Swedish Hill rated New York's best

Swedish Hill Winery emerged from the 23rd annual New York Wine & Food Classic competition with the top prizes.

The Cayuga Lake establishment, which has been on a roll this year, won both the Governor's Cup for producing the state's best wine -- a 2007 vidal blanc ($11.99 a bottle) judged best white wine and best vidal blanc as well as best overall among a record 774 entries-- and the title "Winery of the Year."

In addition, the winery owned by Dick and Cindy Peterson took the prize for best sparkling wine with its spumante blush.

Other category champions:

• Best red wine: Bedell Cellars 2006 Musee

• Best blush or rosé wine: Anthony Road Wine Co. 2007 Dry Rose

• Best specialty wine: Earle Estates Meadery Creamy Apricot

• Best dessert wine: Casa Larga Vineyards 2005 Fiori Vidal Ice Wine

• Best specialty wine: Earle Estates Meadery of Seneca Lake

The competition is run by the New York State Wine & Grape Foundation and this year was held at the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz.

The Petersons' establishment also has swept up an array of gold and other medals in a variety of competitions this year. You can see the complete list here.

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