New Jersey Makes Good Wine—And This Grape Is a Big Deal

New Jersey Makes Good Wine—And This Grape Is a Big Deal So you know how California and France are, like, the big names for wine? Well, New Jersey is making some pretty legit wine, too. I had no idea, but I just learned that Cabernet Franc (yeah, I had to Google how to pronounce it) is one of the top grapes grown here, and apparently, it’s kind of a big deal. Why This Grape Works So Well Here So, Cabernet Franc is kind of like the “cooler older sibling” of Cabernet Sauvignon—less heavy, a little smoother, and good for New Jersey’s climate. The weather here has warm summers but also nice cool autumns, which helps the grapes ripen just right without getting too sweet or too tart. Plus, this grape is pretty tough—it can handle the cold and doesn’t get sick as easily as some other grapes. What Does It Even Taste Like? If you’re like me and mostly just pick wine based on the label design, here’s what you should know about Cabernet Franc: • It’s got a nice mix of red fruit flavors—like raspberries, cherries, and maybe even cranberries. • It sometimes has this kind of herby, almost peppery vibe—like when you smell fresh-cut grass or a little bit of spice. • There’s also this earthy thing going on—some people say it reminds them of black tea or cedar wood. It’s not too heavy but not too light, so it’s super easy to drink. And it goes well with a ton of different foods—steak, pasta, cheese, whatever. Where Can You Try It? If you ever want to check it out, some wineries in New Jersey are good at making Cabernet Franc. A few that people rave about are: • Bellview Winery (Landisville, NJ) – They make a bold, fruity version. • Unionville Vineyards (Ringoes, NJ) – Their wine is smooth and a little spicy. • Working Dog Winery (Robbinsville, NJ) – Their Cabernet Franc is well-balanced and easy to drink. Most of these places let you do tastings, so you can try a few different wines without committing to a whole bottle (which is great if you have no idea what you like). Here’s a Cabernet Franc from Brook Hollow Winery that I love. The Bottom Line New Jersey might not be the first place you think of for wine, but apparently, it’s killing it with Cabernet Franc. If you’re looking for something new to try, especially a red that isn’t too intense, this could be a solid pick. Worst case? You get to feel fancy talking about “terroir” and “notes of raspberry” at your next dinner party. Have you ever had Cabernet Franc? If so, what did you think? It’s one of my personal favorites.

Tariffs offer a Great Time to Buy Local

Tariffs offer a great time to buy local. In light of President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose a 200% tariff on European wines and spirits, including Champagne and cognac, exploring local wine options has become increasingly appealing. These proposed tariffs are a response to the European Union’s plan to levy a 50% tax on American bourbon whiskey.  As a result, European wine imports may become significantly more expensive, prompting wine enthusiasts to seek alternatives closer to home. For residents of New Jersey, this presents a perfect opportunity to delve into the state’s burgeoning wine industry. The Rise of New Jersey Wines New Jersey, often celebrated for its tomatoes and blueberries, is also home to a thriving wine scene. With nearly 60 wineries operating across the state, New Jersey has established itself as a notable wine-producing region in the Mid-Atlantic.  The state’s diverse microclimates and soil conditions allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of grapes, resulting in an impressive range of wines that cater to various palates. Exploring Local Wineries Embarking on a wine tour within New Jersey offers both convenience and discovery. Here are some notable wineries to consider: • Laurita Winery: Located in Ocean County, Laurita Winery is renowned for its sustainable practices and picturesque setting. The winery’s tasting room, constructed from two 150-year-old barns, provides a rustic yet elegant ambiance. Visitors can enjoy estate-grown wines that emphasize elegance and finesse.  • Beneduce Vineyards: In Pittstown, Beneduce Vineyards offers handcrafted wines, live music events, and stunning views. The vineyard’s commitment to quality has earned it recognition as one of New Jersey’s premier farm wineries.  • Old York Cellars: This winery boasts some of the oldest vines in the county and has garnered international awards for its vintages. Located in a beautiful vineyard setting, Old York Cellars provides a memorable wine-tasting experience.  Supporting Local Economy and Sustainability Choosing to explore New Jersey wines not only offers a delightful tasting experience but also supports the local economy. By visiting nearby wineries, consumers contribute to the growth of local businesses and promote agricultural practices within the state. Additionally, reduced transportation distances mean a smaller carbon footprint, aligning with environmentally conscious values. Embracing New Flavors The Garden State’s wineries produce a diverse array of wines, from robust reds to crisp whites and delightful rosés. Each winery offers a unique interpretation of wine-making influenced by the state’s terroir. This diversity allows wine enthusiasts to discover new favorites and appreciate the craftsmanship of local vintners. Conclusion The potential increase in European wine prices due to proposed tariffs serves as an impetus to explore the rich and varied wine offerings available in New Jersey. By doing so, consumers can enjoy high-quality wines, support local businesses, and reduce their environmental impact. So, the next time you’re considering a bottle of wine, look no further than the vineyards of the Garden State.

