By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

DSC_0026 I've just learned that Martha Clara Vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island has won this year's Governor’s Cup for best New York state wine, for their 2010 Riesling.

There has been many words written about the New York Wine & Food Classic over the years, but this is still great for the great team at Martha Clara — and it virtually guarantees that this wine will sell out.

It was chosen from 741 wines submitted by 105 wineries by a group of judges from across the country and the world.

Juan Micieli-Martinez, general manager and head winemaker at Martha Clara, just told me in an email that the fruit for this wine was actually grown by Bill Dalrymple on the West Side of Seneca Lake.  

He started buying fruit from Darrymple in 2009 and "In 2010, we purchased more Finger Lakes and produced two rieslings. Our 2010 Estate Reserve is 100% North Fork and the New York State-labeled wine is 100% Finger Lakes riesling from the Dalrymple Farm.  A comparison of the two Martha Clara Rieslings shows you the terroir of the two regions. Both wines are made identically — same yeast, ferment temps, etc." 

The Governor's Cup-winning riesling was intended for wholesale only, but that has changed with this news. "We will release (it) with a three-bottle per person limit and six-bottles per person limit for Wine Club Members at the tasting room," Micieli-Martinez said.

It is $17.99 per bottle.

The other big award handed out at the Classic every year — Winery of the Year — went to Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake. That honor is based on the number and level of medals its wines receive.