Exploring some of the best sparkling wines made in New Jersey. If you’ve ever popped a bottle of Champagne on New Year’s Eve, then congrats—you’ve had sparkling wine! But did you know that New Jersey produces its very own sparkling wine, and some of it is truly exceptional? Before we dive into where to find it, let’s start with the basics. 💬 What Is Sparkling Wine, Anyway? Sparkling wine is just wine with bubbles. The fizz comes from carbon dioxide, which is created naturally during fermentation (or added later). Depending on how it’s made, it can be super fizzy (like Champagne), lightly sparkling, or somewhere in between. Some are dry, some are sweet, but all have that festive, fizzy feel that makes any occasion feel a little more special, even if it’s just pizza night. Champagne is probably the most famous kind, but only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France can use that name. So what we call it here depends on where it’s from—Prosecco (Italy), Cava (Spain), and yes, just “sparkling wine” from New Jersey. 🥂 So… New Jersey Makes Sparkling Wine? Yes! And it’s getting noticed. Some New Jersey wineries use the traditional Champagne method (which takes more time but creates finer bubbles), while others go with easier methods that still taste great. Either way, the local grapes, the climate, and the creativity of NJ winemakers are turning out some seriously impressive bottles. 🍾 Where to Try New Jersey Sparkling Wine Here are a few wineries to check out if you want to try some local bubbly: Tomasello Winery (Hammonton) – Their Brut Rosé is made using the traditional method and has even won awards. It’s dry, elegant, and perfect for brunch or celebrations. Known for a wide variety of wines, Tomasello also offers a Sparkling Blueberry Wine, which is a fun, fruity twist on traditional bubbly. Unionville Vineyards (Ringoes) – Unionville makes limited amounts of sparkling wine that’s crisp, classy, and made with the same method used in Champagne. Auburn Road Vineyards (Pilesgrove) – Their Ladybug yellow label is a lively sparkling wine made from Gruner Veltliner grapes. Golden color. Aromas and flavors of golden apple, yellow pear, apricot and lemon curd. It’s refreshing and great for sipping on the porch. 🍽️ What to Eat with It? Good news—sparkling wine is really food-friendly. It goes with salty snacks (think popcorn or potato chips), soft cheeses, seafood, fried foods, and even dessert. It’s basically a party in a glass and works with way more than just cake. 🎉 Final Thoughts If you’ve never had sparkling wine from New Jersey, now’s a great time to try it. You don’t need a fancy occasion—just an open mind and a curiosity for something new. Whether you like it dry or sweet, New Jersey’s wine scene has a bubbly option that’ll surprise you, in the best way. Cheers!
Tag: New Jersey Grape Growers
Food and New Jersey Wine Pairing Tips for Beginners
Food and New Jersey Wine Pairing Tips for Beginners. So you’ve picked up a bottle of New Jersey wine—maybe from a weekend trip to a local winery or just out of curiosity—and now you’re wondering: what do I eat with this? Don’t worry. You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy a good pairing. I’m just a regular wine drinker, and I’ve learned a few easy tricks that can help your food and wine taste even better together. Here’s a simple guide for matching some common NJ wines with everyday foods—and where to find them! 🍗 Chardonnay + Chicken or Seafood Chardonnay is super versatile. A crisp, unoaked version goes great with grilled chicken or seafood. If the wine is buttery and oaky, try it with roasted chicken or creamy dishes like pasta Alfredo. Where to find it: Unionville Vineyards (Ringoes) makes an elegant, French-style Chardonnay. Cape May Winery offers both stainless steel and oaked versions, so you can try both styles side by side. 🌮 Riesling + Spicy Food Riesling is perfect for spicy dishes like Thai, Indian, or buffalo wings. A slightly sweet Riesling balances heat without overwhelming the flavors. Where to find it: Tomasello Winery makes both dry and semi-sweet Rieslings, which go great with takeout or homemade spicy meals. Old York Cellars (Ringoes) offers a smooth Riesling that pairs well with spicy BBQ or even sushi. 🍕 Chambourcin + Comfort Food Chambourcin is a smooth, medium-bodied red that’s fruity and not too heavy. It goes with all kinds of comfort food—pizza, pasta, burgers, even chili. Where to find it: White Horse Winery (Hammonton) has a really nice Chambourcin—easy to drink and super food-friendly. Sharrott Winery (Hammonton) also offers a great one that pairs perfectly with pizza night. 🧀 Vidal Blanc + Cheese and Snacks Vidal Blanc is light, refreshing, and sometimes a little sweet. It’s great for casual snacks, cheese boards, or even fruit and salty pretzels. Where to find it: Valenzano Winery (Shamong) makes a bright Vidal Blanc that’s easy to sip. DiMatteo Vineyards (Hammonton) has a fun, tropical version perfect for a picnic. Final Tip: Just Try Stuff Don’t stress over perfect pairings. Wine is supposed to be fun! Grab a bottle, make something you like, and see what works. New Jersey wineries are doing amazing things with both classic and hybrid grapes, and the best way to learn what you like is to taste and experiment. Whether you’re planning a dinner or just snacking on the couch, there’s a Jersey wine that fits. 🍷
Why Autumn Lake Winery is the Perfect Year-Round New Jersey Escape
