The Capital Region is home to multiple wineries that have been awarded as the best in the state at the 2026 New York Wine Classic competition, with samples taking home bronze, silver, and even gold medals.

The New York Wine and Grape Foundation organizes the New York Wine Classic every year, and is considered the state's "premier wine competition". This year they welcomed more than 100 wineries across the state.

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The foundation's Executive Director Sam Filler said “New York is consistently producing world-class wines and competitions like this one gives us the opportunity to share that story with a broader audience,”

Out of all those wineries, nine winners came from the Capital Region.

Adirondack Winery in Lake George, Warren County

• 2024 "View From the Point" Cabernet Sauvignon: 95 points, Gold Medal
• 2024 “Story Teller” Baco Noir: 90 Points, Gold Medal
• 2025 “Blue Jay” Semi-Sweet Riesling: 87 Points, Silver Medal
• 2024 “Adirondack Overlook” Barrel-Aged Chardonnay: 86 Points, Silver Medal
• 2025 “Red Cardinal” Dry Riesling: 85 Points, Silver Medal
• 2024 “Radiant Bloom” Rosé: 85 Points, Silver Medal
• 2023 Midnight Bubbly: 84 Points, Bronze Medal

Benmarl Winery in Marlboro, Ulster County

• 2025 Petillant, Cabernet Franc: 93 Points, Gold Medal
• 2025 Dry Rosé: 91 Points, Gold Medal
• 2024 Estate, Traminette: 91 Points, Gold Medal
• 2022 Cabernet Franc: 90 Points, Gold Medal
• 2025 Estate, Seyval Blanc: 88 Points, Silver Medal
• 2024 Estate Muscat Ottonel: 88 Points, Silver Medal
• 2021 Slate Hill Red Blend: 87 Points, Silver Medal

Fjord Vineyards in Milton, Ulster County

• 2024 Estate, Cabernet Franc: 94 Points, Gold Medal
• 2024 Estate, Albarino: 94 Points, Gold Medal
• 2024 Estate, Chardonnay: 92 Points, Gold Medal
• 2025 Estate Rosé, Cabernet Franc: 91 Points, Gold Medal
• 2025 Estate, Albarino: 90 Points, Gold Medal

Quartz Rock Vineyard in Marlboro, Ulster County

• 2022 Estate, Cabernet Franc: 91 Points, Gold Medal
• 2023 Estate, Noiret: 90 Points, Gold Medal
• 2023 Estate, Cabernet Franc: 88 Points, Silver Medal

Millbrook Vineyard and Winery in Millbrook, Dutchess County

• 2024 Clone 623, Cabernet Franc: Best Red Wine, Best Cabernet Franc, Platinum Medal
• 2024 Pinot Noir: 93 Points, Gold Medal
• 2024 Proprietor’s Special Reserve, Chardonnay: 92 Points, Gold Medal
• 2023 Cabernet Franc: 92 Points, Gold Medal
• 2023 Lollipop Hill, Tocai Friulano: 89 Points, Silver Medal
• 2025 Hunt Country Rosé: 88 Points, Silver Medal
• 2024 Gamay: 85 Points, Silver Medal
• 2022 Castle Hill, Riesling: 84 Points, Bronze Medal

Helderberg Meadworks in Esperance, Schoharie County

• NV Heritage Mead: 93 Points, Gold Medal
• NV Blackbraid Mead: 85 Points, Silver Medal
• NV Soulfire Nectar Mead: 84 Points, Bronze Medal

Whitecliff Vineyard in Gardiner, Ulster County

• 2019 Sky Island Red Blend: 94 Points, Gold Medal
• 2024 North River Petillant: 82 Points, Bronze Medal
• 2024 Non-Intervention, Traminette: 82 Points, Bronze Medal

Clever Pond Vineyard in Altamont, Albany County

• 2024 Red Tail, Maréchal Foch: 94 Points, Gold Medal
• 2024 Robin, Petit Pearl: 93 Points, Gold Medal
• 2024 Leaf, Frontenac Blanc: 91 Points, Gold Medal
• 2024 Blanc Première, Frontenac Blanc: 89 Points, Silver Medal
• 2024 Reserve, Marquette: 88 Points, Silver Medal
• 2024 Sweet Puppy La Crosse: 87 Points, Silver Medal
• 2023 Sweet Louise White Blend: 87 Points, Silver Medal
• 2024 Rouge Première, Marquette: 86 Points, Silver Medal
• 2023 Rosé Première, Frontenac Gris: 85 Points, Silver Medal
• 2023 1947, Petit Pearl: 84 Points, Bronze Medal
• 2024 Sweet Moose Rosé: 83 Points, Bronze Medal