If you’re new to wine or just curious about New Jersey’s options, don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it seems! New Jersey offers a wide variety of grapes. This means there’s something for everyone. Whether you like sweet, dry, white, or red, you’ll find a grape to suit your taste. Here’s a quick rundown of what you should know.
Let’s start with some white wines: If you like white wine, start with Chardonnay. In New Jersey, you’ll find two main styles. One is creamy and buttery, thanks to aging in oak barrels. Another is crisp and citrusy. Both Old York Cellars and Brook Hollow Winery have a wonderful Chardonnay reserve. Brook Hollow’s is actually aged with oak chips as well as oak dust. Riesling is another great white wine grown in the Garden State. Some of my favorite ones come from Fox Hollow Winery. They make a Sweet Riesling. Hawk Haven Vineyards also produces an off-dry Riesling. Again, Riesling can be sweet or dry, but it’s always refreshing. It pairs well with foods like seafood or spicy dishes.
Then there’s red Wines: For reds, Cabernet Franc is a great introduction. It’s a medium-bodied wine with flavors like red berries and a little peppery spice—nothing too heavy. I really enjoyed these wines from places like Cedar Rose Vineyards, Brook Hollow Winery. Have you heard of Pinot Noir? You’re in luck. New Jersey makes some lovely, light versions of this classic wine.
Lastly, there are a number of unique New Jersey Wines. Some grapes, like Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc, are hybrids. These hybrids are well suited to grow well in New Jersey’s climate. Chambourcin is a fruity red that’s easy to enjoy. Vidal Blanc is often made into sweet dessert wines or refreshing whites. You can experience them for yourself at places like Valenzano Family Winery, Cedar Rose Vineyards and Old York Cellars.
Basically, New Jersey wines are super approachable and full of variety. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for something different, there’s a wine here you’ll love!