Weis, Hazlitt take top honors

FINGER LAKES--A number of local wineries were recognized as Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the top winners of the 36th annual New York Wine Classic, Tuesday, July 12. A nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York's wine, the winners were announced by the governor during a special live virtual event hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.
Weis Vineyards, located on the east side of Keuka Lake, was presented with the "Winery of the Year" award. The Governor's Cup was presented to two wineries, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards' Solera Sherry and Wölffer Estate Vineyard's 2020 Diosa Late-Harvest from Long Island.
"We are excited and thankful," said Ashlee Weis, co-owner of Weis Vineyards. "A bit overwhelmed with all the support we received, it's been really wonderful. Being a newer winery, only five years old, it wasn't expected but we are thrilled."
In addition to Winery of the Year, Weis Vineyards also took home a platinum medal and best pink wine award for their 2021 Dry Rosé, along with the best white wine award for their 2020 Winzer Select Riesling A, which received a gold medal. They also took home gold medals for their 2019 Merlot, 2021 Zweigelt Dry Rosé, 2017 Riesling Ice Wine, 2019 Riesling Ice Wine, 2020 Semi Dry Riesling, and their 2020 Dry Riesling.
Winemaker Hans Peter Weis, co-owner of Weis Vineyards, was born in Zell Mosel, Germany and grew up in the vineyards and cellar of his family winery. It is there that he gained his passion for wine. In the spring of 2016 he and his wife Ashlee, a native of the Finger Lakes, decided they would begin this adventure together and open Weis Vineyards. He found the Finger Lakes to be the perfect place to pursue his passion of handcrafting traditional German-style wines for all to enjoy.
"The New York Wine Classic celebrates the very best of New York's wine and grape industries, and this year's winners are stellar examples of the high-quality wine we've come to know and love in our state," said Hochul. "I congratulate Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, and Weis Vineyards on receiving these prestigious awards. The wine industry is an essential part of New York's agricultural economy and I'm proud to work hard in support of the continued innovation, growth, and success of our wineries and farmers."
An annual event organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, the New York Wine Classic celebrates wines only from producers within the state. To help with the judging for the second year, the Beverage Testing Institute was brought in to judge the wines submitted. Scores were awarded by a trained sensory panel composed of beverage directors, sommeliers, top bartenders, retail buyers, and wine related educators.
"We are honored to receive the coveted Governor's Cup," said Leigh Hazlitt-Triner, Co-CEO of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards. "This award is a testament to our talented and hardworking winemaking and vineyard teams; we couldn't be more proud."
In addition to winning the Governor's Cup, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards also received a platinum medal and tied for best dessert wine for their Solera Sherry. Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, located in Hector, was established in 1985 by the late Jerry Hazlitt and his wife Elaine. The family has been growing grapes and orchard fruits for a living since 1852. The winery and vineyards are now managed by sixth-generation family members Doug Hazlitt and Leigh (Hazlitt) Triner.
"Best in Category" winners were also presented to Keuka Lake Vineyards 2020 Leon Millot for best red wine and best sparkling wine was Dr. Konstantin Frank 2017 Blanc De Blanc. The best specialty wine was Winery of Ellicottville Red Raspberry Wine.
Judging for The New York Wine Classic took place from April 15 through June 15, and included 694 entries from 101 wineries from across the state. A total of seven platinum, 234 gold, 324 silver, and 110 bronze medals were awarded.