Sanctioned by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (Uncork NY!), the competition exhibited in Sonnenberg Mansion’s second-floor exhibit hall showcased 110 entries in seven categories representing 28 wineries across the state. The entries were juried by our judging panel, which included: Holly Howell, wine educator/sommelier; Susan Spence, industry administrator; Ray Spencer, retailer/wine manager; and Richard Wehrman, artist/illustrator.

This special event, held during Sonnenberg’s Rose Week, showcased roses, wines, wine labels, New York-grown foods and the related educational and agribusiness activities associated with them. Winners were announced at the conclusion of the Evening Wine & Dine Gala, where 18 wineries and 8 restaurants tempted the palettes of guests with their best vintages and delicacies. Prizes for the label competition were awarded to New York wineries as follows:

Wine Label Series:   Pindar Vineyards Winery & Pavilion (Piconic, Long Island) “Mythology” winner; Imagine Moore Winery (Naples)  “Joy, Love, Peace”  honorable mention.

Natural/Nature:  Sheldrake Point Vineyards (Ovid)  Dry Rose’ winner; Shaw Vineyard  (Himrod) Riesling  honorable mention.

Innovative: Miles Wine Cellars (Himrod) “Ghost” winner; Heron Hill Winery (Hammondsport) Eclipse  honorable mention.

Art Illustration: Fox Run Vineyards  (Penn Yan) Fox Trot Red, winner; Four Chimney’s Farm Winery (Himrod) Au Pear, honorable mention.

Contemporary: Stoutridge Vineyard (Marlboro) Vidal  winner; Lucas Vineyards (Interlaken) Butterfly  honorable mention.

Traditional: Ventosa Vineyards (Geneva) Merlot winner; Chateau Lafayette Reneau (Hector) Pinot Noir Blanc  honorable mention.

Best in Show: Fox Run Vineyards (Penn Yan) Fox Trot Red.

Since May 19, when the competition exhibit opened, some 700 entries were received for the People’s Choice Award, which went to Miles Wine Cellars for its Ghost wine label.

People’s Choice Awards for the best winery presentation at the Wine & Dine Gala went to Red Newt Cellars, while best restaurant presentation went to Hawthorne’s Restaurant of Pittsford.  A silent auction, with prizes from wineries, merchants, restaurants and more, was also part of the evening gala.

Featured Wineries included: Anthony Road Cellars, Bilsboro Winery, Chateau LaFayette Reneau, Deer Run Winery, Eagle Crest Vineyards, Fox Run Vineyards, Goose Watch Winery, King Ferry/Treleaven, Lakewood Vineyards, Long Point Winery, Lucas Vineyards, Montezuma Winery, Penguin Bay Winery, Red Newt Cellars, Rooster Hill Vineyards, Sheldrake Point Vineyard, Sonnenberg's Finger Lakes Wine Center, Swedish Hill Winery, The Winery at Marjim Manor, White Springs Estate Winery, Wolffer Estate Vineyard.
Featured Restaurants included: The Brown Hound Bistro, Dano's Heuriger, Doc's Lakeside Restaurant, Hawthorne's, High Noon Cafe' at Sonnenberg, Schooner's, Sweet Expressions, Canandaigua Wegmans Catering

Sonnenberg also thanks lectors Peter Bell of Fox Run Vineyards; Bob Beckman and William Ouweleen of Eagle Crest Estate Winery, Sandy Waters of Empire North Distributing, and Dr. Jana Lamboy of the FLCC Horticulture Department, who shared their expertise on viticulture, wine and food pairing, wine label design and rose care with visitors during the afternoon.