By Blake Jackson
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation has officially opened submissions for the 2026 New York Wine Classic, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the state’s flagship wine competition. For four decades, the event has honored excellence in winemaking while showcasing the wide range of wines produced throughout New York.
Since its establishment, the competition has provided wineries with a valuable platform to present their products, gain industry recognition, and demonstrate the innovation and quality that define New York’s wine sector. The 2026 edition is expected to include more than 600 entries from around 100 wineries statewide.
All wines will be evaluated through a blind-tasting process conducted by expert judges from the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest), an internationally respected authority known for its thorough and professional assessments.
Awards will be presented across several categories, including Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, along with Best of Class distinctions. The highest-rated entries will compete for top honors such as the Governor’s Cup for the best wine overall and Winery of the Year for outstanding collective performance.
Beyond recognizing quality, the competition plays a key role in promoting the story of New York wine. Over the years, award-winning entries have contributed to building the state’s reputation as a dynamic and diverse wine-producing region. Winners are featured throughout the year through digital promotions and industry outreach efforts.
“As we celebrate the 40th year of the New York Wine Classic, we are proud to continue a tradition that recognizes the dedication and creativity of New York’s winemakers,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.
“This competition reflects the incredible progress our industry has made and provides an opportunity to spotlight the wines and wineries shaping the future of New York wine.”
Wineries are encouraged to submit entries by April 15, 2026. For competition details, visit newyorkwines.org/classic.
Photo Credit: pixabay-vinotecarium
Categories: New York, General