Finger Lakes winery wins Governor’s Cup

HECTOR—The Governor’s Cup has come back to the Finger Lakes region for the third year in a row. Presented by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s office, the 2014 Governor’s Cup was awarded Wednesday, Aug. 13. Chateau Lafayette Reneau’s 2013 Semi-Dry Riesling was named the winner by Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy. Anthony Road Wine Company came away with several awards during the event, while Fulkerson Winery also won Best Other Red Vinifera Varietal for its 2013 William Vigne Dry Zwiegelt and Barnstormer Winery won Best Medium Sweet Riesling for its 2013 Semi-Dry Riesling.
Duffy presented the 2014 Governor’s Cup to Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2013 Semi-Dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes. The cup is a large silver chalice, recognizing the “Best of Show” or top prize from 863 entries in the annual New York Wine and Food Classic wine competition, organized by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. In addition, Macari Vineyards and Winery from Long Island won the “Winery of the Year” award.
“The wine and craft beverages produced in New York State are some of the best in the world, and this industry has seen unparalleled growth over the past several years with Governor Cuomo’s support,” Duffy said. “Beverage producers are creating jobs, stimulating the economy and expanding tourism as New York’s wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries continue to become world-renowned destinations.”
This year’s competition included 835 wines, 20 hard ciders and eight 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 prominent 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.
“The New York Wine & Food Classic is known as ‘The Oscars’ of New York wine, and the Governor’s Cup Wine Tour just enhances the prestige,” President of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation Jim Trezise said.
 The governor also announced the following winners from the 2014 New York Wine and Food Classic competition:
Best White Wine
Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2013 Semi-Dry Riesling, Estate Bottled
Best Rosé Wine
Anthony Road Wine Company 2013 Rosé of Cabernet Franc
The “Best of Class” awards, which are given to Double Gold or Gold medal wines in classes of at least seven wines, went to:
Best Medium Dry Riesling
Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2013 Semi-Dry Riesling, Estate Bottled
Best Medium Sweet Riesling
Barnstormer Winery 2013 Semi-Dry Riesling
Best Overall Riesling
Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2013 Semi-Dry Riesling, Estate Bottled
Best Vignoles
Anthony Road Wine Company 2013 Vignoles
Best Vinifera Rosé
Anthony Road Wine Company 2013 Rosé of Cabernet Franc
Best Other Red Vinifera Varietal
Fulkerson Winery 2013 William Vigne Dry Zwiegelt
Best Hybrid Red
Lakewood Vineyards 2013 Long Stem Red