Sen. Helming Announces Romulus Winery As 2017 Governor’s Cup Winner

Senator Pamela A. Helming (R,C,I-Canandaigua) today announced that Buttonwood Grove Winery in Romulus earned the Governor’s Cup trophy, and other Finger Lakes region wineries won Best of Category and Best of Class awards during the 32^nd annual New York Wine & Food Classic. The nationally recognized competition highlights the best of New York State’s wine, spirits, and ciders, and the Governor’s Cup is the most prestigious award in the competition. The competition is organized by the Canandaigua-based New York Wine & Grape Foundation.

“It is already a well-known fact that the Finger Lakes region has some of the best wines, as well as spirits, ciders, and beers, in New York State, the country, and the world. With Buttonwood Grove Winery bringing home the Governor’s Cup from the New York Wine & Food Classic, it confirms that the Finger Lakes is indeed a leader in the New York State beverage industry. I commend David and Melissa Pittard and their team at Buttonwood Grove Winery on a job well done, and I congratulate them on earning the 2017 Governor’s Cup,” Senator Helming said.

In addition to being presented with the Governor’s Cup, Buttonwood Grove Winery also won three awards for its 2016 Riesling – Best White Wine in the Best of Category awards and Best Medium Sweet Riesling and Best Overall Riesling in the Best of Class awards. Three Brothers Wineries & Estates in Geneva received two awards for its 2016 Zweigelt/Cabernet Sauvignon – Best Red Wine in the Best of Category awards and Best Vinifera Red Blend in the Best of Class awards – as well as Best Hybrid White in the Best of Class awards for its Nearly Naked.

“We are thrilled and excited to have won the Governor’s Cup and all of these other honors. We have a wonderful staff here at Buttonwood Grove Winery. I couldn’t be happier particularly for our winemaking team of Sue Passmore and Ian Barry. We’re very happy to have received this award, and we’re grateful for all of the people who have helped us, especially the other members of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail,” said David Pittard, owner of Buttonwood Grove Winery.

Thirsty Owl Wine Company in Ovid earned Best Diamond in the Best of Class awards for its 2016 Diamond and Best Other Red Vinifera Varietal in the Best of Class awards for its 2015 Malbec. Goose Watch Winery won Best Dessert Wine in the Best of Category awards for its Classic Cream Sherry, while Lucas Vineyards in Interlaken received Best Dry Riesling in the Best of Class awards for its 2015 Dry Riesling.

“Congratulations to all of the wineries in the Finger Lakes region that won awards during the New York Wine & Food Classic. The beverage industry in the region touches many other industries – agriculture and tourism, to name a couple – so it is important that we all keep working together to maintain this vibrant, award-winning industry,” Senator Helming said.

Senator Helming represents the 54^th Senate District, which consists of Seneca and Wayne Counties, parts of Cayuga and Ontario Counties, and the towns of Lansing and Webster. For more information, please visit Senator Helming’s website, or follow @SenatorHelming on Facebook or Twitter.

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