O’Mara congratulates Keuka Spring Vineyards on selection as ‘Winery of the Year’ and Billsboro Winery for winning this year's 'Governor's Cup' ~ Many other Finger Lakes wineries recognized

Elmira, N.Y., August 12—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) today congratulated Keuka Spring Vineyards of Penn Yan for being selected as the “Winery of the Year” and Billsboro Winery of Geneva on winning the "Governor's Cup" at this year’s Governor’s Cup competition at the 31st Annual New York Wine & Food Classic held yesterday and today at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.

O’Mara also applauded all of the Finger Lakes wineries recognized at the 2016 competition.  See the full rewards list HERE.

“First and foremost, congratulations to Keuka Spring Vineyards for earning the prestigious recognition of ‘Winery of the Year’ and Billsboro Winery the 'Governor's Cup.'  These are well-deserved honors for two of our finest Finger Lakes wineries.  As always, I’m proud to have yet another opportunity to highlight and praise the numerous Finger Lake wineries continuing to receive the admiration that we all know is the product of unmatched commitment and hard work.  Our local wineries are second to none and I’m thrilled that so many of them enjoyed this opportunity to showcase their quality.  It’s a premier event and gives all of us yet another reason to help celebrate the success of Finger Lakes and New York State wines,” said O’Mara, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, and known as “The Oscars” of New York wine competitions, the Classic brings together the finest wines, ciders and craft spirits produced in New York State.  It’s open to more than 400 New York wineries statewide.  According to the Foundation, this year’s competition included 951 individual entries: 893 New York wines, 20 hard ciders and 38 craft spirits from several regions, including Long Island, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, and Western New York.

President of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation Jim Trezise said, “The New York Wine & Food Classic is recognized nationally for the quality of the judges, superb organization, and promotional value. We applaud the winners in a very competitive event, as well as the strong support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and his administration for the New York wine industry.”

The entries are judged on a blind-tasting basis by 22 expert judges from across the nation -- and one judge from London this year -- comprised of prominent wine writers, restaurateurs, retailers, and wine educators.

New York is now home to over 900 wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries. Since 2011, the number of farm wineries in New York has increased by over 60 percent, from 195 in 2010 to 315 today. In addition, the number of farm wineries opening branch offices has increased by 131 percent, from 29 to 67, and the farm cidery license created in 2014, has resulted in 22 new farm cideries in New York State.