The year 2018 will go down as one of the most rewarding for New Jersey’s wine industry. Although the harvest was certainly challenging due to weather conditions, New Jersey’s vintners had a lot to celebrate in 2018.
The Garden State Wine Growers Association released its Economic Impact Study in January revealing New Jersey’s wine industry has a $323 million economic impact on the state. New Jersey wines were featured in national publications like Marketwatch, Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast. The NJ Wine Competition grew to greater heights with the judging done by the renowned Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago and Governor Phil
New Jersey Wine Growers Awards
New Jersey Wine Growers Awards
New Jersey Wine Growers Awards
Murphy hosted the winners of the competition at Drumthwacket, the Governor’s Mansion in Princeton, where he and his wife Tammy announced that only New Jersey wines would be served at the mansion. New Jersey wines scored very well in the JamesSuckling.com American Tasting with over 20 New Jersey wines earning scores of 90+ including a 93 by Beneduce Vineyards Pinot Noir which was the highest scoring Pinot in the tasting.
On the legislative front, new legislation moved forward that would provide EDA loans to farmers looking to convert crops to grapes; offer loans to existing vineyards and wineries for capital improvements; and increase road signage for vineyards throughout the state.
New wineries on the scene in 2018 included Cedar Rose Vineyards, G&W Winery and Terra Nonno Winery and the state’s oldest winery, Renault Winery in Egg Harbor was sold to new owners while Southwind Vineyard and Winery ceased operations.
What’s in store for 2019? More great wine produced by our winemakers, new culinary events and legislation that will take our industry to new and greater heights. So say goodbye to 2018 and welcome in 2019 with a glass of New Jersey wine!
