Tag: New Jersey Grape Growers

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.

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 Hybrid Wine Grapes Thrive in New Jersey

Chambourcin Rosé Wine from New Jersey highlights the appeal of hybrid wine grapes, which result from mixing European and American grape species. These hybrids thrive in American soils, offering advantages like disease resistance. New Jersey’s unique climate supports various hybrids, including Chambourcin, Traminette, and Vidal Blanc, contributing to a vibrant local wine culture.

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.  

Discover Cedar Rose Vineyards in NJ: A Wine Lover’s Paradise

This past weekend we had a special invitation to Cedar Rose Vineyards from Dustin, one of the owners. He gave us a private tasting and tour of their quaint winery which was cozy, warm, and welcoming. Dustin offered us tastings of several varietals and blends. We began with a few whites such as Albariño, Viognier, and an Orange wine made from Traminette. The reds were Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux straight from the barrel. Amazing! We were treated to the story of how Cedar Rose came to be. The story included how his partners, Steve and Sam, converted the wooded land into several lots. These lots ended up being home to 16 varietals under vine. Today they produce over 50,000 bottles from the grapes grown on site. Cedar Rose offers live music during the weekends. They can host parties and events for up to 35 to 40 people. They produce delicious wines and have a menu where all the food is made on-site. I highly recommend you take the trip to Millville, NJ, and experience Cedar Rose Vineyards for yourself. You won’t regret it. You can watch a more in-depth piece on the winery on my YouTube channel @njstompsthegrape. It’s worth the watch. Visit their website at CedarRoseVineyards.com. Cedar Rose wines are available in appointments at 160 liquor stores throughout the southern part of New Jersey.

Discover New Jersey’s Thriving Wine Scene

You might be stumbling upon this blog for the first time. Perhaps you’re a friend who wants to pacify my love for wine and blogging. Or maybe…. just maybe, you have followed me on social media over the past year. You want to check out my new site. That would be the best of all three if you ask me. I wanted to start a blog about New Jersey’s growing wine industry for quite some time. I sat on it for a few years and then decided to finally go for it for several reasons. My career as an educator is nearing its end. I had a burning wish to begin my second chapter in life. I wanted to pursue something I’m passionate about, like wine. As a child, I remember seeing my grandfather’s wine press in the basement and watching him make wine. He always kept his homemade wine it in a jug at his feet during Sunday dinners. I think that memory was what drew me towards my love of wine as I got older. I have lived in New Jersey my whole life. It naturally made sense to explore this industry right here in the Garden State. So the sole focus of my blog will be on vineyards and wineries right here in my home state. Sometimes, I will go beyond the New Jersey borders. But, for the most part, I’m going to share my NJ experiences. I hope to turn my passion for wine into a financial supplement for my pension. I’m using blogging and social media to achieve this. I know… So transparent right? But like I mentioned it’s going to be my second chapter in life. Thank you for being here and supporting me. As the blog grows I’ll share things I’m learning about here on the blog and across my social media platforms. If you haven’t had a chance to follow me, please join me on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. By the way… Instagram is my best of the three platforms so far. Thank you for taking a look. The site is always a work in progress so please feel free to share ideas with me.