New Jersey has a long and vibrant history of wine, starting even before the United States existed, with grapes planted in 1758 in response to a financial incentive from the British Crown. The industry flourished in the 19th and 20th Centuries until Prohibition and even produced “New Jersey Champagne” in 1870. But the modern era really began after 1981 with the passage of the New Jersey Farm Winery Act, which stimulated the industry’s growth.
The Garden State has four AVAs: Cape May Peninsula, Warren Hills, Central Delaware Valley, and Outer Coastal Plain. The climate is very conducive to growing a wide selection of grapes, including the classic European (vinifera) varietals which compare favorably to those from Europe itself. The first proof came in 2012 when 10 New Jersey wines, 5 each from Bordeaux and Burgundy, were blind-tasted by experts and essentially resulted in a tie. Echoing the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris”, this became known as the Judgment of Princeton.
The industry is also fortunate to have the Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA), very capably led by energetic Executive Director Devon Perry, to conduct education, marketing, event coordination, and advocacy. The GSWGA includes a Women in Wine Caucus devoted to education and training for women in or interested in the wine community. The Rutgers Experiment Station provides research and extension for the grape and wine industry.
November is New Jersey Wine Month, highlighted by the New Jersey Wine Expo on November 9, featuring over 30 producers.
Bellview Winery is located on the Outer Coastal Plain and began as a diversified farm created by Angelo and Maria Quarella, who emigrated from Italy in 1914. The fourth generation, Jim and his wife Nancy, planted grapes in 1999 and opened the winery in 2001, featuring 20 different varietals and over two dozen wines. They were joined as owners in 2022 by retired Dr. Larry and Barbara Coia, who, since 1975, had a nearby 15-acre vineyard. Today, Bellview includes 50 acres, a wide selection of wines, including a popular Dandelion wine, a light fare menu, and private events.
Cape May Winery & Vineyard, at Exit 0, was started in 1989 by the Hayes family and Rutgers Agricultural Co-op but is now owned by the Craig family. From 1,000 gallons in 2003, it has grown to 40,000 today. Of the 150 acres, 26 are vineyards featuring 11 varietals; other crops are used partly in the Vineyard Tapas Kitchen, featuring seasonal menus.
Hopewell Valley Vineyards owners Violetti and Sergio Neri believe that “Bacchus opens the gate of the Heart”, and have brought their Old World winemaking roots to make great wines in the New World, specifically New Jersey. Violetta’s family comes from Macedonia, Greece, and Sergio’s from Italy’s Tuscany region. Their winery sits on 75 acres, including 20 vineyards, at the base of the Sourland Mountains near the Delaware Valley. Their European and French-America varietal wines have done very well in major competitions, including the Finger Lakes International.
Great Grapes: Cayuga
Developed by Cornell University grape breeders, Cayuga grows well in the Northeast and produces an aromatic, semi-dry white wine that is great for sipping or paired with mild cheeses and fruits.
