Fulkerson winery 2023 Estate Rose - top pink wine winner

By Blake Jackson

Fulkerson Winery has been basking in the success of their Syrah Rosé, which recently won the prestigious 'Best Pink Wine' award at the New York Wine Classic.

This victory is particularly significant for the sixth-generation owner and operator, Sayre Fulkerson, who initially hesitated to use Syrah for rosé due to its rarity in the Finger Lakes region.

“I was very reluctant to use Syrah for rosé because it’s such a rare grape in the Finger Lakes, and it felt risky because our red is so popular,” Sayre Fulkerson explains. “But we decided to try it. I could never have predicted that it would be as successful as it has become in the past six or so years, and winning this award felt like winning the lottery. Just so unexpected.”

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) organized the annual New York Wine Classic to showcase the best wines from across the state.

A panel of judges from the Beverage Tasting Institute evaluated 715 entries from 92 wineries, awarding medals in various categories.

Fulkerson Winery's 2023 Estate Rosé, a fruit-forward, lighter style of rosé produced via direct press, impressed the judges and secured the 'Best Pink Wine' award. Despite its limited production of 400 cases, the Syrah rosé has gained popularity among wine enthusiasts.

Sayre Fulkerson attributes the winery's success to the contributions of many individuals, including vineyard manager Eric Lebeck and winemaker Dan Gobush.

Their expertise and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in producing high-quality wines consistently.

The Fulkerson family's history in the Finger Lakes region dates back to 1805, when Caleb Fulkerson established the farm. Over the generations, the family has cultivated grapes and produced wine, adapting to industry changes and challenges.

With a focus on quality and a commitment to sustainable practices, Fulkerson Winery continues to thrive. Sayre Fulkerson is optimistic about the upcoming harvest and looks forward to producing more exceptional wines.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-willhowecreative