Finger Lakes vineyard wins top prize at annual New York competition; best of 910 entries

A red wine from Ventosa Vineyards in the Finger Lakes region has been awarded the top prize at the 30th annual New York Wine and Food Classic competition, besting 910 entries in the annual event.

Ventosa won the Governor's Cup for its 2011 Lemberger, Estate Grown. The Winery of the Year award went to Paumanok Vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island.

Lieutenant Gov. Kathy Hochul presented the top awards Wednesday at the event in Watkins Glen.

This year's competition included 858 New York wines, 20 hard ciders and 32 craft spirits.

The top spirit was Black Button Distilling Citrus Forward Gin, while the best cider was Kaneb Orchards St. Lawrence Cider.

The awards were based on blind tastings by 21 expert judges including prominent wine writers, restaurateurs, retailers, and wine educators.