N※N

This Finger Lakes winery just won big at the 2025 NY Wine Classic

Weis Vineyards Claims Top Honor as Winery of the Year in 2025 New York Wine Classic

In a resounding affirmation of New York's burgeoning wine scene, Weis Vineyards has been crowned Winery of the Year at the 2025 New York Wine Classic, an prestigious competition that highlights the best of the state's viticultural talent. The announcement, made by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, underscores the Finger Lakes region's growing reputation as a powerhouse in American winemaking. Weis Vineyards, located in the heart of the Finger Lakes on the eastern shore of Keuka Lake, edged out fierce competition to secure the top prize, marking a significant milestone for the boutique winery founded by German winemaker Hans Peter Weis and his wife, Asha.

The New York Wine Classic, now in its 39th year, is one of the most respected wine competitions in the United States, focusing exclusively on wines produced from New York-grown grapes. This year's event saw over 1,000 entries from more than 100 wineries across the state, including regions like the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, Long Island, Niagara Escarpment, and Lake Erie. A panel of expert judges, comprising sommeliers, wine educators, critics, and industry professionals from around the world, conducted blind tastings over several days to evaluate the submissions based on criteria such as aroma, flavor balance, complexity, and overall quality. The competition not only celebrates excellence but also serves as a vital platform for promoting New York wines on a national and international stage.

Weis Vineyards' victory is particularly noteworthy given its relatively young history. Established in 2017, the winery has quickly risen to prominence under the guidance of Hans Peter Weis, who brings decades of experience from Germany's Mosel region, renowned for its Rieslings. Weis, who immigrated to the United States in 2000, initially worked at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery before launching his own venture. His approach emphasizes cool-climate varietals that thrive in the Finger Lakes' unique terroir, characterized by slate-rich soils and moderating lake effects that mimic European growing conditions. Asha Weis, who handles the business side, has been instrumental in building the winery's brand, focusing on sustainable practices and direct-to-consumer sales.

The Winery of the Year award is bestowed upon the producer that accumulates the highest overall scores across multiple entries, reflecting consistency and excellence in winemaking. Weis Vineyards submitted a diverse portfolio that impressed judges across categories. Their standout wines included a crisp, mineral-driven Riesling that captured the essence of the Finger Lakes' acidity and fruit purity, as well as innovative blends that fuse Old World techniques with New World creativity. One judge reportedly praised the winery's ability to "bridge tradition and innovation," noting how their wines exhibit elegance without sacrificing approachability.

Beyond the top honor, the 2025 New York Wine Classic distributed a slew of awards in various categories, showcasing the depth and diversity of New York's wine industry. In the Best White Wine category, Heron Hill Winery took home gold for its 2023 Reserve Chardonnay, lauded for its creamy texture and subtle oak integration. The Best Red Wine went to Fulkerson Winery's 2022 Cabernet Franc, which displayed vibrant red fruit notes and a peppery finish emblematic of the region's red varietals. Sparkling wines shone brightly, with Chateau Frank's Blanc de Blancs earning Best Sparkling Wine for its fine bubbles and citrus-driven profile.

Rosé enthusiasts celebrated as Atwater Estate Vineyards claimed Best Rosé with their 2024 dry offering made from Cabernet Franc grapes, blending strawberry aromas with a refreshing acidity. For dessert wines, the nod went to Hunt Country Vineyards' Late Harvest Vignoles, a sweet elixir bursting with tropical fruit and honeyed complexity. In the specialty categories, cider and mead producers were also recognized, reflecting the competition's inclusive approach to fermented beverages from New York fruits. BlackBird Cider Works won Best Cider for its heirloom apple blend, while Earle Estates Meadery's Traditional Mead secured top honors in its class.

The competition also highlighted emerging trends in New York winemaking, such as the rise of hybrid grapes like Vignoles and Seyval Blanc, which are well-suited to the state's challenging climate. Judges noted an overall improvement in quality, attributing it to advancements in viticulture, including better canopy management and precision farming techniques. Climate change adaptations, such as experimenting with drought-resistant rootstocks, were evident in many winning entries, signaling the industry's resilience.

For Weis Vineyards, this accolade comes at a pivotal time. The winery has expanded its production in recent years, now farming over 20 acres of estate vineyards and sourcing from trusted local growers. Hans Peter Weis expressed profound gratitude in a post-award interview, stating, "This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team and the incredible potential of the Finger Lakes. We've always aimed to produce wines that tell a story of place, and it's humbling to see that resonate with judges and consumers alike." Asha Weis added that the award will boost their visibility, potentially opening doors to new markets and collaborations.

The impact of the New York Wine Classic extends far beyond the winners' circle. Organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to research, education, and promotion, the event generates significant economic benefits for the state. New York's wine industry contributes over $6 billion annually to the economy, supporting thousands of jobs in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. Winning wines often see a surge in sales, with many consumers seeking out the awarded bottles at tastings, festivals, and retail outlets.

This year's competition also featured educational components, including seminars on sustainable winemaking and sensory evaluation workshops open to the public. Such initiatives aim to demystify wine and encourage broader appreciation, especially among younger demographics. As New York continues to gain acclaim—often compared to world-class regions like Burgundy or the Rhine Valley—the Wine Classic plays a crucial role in elevating its profile.

Looking ahead, Weis Vineyards plans to leverage this momentum by hosting special events at their tasting room, which offers stunning views of Keuka Lake. Visitors can expect vertical tastings of their award-winning Rieslings and pairings with local cheeses and charcuterie. The winery's commitment to eco-friendly practices, including solar-powered operations and minimal intervention in the vineyard, aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable products.

Other notable winners included Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, which received multiple medals for its Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir, reinforcing its status as a Finger Lakes pioneer. On Long Island, Paumanok Vineyards excelled in the Bordeaux-style blend category with their 2021 Assemblage, blending Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot into a harmonious red. Hudson Valley's Brotherhood Winery, America's oldest continuously operating winery, won for its Ruby Port, a fortified wine evoking historical traditions.

In the spirits realm, the competition expanded to include New York-distilled products, with Finger Lakes Distilling taking Best Spirit for its McKenzie Rye Whiskey, aged in local oak barrels. This inclusion reflects the foundation's broader mission to celebrate all facets of New York's beverage industry.

The 2025 awards ceremony, held virtually with in-person elements at select wineries, drew attendees from across the country. Foundation executive director Sam Filler emphasized the event's role in fostering community: "These awards not only honor excellence but also inspire the next generation of winemakers. New York's story is one of innovation rooted in tradition, and this year's winners embody that spirit."

As the dust settles on the 2025 New York Wine Classic, Weis Vineyards stands as a beacon of what's possible in American winemaking. Their journey from a small startup to Winery of the Year serves as inspiration for aspiring producers statewide. With climate, soil, and passion aligning perfectly, the future of New York wines looks brighter than ever, promising more accolades and discoveries in the years to come. Wine lovers are encouraged to explore these winners, perhaps starting with a bottle from Weis Vineyards, to taste the triumph firsthand.

(Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Democrat and Chronicle Article at:
[ https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2025/07/18/weis-vineyards-wins-winery-of-year-in-2025-new-york-wine-classic-award-winners/85272341007/ ]