Finger Lakes winery Weis Vineyards took home the two top awards in the 2024 New York Wine Classic, which recognizes wine producers in the state. The announcement was made during a live virtual event on July 17.
The 2024 Governor's Cup, which recognizes the competition's best of show, was presented to Weis for its 2018 Riesling Ice Wine. Weis was also named Winery of the Year, which represents the best overall showing based on the level and number of awards in relation to entries. Weis also was named Winery of the Year in 2022.
"We are so honored to receive the Governor’s Cup Award, and it is so exciting to see all the hard work our team put into this 2018 Riesling Ice Wine be rewarded," said Peter Weis, owner and winemaker of Weis Vineyards. "Riesling and ice wine hold a special place in our hearts, and we are thrilled to be recognized among such an outstanding group of New York producers.
"We can barely contain our excitement at receiving the Winery of the Year award for the second time. It is truly an honor to be recognized among such an outstanding group of New York producers. This award represents the culmination of hard work by our entire team who we want to give a huge shout out to in appreciation. Zum Wohl!”
Weis Vineyards, on the east side of Keuka Lake, is owned by Hans Peter Weis, a native of Zell, Germany, along with his wife Ashlee Weis, a native of Hammondsport. Since it opened in 2017, the winery has expanded several times. Most of the grapes the winery uses for its wines are sourced from other growers in the region; the winery began planting an estate vineyard of riesling, chardonnay, cabernet franc and saperavi in 2020.
Weis Vineyards other awards
In addition to winning the Governor’s Cup and Winery of the Year, Weis Vineyards also won the following awards:
- Platinum medal and best dessert wine: 2018 Riesling Ice Wine
- Gold medal and best hybrid white wine: 2022 Heart of The Lake White, Aravelle
- Gold medal and best gruner veltliner: 2022 Gruner Veltliner
- Gold medal: 2022 Dry Riesling
- Gold medal: 2022 Terroir Limestone Riesling
- Gold medal: 2022 Winzer Select A Riesling
- Gold medal: 2021 Winzer Select Riesling Edel Süss
- Gold medal: 2022 Semi-dry Riesling
- Silver medal: 2022 Chardonnay
- Silver medal: 2021 Blaufrankisch
Best in category winners
Organized by The New York Wine & Grape Foundation, the competition included 715 entries from 92 wineries from across the state, which has 471 wineries in all. A total of 2 platinum, 190 gold, 397 silver and 116 bronze medals were awarded.
Judging was conducted by the Beverage Testing Institute; the panel included beverage directors, sommeliers, bartenders, retail buyers, and educators.
The “Best in Category” winners were:
- Best Sparkling Wine: Damiani Wine Cellars 2017 Brut Méthode Champenoise, Finger Lakes
- Best White Wine: Dr. Konstantin Frank 2022 Reserve Riesling, Finger Lakes
- Best Pink Wine: Fulkerson 2023 Estate Syrah Rosé, Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes
- Best Red Wine: Raphael 2019 Reserve Cabernet Franc, North Fork, Long Island
- Best Dessert Wine: Weis Vineyard 2018 Riesling Ice Wine, Finger Lakes
- Best Specialty Wine: Earle Estates Apple Enchantment Semi-Sweet Apple Wine, Finger Lakes
More about Weis Vineyards: Fast-growing Finger Lakes winery brings a taste of Germany to the region
Visit Weis Vineyards
Weis Vineyards is at 10014 Day Road, north of Hammondsport. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The winery does not accept reservations for tastings. On nice days, you may enjoy wines by the flight or glass at picnic tables outside; snacks are available for purchase. The maximum group size is eight people.
Weis Vineyards wines can be shipped to states that allow shipping from New York.
Food and drink reporter Tracy Schuhmacher holds a Level 3 Wine certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). Send news to her at tracys@gannett.com .
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Upstate NY winery takes top honors in state wine competition
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