Cabernet Franc Bedell Cellars 2008 Cabernet Franc
Best Other Vinifera Red Varietal Fulkerson Winery 2008 Dornfelder
Best Vinifera Red Blend Peconic Bay Winery Nautique Esprit De Rouge
Best Native Red Blend Penguin Bay Winery Tuxedo Red
Best Concord Eagle Crest Vineyards 2009 Canal Boat Red
Best Fruit Wine ELF’s Farm Winery and Cider Mill 2009 Appalachian Trail Apple Wine
Best Mead Torrey Ridge Winery Scarlet Red
Best Late Harvest Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars 2008 Bunch Select Late Harvest Riesling
Best Ice Wine Casa Larga Vineyards 2007 Fiori Delle Stelle Vidal Ice Wine
Complete results of the 2010 Classic will soon be posted under "New York Gold" at this site, which also includes Gold medal New York wines from other major competitions.