20 NJ Wines Under $20

20 NJ Wines under $20…Pictured above are five of these wines. The others have mysteriously disappeared…

I am often asked why New Jersey wines are more expensive than their counterparts in other states or countries. Of course the short answer is it is a function of how many bottles are produced by each winery. You can afford to make a smaller profit margin if you are cranking out thousands of cases each year. Most New Jersey wineries are small boutique wineries.

The following list is a group of 20 New Jersey wines that cost under $20 per bottle and are enjoyable as well. It is not a comprehensive list, but it is a representative list and they are worth the price. As you enjoy one of the wines, remember that drinking local is better than flying in wines from Australia or even California. Better for local businesses (economic reasons) and the environment (smaller carbon footprint). While searching for your choice it is helpful if you can sometimes think outside the box (picking an occasional Chambourcin instead of reflexively selecting a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon or choosing a Vidal Blanc instead of the predictable Chardonnay).

Here’s 20 of my recent favorite dry wines priced under $20 (in no particular order):

1. Sharrott Pinot Grigio ($15.99)
2. Bellview Gruner Veltliner ($15.00)
3. Auburn Road Sole-made from Vidal Blanc grapes ($14.96)
4. Unionville 2015 Chardonnay-a blend of their Chardonnays from each of their vineyards ($16.95)
5. Alba Mainsail White-a blend of Chardonnay, Traminette, Gewürztraminer and Riesling ($11.99)
6. Alba Old Mill Red-a blend of Chambourcin, Pinot Noir and Cab Franc ($12.99)
7. Hopewell Valley Barbera ($17.95)
8. Hawk Haven Naked Chardonnay ($16.99)
9. Beneduce Three Windows White-Dry Riesling ($17.99)
10. DiMatteo Chambourcin Reserve ($18.63)
11. Heritage Cuvee Blanc White Blend ($12.00)
12. Heritage Pumpkin Hill Chardonnay ($19.95)
13. Fox Hollow Barrel Aged Riesling ($18.00)
14. Autumn Lake Traminette ($15.00)
15. Autumn Lake Albarino ($14.00)
16. Old York Cellars Malbec ($18.00)
17. Amalthea Green Dragon Tavern Chardonnay ($16.99)
18. Amalthea Old Vine Zinfandel ($18.99)
19. White Horse Winery Lightly Oaked Chardonnay ($19.00)
20. Four Sisters Vidal Blanc ($14.00)

Note: I could have listed another 20 under $20, but that would have been 40 under $20 :-). Also some of my favorite wineries are not represented in this list, either because they specialize in reds or their wines, which I really like, cost more than $20…Another list for another day (30 under 30)?

OK. OK. For those of you with a sweeter tooth (I have one, too, just not so much in wine) here are a few sweeter wines I have enjoyed for under $20 (as noted above, most sweeter wines are priced under $20):

1. Sharrott Just Peachy Sangria ($13.99)
2. Wagonhouse Autumn Goddess ($14.99)
3. Cream Ridge AlmondBerry ($10.95)
4. Balic Cream Sherry ($13.95)
5. Valenzano Jersey Devil Port-made with Cynthiana grapes, AKA Norton grapes, and fortified with Brandy ($17.00)

It’s not a coincidence that there are more whites than reds on my list. Reds are generally more expensive to make, largely because they take longer (often being aged in oak) before being ready to bottle and sell. You will find that most fruit wines and sweet wines sold in NJ are under $20 per bottle. Remember, these wineries don’t produce thousands and thousands of cases of these wines, so go out and try them soon-before they sell out!

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Cheers!