Area wineries win governor's 'best of' awards

FINGER LAKES--Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced the winners of the 2015 Governor's Cup wine competition Wednesday, Aug. 12. While Ventosa Vineyards of Geneva took home the top prize, several other area wineries and vineyards were named the winners of Best in Class and Best in Category awards.
Glenora Wine Cellars in Dundee won two awards, one for Best Unoaked Chardonnay for their 2014 Chardonnay and one for Best Sweet Riesling for their 2014 Riesling. Fox Run Vineyards in Penn Yan won Best Vinifera Red Blend with their 2013 Cabernet Franc/Lemberger. Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars of Hammondsport took the top spot in three categories this year, including Best Dry Riesling (2013 Dry Riesling), Best Medium Dry Riesling (2013 Riesling, Semi-Dry) and Best Pinot Gris (2013 Pinot Gris). Lime Berry Winery in Hammondsport was named the winner of Best Rosé/Blush Wine with their Bunny Bunny Blush.
In Schuyler County, Standing Stone Vineyards of Hector took the award for Best Other Red Vinifera Varietal for their 2013 Saperavi.
The awards were presented during an awards ceremony held in Canandaigua. This year's competition included 858 wines, 20 hard ciders and 32 spirits from across the state. The awards were based on blind tastings by 22 expert judges, four from California, 10 from New York, seven from other states and one from France. Judges included wine writers, restaurateurs, retailers and wine educators. Judging panels determined the initial awards, with top-scoring wines evaluated by all 22 judges for the Best of Category and Governor's Cup awards.
This ceremony followed the state's first Taste N.Y. Culinary Tour, which provided more than a dozen of the region's chefs and restaurateurs with a first-hand look at the quality and diversity of New York agriculture in the region.
"New York's wine and agricultural industries are among the best in the world, and when people get a taste of what they've been missing, they'll be sure to come back for more," said Cuomo. "From the prestigious New York Wine and Food Classic to the first-ever Taste N.Y. Culinary Tour, we are showcasing all that the Empire State has to offer. I am happy to congratulate the winners of today's Governor's Cup, and I encourage all New Yorkers to sample some of our state's best food and beverages. You won't be disappointed."
The Governor's Cup award is a large silver chalice, recognizing the Best of Show or top prize from 910 entries in the annual New York Wine and Food Classic competition, organized by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. In addition, Paumanok Vineyards from Long Island's North Fork won the Winery of the Year award.