New Jersey wine? Yep — here’s your guide to NJ’s 4 AVAs and some of the best wineries to visit. When people talk about wine in the U.S., New Jersey probably isn’t the first place that pops into your head. But honestly, it should be! The Garden State has a long wine history and four official wine regions called American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). I know what you’re thinking — Jersey… wine? But stay with me, because these wineries are pretty cool, especially if you’re into weekend trips, chill tastings, or just want to impress your friends with something other than the typical go to big brands. 1. Warren Hills AVA Location: Northwest NJ Vibe: Rolling hills, river views, cozy small-town wineries. Wineries You Should Hit: Villa Milagro Vineyards (Phillipsburg): Eco-friendly, gorgeous views, and great European-style blends. Perfect spot for a sunset wine flight. Brook Hollow Winery (Columbia): Super chill, family-owned spot with really solid Chambourcin (a red you’ve probably never tried but should). Four Sisters Winery (Belvidere): One of the OGs in NJ wine. Low-key, affordable, and known for fun fruit wines and relaxing outdoor vibes. 2. Outer Coastal Plain AVA Location: South Jersey — Hammonton is in my opinion, the capital of NJ wine. Vibe: Flat farmland, beachy air, and serious wine potential. Must-Try Wineries: Sharrott Winery (Hammonton): is a modern space, with live music on weekends and wines that range from bold reds to crisp whites. Their Albariño is a sleeper hit. Tomasello Winery (Hammonton): has been around since the Prohibition days, and still crushing it. Known for both classic grape wines and sweet fruit ones, if that’s your thing. White Horse Winery (Hammonton): Instagram-friendly tasting room and nice dry Rosé for sunny afternoons. 3. Central Delaware Valley AVA Location: NJ/PA border — Hunterdon & Mercer counties. Vibe: River towns, small-batch wines, super scenic drives. Wineries Worth Visiting: Unionville Vineyards (Ringoes): If you’re looking for the “fancy wine” experience in NJ, this is it. Great Pinot Noir and Viognier. Old York Cellars (Ringoes): Friendly vibe, lots of events, and easy-drinking wines that won’t break your budget. Beneduce Vineyards (Pittstown): Weekend wine & live music in a greenhouse-style setup — what more do you want? Their Blaufränkisch is seriously underrated. 4. Cape May Peninsula AVA Location: Southernmost NJ, beach town, wine scene. Vibe: Salt air, sandy soils, and perfect white wines for hot days. Wineries to Check Out: Willow Creek Winery (West Cape May): Beautiful estate, cool wine garden setup, and some smooth reserve reds. Also doubles as an event space if you’re planning a fancy party. Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery (Rio Grande): Family-owned and super welcoming. Their Field Blend white is amazing on a summer day. Cape May Winery (Cape May): Longtime local favorite. Their Chardonnays are crisp, clean, and perfect for pairing with Jersey Shore seafood. The Bottom Line: Don’t Sleep on NJ Wine Next time you plan a weekend adventure, skip the same old brewery crawl and map out a New Jersey wine trail. Whether you’re into bold reds, crisp whites, or just want a new road trip excuse, NJ wineries have you covered. A lot of these spots host live music, food trucks, and even bring-your-own-picnic nights. Wine, friends, and a blanket equal a great day.
Category: Warren Hills AVA
Explore New Jersey’s Four Remarkable AVAs
Did you know that New Jersey has four distinct AVAs? Or perhaps my first question should be… Are you familiar with what an AVA actually is? Until just a few months ago, I was completely unaware of its significance and meaning. An AVA, or American Viticultural Area, is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States. It is recognized for its unique geographical and climatic characteristics. These features distinguish it from other areas. These characteristics can include factors like soil composition, climate, elevation, and topography. Each of these factors can significantly influence the types of grapes that thrive there. They also affect the quality of the wines produced. The establishment of AVAs began in 1978. Since that time, more than 250 AVAs have been officially designated across the United States. This showcases the diversity of American wine production. New Jersey proudly claims four of these recognized AVAs. Each one contributes its own unique flavor and character to the state’s growing wine industry. Let’s take a closer look at these viticultural areas that are under vine. Each area has its distinct profile and offerings. I was pleased to get out to at least one winery in each of these four AVA’s this past year.22 New Jersey’s AVAs 1. Warren Hills AVA The first AVA we will explore is the Warren Hills AVA. It is nestled in the beautiful valleys of Warren County. This region is characterized by its scenic landscapes, where several tributaries from the Delaware River weave through the terrain. Here, approximately five wineries are now operating, according to sources like Wikipedia. The primary focus of grape cultivation in this AVA revolves around French-American hybrid varieties. These grapes are known for their adaptability and resilience. This makes them well-suited for the climate and soil conditions of the area. 2. Central Delaware Valley AVA The second AVA is the Central Delaware Valley. This region straddles both the southeastern part of Pennsylvania and southwestern New Jersey. This AVA is strategically located around the Delaware River. It is situated just north of the bustling urban centers of Trenton and Philadelphia. In this region, about three wineries produce wine. The unique climate and soil composition here allow various grape varietals to flourish. This makes it a fascinating area for both winemakers and wine enthusiasts. 3. Outer Coastal Plains AVA The third American Viticultural Area is the largest in the state: the Outer Coastal Plains AVA. This expansive region encompasses several counties, including Monmouth, Ocean, Cape May, Atlantic, Salem, Burlington, Cumberland, and Gloucester. The Outer Coastal Plains AVA is particularly noteworthy. It is responsible for most grapes grown and wine produced in the Garden State. Approximately 30 wineries operate within its boundaries. The diverse microclimates and soil types in this AVA support cultivating various grape varieties. This results in a rich array of wines. These wines reflect the unique terroir of New Jersey. 4. Cape May Peninsula AVA The final AVA we will discuss is the Cape May Peninsula AVA. It is located in the southernmost part of the state. It serves as a sub-section of the larger Outer Coastal Plains AVA. This charming area is home to about seven wineries. Each winery contributes to the vibrant winemaking culture that thrives in the region. The Cape May Peninsula AVA benefits from its coastal proximity, which influences the climate. This provides a unique environment for grape growing. It further enhances the diversity of wines produced in New Jersey. Hopefully, this detailed overview has introduced you to the fascinating winemaking regions within our great state. New Jersey’s AVAs each offer a unique glimpse into the world of viticulture. They show the rich agricultural heritage of the area. Please feel free to drop a comment below. Let me know if you have a favorite winery. Share what AVA it belongs to. Your insights and experiences are always welcome as we celebrate the vibrant wine culture of New Jersey together.