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.