Top New York State Wines Revealed At 2025 Wine Classic

When it comes to the best wineries in New York, one Finger Lakes vineyard is proving that lightning really can strike twice.

Who Won Big at the 2025 New York Wine Classic?

Weis Vineyards, located on the eastern shore of Keuka Lake just north of Hammondsport, has officially been named New York’s Winery of the Year for 2025—for the second year in a row. The prestigious title was awarded at the annual New York Wine Classic, a statewide competition that highlights excellence in winemaking and viticulture.

The announcement was made by Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, who also revealed this year’s Governor’s Cup winner: Rose Hill Vineyards of Long Island, which was recognized for its 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon. The Governor’s Cup is considered the “Best in Show” prize—essentially the highest honor a single wine can receive in the state.

Meet Weis Vineyards: Finger Lakes Star

Weis Vineyards has quickly built a reputation for excellence since producing its first vintage in 2016. Founded by Hans Peter Weis, a native of Germany’s Mosel wine region, the winery is known for its German-style wines, and Peter says he was drawn to Keuka Lake for its familiar climate and soil—strikingly similar to his homeland.

The competition this year was no small feat. According to syracuse.com, over 100 wineries submitted nearly 700 wines for judging. In total, 12 Platinum, 261 Gold, 299 Silver, and 80 Bronze medals were awarded.

Why Finger Lakes Wines Stand Out

Weis didn't just take home Winery of the Year—they also earned Best White Wine honors for their 2024 Grüner Veltliner and Best Pink Wine for their 2024 Dry Rosé.

Here’s a look at this year’s top wines by category:

Best Sparkling Wine: Right Bank Blanc De Blancs – Milea Family Wines, Hudson Valley
Best White Wine: 2024 Grüner Veltliner – Weis Vineyards, Finger Lakes
Best Red Wine: 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon – Rose Hill Vineyards, Long Island
Best Pink Wine: 2024 Dry Rosé – Weis Vineyards, Finger Lakes
Best Dessert Wine: 2023 Après Late Harvest – Billsboro Winery, Finger Lakes

With multiple wins across several categories, Weis Vineyards continues to raise the bar.

Have a Sip At These 11 Finger Lakes Wine Tasting Rooms and Wine Bars

The Finger Lakes is looking for a spring and summer season that will "pop." With dozens or wineries throughout the region, visitors will start trekking into the wine region in big numbers with the advent of warm weather. While there are any number of places to buy wine, we suggest you pick out a couple of wineries that have tasting rooms, or even check out some of the fun wine bars located in the villages across the Finger Lakes. Here is a starter list of some of the best. Most have food, from small charcuterie boards all the way to 5-star cuisine. All have great tastes for you to try. And many of them have that classic Finger Lakes view right outside their doors!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Try These 10 Upstate NY Wineries That Are NOT in the Finger Lakes!

The Finger Lakes Wine Region is now one of the most popular destinations in the United States. With dozens of large and small wineries in the lake region, the wine business has become a major economic engine of western New York. But award-winning wines can be found all around the state. Here is a list of 10 fantastic wineries that are located in ten different counties and are definitely not in the Finger lakes area. Give them a try. We think you will like these.

And if you know of a great winery in Upstate NY that is not in the Finger Lakes wine region, we hope you will visit our Facebook page and give it a shout out.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

These Top Wineries Can Be Found Along the St. Lawrence Seaway

While, for the most part, we think of the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York as the home of many of the state's finest wineries, the St. Lawrence Seaway region also plays host to many large and small wineries that have gained in popularity in recent years. Here is a selection of some of the best from that area.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Source: Finger Lakes Winery Crowned New York Winery Of The Year For 2025