A Day in the Life of a New Jersey Winemaker

A Day in the Life of a New Jersey Winemaker. Imagine waking up before sunrise. You get a head start on a day filled with nature, hard work, and a little bit of science. That’s what a typical day is like for a winemaker here in New Jersey. Morning in the Vineyard The day starts early in the vineyard. The winemaker and their team head out to check on the grape vines. They walk among the rows. They look at the plants to see if they’re healthy. They also check if the grapes are growing well. They keep an eye out for pests or any signs that something is wrong. It’s all about making sure the grapes are on track to become good wine later on. Harvesting and Crushing When the grapes are just right—not too green and not too ripe—it’s time to pick them. Depending on the vineyard, they pick by hand or use small machines. Once the grapes are gathered, they’re taken back to the winery. Here, the winemaker oversees the crushing process. Think of it as making a fresh fruit smoothie. Start with great fruit, and you are to end up with something delicious. Fermentation and Aging After crushing, the grape juice begins to change into wine through a process called fermentation. The winemaker closely watches things like temperature and time because even small changes can affect how the wine tastes. Later, they check on the barrels where the wine is aging, making sure everything is just right. The Personal Touch What makes this process special is the winemaker’s care and passion. It’s not just about following a recipe—it’s about telling a story with each bottle. Knowing about the journey from farm to bottle can add depth to every sip of wine. This is true even if you’re not a wine expert yourself. Have you ever had the experience of walking through a New Jersey vineyard? If so, comment below and share what it was like. Did you ever realize the hard work and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle? You can watch the process here. I belong to a group of local hobbyists known as the Carriage House Winemakers. We make our wine.

How Are New Jersey Wineries Going Green?

Alright, so we all know wine comes from grapes, and grapes come from vineyards. But have you ever thought about what it takes to grow those grapes and turn them into wine? Turns out that it’s not just about planting vines and waiting for magic to happen. A lot of work goes into farming, including ensuring it’s done in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. That’s where sustainable winemaking comes in. New Jersey wineries are stepping up their eco-friendly practices. One big thing they’re focusing on is reducing chemical use. Many vineyards are switching to natural methods. They are not spraying pesticides and fertilizers. For example, they use cover crops, which are plants that help keep the soil healthy. They also bring in helpful insects to control pests. Beneduce Vineyard in Pittstown is River Friendly Certified. Their farming includes over 50% of their blocks being completely herbicide-free, with more transitioning each year. Some wineries are using solar power to run their operations. Another cool thing? Brook Hollow Winery in Columbia has solar panels installed on their buildings. Beneduce is in the process of installing panels on their winery, too. They will be providing EV chargers, too. Think about it—making wine requires a lot of energy, from crushing grapes to aging wine in temperature-controlled rooms. By switching to renewable energy, wineries can lower their carbon footprint and still make great wine. Water conservation is another big deal. Vineyards need water, but wasting it isn’t an option. Many New Jersey wineries are using drip irrigation. This method delivers water directly to the roots instead of just spraying it everywhere. It saves water and keeps the vines healthier. Beneduce and Brook Hollow both utilize “rain gardens.” These gardens use water from impervious surfaces like rooftops and parking lots. This water is captured and retained on site. The process reduces runoff and erosion. Beneduce Winery is being eco-friendly in several ways. They maintain over 30 bee hives to produce their own honey. They are also farming over 10 acres of heirloom wheat to make their own flour. Beneduce is also a plastic-free wine packaging facility using only FSC-certified paper for labels. Their building was made with green materials such as reclaimed mushroom wood, recycled newspaper insulation, fieldstones from their farm, etc. Brook Hollow composts all their discarded grape materials. Plus, they only use LED lightbulbs throughout their facility. Cedar Rose Vineyards, located in Millville, used all reclaimed materials to build and decorate their tasting room. They used everything. This includes the trees on the property for the tasting bar. They also used lumber and tin ceiling tiles from an old barn. You can watch the interview at https://youtu.be/mJivjDnhVQU So, next time you grab a bottle of New Jersey wine, know that a lot of effort is involved. The wine is being made in a way that’s better for the planet. And honestly, wine just tastes better when you know it’s made the right way! Please like, subscribe, and share. Most of all… Keep stomping!