Why Autumn Lake Winery is the Perfect Year-Round New Jersey Escape. Let’s be real—not everyone is a wine expert. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a relaxing afternoon at one of New Jersey’s most scenic spots: Autumn Lake Winery in Williamstown. This place is the perfect blend of laid-back vibes, nature views, and sips you’ll enjoy (even if you don’t know what “tannins” are). You’re surrounded by beauty no matter where you sit—inside the cozy tasting room with a view of the lake, or out on the patio under the trees, glass in hand, with live music setting the tone. The atmosphere is chill, the people are friendly, and the wine? Let’s talk about that. Award-Winning Wines and a Little History Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, you’ll appreciate the fact that Autumn Lake’s wines are award-winning. One standout? Their Petit Verdot, which earned the Governor’s Cup. Not too shabby, right? The winery planted its first vines in 2012, and its first grape harvest—Cabernet Franc—came in 2014. Owner and winemaker Mark Hernandez still has one of the original bottles from 2016, proudly tucked away like a piece of history. Today, the vineyard spans 12 acres and is home to 17 grape varieties, with two more (Nebbiolo and Barbera) on the way. During our visit, Mark gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyard. We saw the early growing season and learned to recognize different grapes just by their baby buds. What the Heck is Trentina? Mark also introduced us to Trentina, a newer Italian grape variety that’s exclusive to the Outer Coastal Plain region here in NJ. It’s a cross between Muscato Ottonel and Malvasia di Candia Aromatica—don’t worry, I hadn’t heard of them either. What does it taste like? Mark says, “candy and flowers in a glass,” and honestly—he nailed it. It’s light, aromatic, and super easy to drink. Even if you’re a wine newbie, this one might win you over. Inside the Winemaking Process After walking the vines, we headed into the tank room to see where the magic happens. One of the stainless-steel tanks was frosty on the outside—turns out, that’s part of the cold stabilization process, which helps keep wines clear and sediment-free. Autumn Lake uses this method for their whites and lighter reds, while the fuller-bodied reds age in neutral oak barrels for over a year. Mark’s even experimenting with toasted oak staves to enhance flavor in older barrels. Science aside, the result is wine that’s smooth, clean, and thoughtfully made. Plan Your Visit Autumn Lake Winery is open year-round, and trust me—it’s worth the trip no matter the season. With food trucks, live music, and some of the friendliest staff around, it’s an ideal spot to unwind. You don’t need to know the difference between a Pinot Noir and a Cabernet to enjoy yourself here. Check out their wine list and upcoming events at AutumnLakeWinery.com—and don’t be surprised if you leave with a few bottles for the road.
Bellview Winery is a Must Visit New Jersey Winery
A Day at Bellview Winery: Where Family Roots Meet Great Wine Bellview Winery is a must visit New Jersey wInery. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix warm hospitality with seriously good wine, you’ll find the answer at Bellview Winery in Landisville, New Jersey. The winery and vineyard are located in the Outer Coastal Plain AVA in southern New Jersey. Bellview isn’t just a Winery, it’s a Family My fiancé and I recently went on a private tour with Jim Quarella, the winery’s owner and vintner. Bellview isn’t just a winery — it’s a family farm that’s been around for four generations, starting with Jim’s great-grandparents. Even though Bellview has been growing grapes for 25 years, their first harvest was in 2020, and they opened their tasting room in 2021. They started small with classic grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Chambourcin. Today, they grow over 20 different kinds of grapes on 50 acres — and every bottle is made with grapes grown right there on the property. Jim took us on a walk through the vineyard and explained a little bit about how the grapes grow. We were there during a stage called “shoot growth,” where tiny grapes start to form right after the vines wake up for the season. It’s one of the first big steps in the growing process and pretty cool to see up close! Dandelion Wine Happens Here Next, we headed into the tank room where all the winemaking magic happens. Jim showed us a really unique wine they make called Dandelion Wine — it’s a sweet dessert wine based on his great-aunt’s old recipe. It’s one of their signature wines and definitely something you don’t see every day! Inside the tank room, there were huge stainless-steel tanks everywhere, some wrapped with thermal jackets to help control the temperature during fermentation. Bellview also uses oak barrels (but not the super-strong, smoky kind) to gently age their red wines and give them a smooth, spiced flavor. After the tour, we sat down for a tasting led by Jim and Bellview’s head winemaker, David. Every wine we tried was made from their estate-grown grapes. We sampled a bunch of different wines, including Chardonnay, Viognier, Grüner Veltliner, Traminette, Chambourcin, Blaüfrankisch, Cabernet Franc, and a new grape called San Marco, which was originally developed in Italy and recently brought to New Jersey with the leadership of Larry Coia and the Outer Coastal Plain Vineyard Association. Jim explained that San Marco is a cross between two Italian grape varieties and was created in 1993. It’s new to the area and something they’re excited about. Events, Parties and Live Music all Year Long Bellview isn’t just about wine — they host events year-round. Coming up soon are celebrations for Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo, plus they have live music every Friday and Saturday night. Bring a blanket, grab a bottle of your favorite wine, and just relax. If you’re looking for a laid-back, welcoming winery experience (without needing to know all the fancy wine lingo), Bellview is the place to check out. You must experience this winery and their fantastic handcrafted wines for yourself this year. You can find out more at bellviewwinery.com. Better yet… Check out the YouTube video. Have you ever been to Bellview Winery? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments.
New Jersey Wine? Yep — Here’s Your Guide to NJ’s 4 AVAs and Some of the Best Wineries to Visit
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.
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!
A Brief History of New Jersey Wine
New Jersey has a rich winemaking history dating back to the 1700s, shaped by European settlers. Despite setbacks during Prohibition, the industry revived after the 1981 Farm Winery Act. Today, over 50 wineries thrive, focusing on sustainability. With award-winning wines, New Jersey is emerging as a noteworthy player in the wine world.
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.