August 18, 2010 by Mark H. Anbinder
Several Finger Lakes wineries and other producers were recognized this Monday and Tuesday at the 2010 New York Wine & Food Classic, an annual competition held this week in Watkins Glen. Taking "Winery of the Year" honors for the second year in a row was Sheldrake Point Vineyards, a winery about a half hour north of Ithaca off Route 89 in Ovid.
Also earning top nods were Swedish Hill Winery, winning the "Governor's Cup," a best of show award, for its Riesling Cuvee, which had been named Best Sparkling Wine. Keuka Lake Vineyards, a relatively new winery near Hammondsport, had its 2009 Semi Dry Riesling named Best White Wine.
A new "Best New York Spirit" award went to Finger Lakes Distilling's Seneca Drums Gin. Distilled from local grapes, Seneca Drums Gin features traditional juniper flavors as well as FLD's own blend of botanicals such as citrus peels, coriander, fresh cucumber, and black pepper.