Grapes That Make Both Red and White Wine in New Jersey

Have you ever wondered how the same grape can be used to make both red and white wine? You’re not alone! Many people assume that red wine only comes from red grapes. They also think white wine only comes from white grapes. But that’s not always true. In New Jersey, winemakers use certain types of grapes to create both red and white wines—sometimes even rosé. Here’s a simple guide to some of these versatile grapes and how they’re used to make different kinds of wine. Chambourcin: A Grape That Does It All Chambourcin is a grape commonly used to make rich, smooth red wine. It can also be turned into a lighter, fruitier rosé. Additionally, it can become a white wine if the skins are removed before fermentation. If you like wines that are smooth and easy to drink, Chambourcin is a great choice. Old York Cellars makes a terrific Chambourcin Rose that’s light and off-dry, whereas Brook Hollow Winery produces a medium-bodied red. Pinot Noir: Red, White, and Sparkling Pinot Noir is usually used for red wine. However, when winemakers press the juice and remove the dark skins immediately, it makes a white wine instead. This type of wine is often used in sparkling wines like Champagne. If you like a lighter, elegant wine, keep an eye out for Pinot Noir in different styles. Frontenac: A Grape with Many Personalities Frontenac is a unique grape that grows well in New Jersey. It can be made into a bold red wine, a crisp white wine, or even a rosé. A special version of this grape is called Frontenac Gris. It is naturally lighter in color. It is often made into a refreshing white wine with fruity flavors like peach and citrus. I’ve enjoyed both a dry red and a sweet white Frontenac from Brook Hollow Winery. Grenache: Great for Red and Rosé Grenache is a grape that’s often used in red wines, but it’s also popular for making rosé. Rosé is made by letting the grape skins sit in the juice briefly. This gives it a light pink color. It also results in a fresh, fruity taste. Catawba: An Old-School Favorite Catawba is an American grape that has been used for winemaking for centuries. It can be made into a red wine, a white wine, or even a bubbly sparkling wine. It has a naturally sweet, fruity flavor. The flavor makes it easy to enjoy. This is especially true if you like wines that aren’t too dry. Zinfandel: The Grape Behind White Zinfandel Most people know Zinfandel as a bold, fruity red wine. It’s also used to make White Zinfandel, which is a sweeter, pink-colored wine. This happens when winemakers limit how much time the grape skins stay in the juice. This process creates a lighter and sweeter wine instead of a deep red one. Most of us know Lodi, California as the home of a good Zin, don’t count New Jersey out. The Garden State is starting to produce some good wines from this varietal. What This Means for You Next time you visit a winery or pick out a bottle of wine, remember that grapes can surprise you. They are more versatile than you think! If you usually drink red wine, try a white or rosé version of the same grape. You will be surprised by how different it tastes. Have you ever tried the same grape in both a red and white wine? If so, leave a comment below and let us know which varietal it was. Let us know what you think!

Why Do New Jersey Wines Taste Different? It’s the Terroir

Okay, so you’ve probably noticed that the same type of wine can taste different depending on where it’s from. A Chardonnay from California doesn’t taste the same as one from France—or New Jersey. But why? It all comes down to something called terroir. It sounds like tare-wahr. Terroir is a fancy way of saying “how the place affects the wine.” Terroir includes soil, weather, and even how much sun or rain a vineyard gets. In New Jersey, all of these factors come together to make unique wines. For example, the southern part of the state has sandy soil. This is especially true in the Outer Coastal Plain. This sandy soil is great for smooth, easy-drinking red wines like Cabernet Franc. Meanwhile, the northern part has richer soil that helps produce bold, structured wines like Chardonnay. Then there’s the weather. New Jersey summers are warm, but the cool autumns give the grapes time to develop more flavor. Plus, the ocean helps keep temperatures from getting too extreme, which is super important for growing good grapes. So, what does all this mean? It means that when you drink a wine from New Jersey, you taste a bit of the state itself. The soil, the sun, the ocean breeze—it all plays a part. You might not consider yourself a wine expert. Still, it’s pretty cool to know why your glass of Jersey wine tastes the way it does! Enjoy a tasting in the Warren Hills AVA. Then take a trip to the tip of the Garden State. Try the same varietal there. You will be able to taste the difference of each region. You can check a directory of New Jersey’s wineries over at the New Jersey Wine Growers Association website. There is a map that shows you the various locations of each producer in our state. Please like, subscribe, share, and most important comment on your wine experiences.

A Quick Guide to Pairing Wines with Chocolates

I’ve created a quick guide to help you pair wines with chocolates. With Valentine’s Day coming up, I see tons of promotions for wine and chocolate pairings all over the Internet. So, what are some wines that pair with chocolates, anyway? While I don’t consider myself a wine expert, I’ve done some research and added my personal experiences. Pairing chocolate with wine balances flavors, sweetness, and tannins. Even though the majority of these are for reds, here are some suggestions for your chocolate and wine pairings: 1. Dark Chocolate (70% or higher cocoa) • Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah. • Why? The bitterness and intensity of dark chocolate need a bold, tannic wine. The wine should have dark fruit and spice notes to create balance. 2. Milk Chocolate (30-50% cocoa) • Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Ruby Port • Why? Milk chocolate’s creaminess and sweetness go well with fruit-forward, medium-bodied reds with lower tannins. 3. White Chocolate • Wine Pairing: Brachetto d’Acqui, Moscato d’Asti, and Lambrusco • Why? White chocolate’s buttery sweetness pairs beautifully with light, fruity, slightly effervescent red wines. 4. Chocolate with Nuts or Caramel • Wine Pairing: Tawny Port, Aged Zinfandel, and Madeira • Why? The nutty, caramelized flavors work well with the aged, slightly oxidized, or fortified wines. 5. Spiced or Chili Chocolate • Wine Pairing: Syrah, Malbec, and Zinfandel • Why? The bold, peppery, and fruit-forward nature of these wines complements the spicy heat in the chocolate. New Jersey has plenty of wine and chocolate trail weekends during Valentine’s Day weekend. If there’s a pairing I should add to this, please feel free to drop it in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you about some of your favorites since we all have unique palates.