This year the Hudson Valley Wine, Spirits & Cider competition was held Saturday, September 10th, at the Hudson Valley Wine Festival located at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York. I’ve been Chair of this competition since 2008 and have seen the region come together and elevate the quality of craft beverages produced in the region. Each year is better than the last! The wines, spirits, and ciders entered in the competition are a reflection of the love, hard work, and dedication of the wineries, cideries, and spirit producers.
Entered in the 2022 competition were 78 entries of which 73 were wine, 3 ciders, and 2 spirits. All are judged by a panel of 15 judges based on the American Wine Society 20-point system. This year awarded were 4 Double Gold Medals, 16 Gold Medals, 18 Silver Medals, and 22 Bronze Medals.
For the first time, Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery dominated, winning Winery of the Year, Best in Show, and Best Red Wine for their 2020 Whitceliff Vineyard and Winery Cabernet Franc and Best Sparkling Wine for their 2016 North River Sparkling Wine.
Milea Estate Vineyard 2020 Cabernet Franc was awarded the Valerie Cup for the Best Overall Hudson Valley Wine made with Hudson Valley fruit.
Merchant’s Daughter Ciderworks won for the second year, Best Cider for their 2017 Clara Reserve.
For the second year in a row, Robibero Winery won best White Wine for their 2021 Sienna.
Best Rose Wine was awarded to Benmarl Winery’s 2021 Dry Rose, and a newcomer to the competition City Winery won Best Dessert Wine for their 2020 Vin de Glaciere Riesling.
In the Spirits category, newcomer Ten Mile Distillery won Best Spirit for their Listening Rock Gin.
For a list of all awards, click here
Congratulations to all the wineries, cideries, and distilleries!
