N.J. Wines-Challenges & Success Stories

There are three major challenges that face New Jersey wineries (and most other wineries) right now. First, there’s the changing alcohol consumption patterns of patrons (especially among the younger crowd). Some changes are due to a focusing on a healthy lifestyle; some due to growing competition with other forms of alcohol (beer, hard liquor, hard cider and tonics, ready to drink cocktails, and marijuana-now legal in New Jersey and many other states).  Second, the recent late frost experienced by many wineries, which has decimated grape vines at many wineries and various crops at farms throughout the state. The frost issue was so severe that Governor Sherrill declared a State of Emergency for our farmers due to the estimated $300,000,000 in damages! Third, the annual pests-the dreaded Spotted Lantern Fly, chief among them. They may be worse than usual this year.

What can we do to help?

1. First and foremost, visit your favorite New Jersey wineries and show your support with your presence, your purchases, and enjoy yourself (and bring a few friends).
2. Get your fruits and vegetables from your local farm markets, whenever possible.
3. Enjoy your other beverages at home, but remember, wine (especially dry red wine) may be more healthy for you than beer and hard liquor or mixed drinks (generally fewer calories and higher in antioxidants and resveretrol). Of course, whatever you choose to drink, you should drink in moderation.
4. If you see Spotted Lantern Flies-kill them. If you see their eggs on a tree-scrape them off and stomp on them. Credit cards work pretty well as a scraper.

What are Wineries doing to Deal with the Challenges?

Besides working harder, longer hours, they are always dealing with challenges. Recently, Dave Wolin, Old York Cellars owner, wrote a piece for LinkedIn. In it he shared his take: Basically, give the consumers what they want, “build memberships around members from the ground up, centered on flexibility and choice.” The flexibility and choice can help grow memberships, while memberships can help the winery to grow and withstand changes in patrons’ changing tastes and habits.

Some wineries have recently expanded what they offer and even expanded their vineyards and tasting rooms. I don’t think these changes are pie-in-the-sky optimism. I think they are based upon a knowledge that changes are transitory and if you are offering a really good product,  “if you build it, they will come” (…and they will)! Later this month, my wife and I will be visiting Hawk Haven Vineyards for our quarterly preview tasting. I’ll give you a progress report on their recent expansion, and of course, their wonderful wines that keep folks coming there.

Recent High Scores in Wine Enthusiast

The past couple of years have brought a shower of awards and high scores from wine critics. If you read the Wine Enthusiast, you know that New Jersey wineries are finally getting their well-deserved honors and high scores. Below are a few recent scores from this noted wine magazine for a few of our wineries (not a comprehensive list and there are many other critics and awards out there):

Hawk Haven–2022 Q-93 points; 2022 OA Cab Franc-93 points; 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon-91 points; 2022 Signature Series Syrah-90 points.

Beneduce Vineyards-2022 Estate Grown Blaufrankisch-90 points; 2023 Estate Grown Chardonnay-90 points;

Unionville Vineyards-2023 Hunterdon Mistral Blanc-92 points; 2023 Pheasant Hill Chardonnay-92 points; 2022 Hunterdon Mistral Rouge-92 points.

Auburn Road Vineyards-2022 Featherbed Vineyard Chardonnay-91 points; 2023 Barrel Reserve Chardonnay-91 points.

So, this is just the tip of the iceberg for what New Jersey wineries have been producing recently and support why I am bullish on New Jersey wines. On a personal note, I’ll add a few recent gems that I have enjoyed below…

Recent NJ Wines I’d Like to Highlight

• Unionville Vineyards 2024 Coventry Vineyard Chardonnay-Unionville Vineyards produces a plethora of wonderful Chardonnays. Last week I had the pleasure of trying a new one (for me). Their Home Vineyard Chardonnay and Pheasant Hill Chardonnay have won all kinds of awards over the past several years (or more). Even their Unoaked Chardonnay is very good. But this one was terrific and deserving of more attention. With notes of apple and lemon and fresh acidity, it is another winner!
• William Heritage Winery 2024 Limited Release Buckwheat Vineyard Chardonnay-This is a brand new release that is very good, with citrus and tropical notes, and just a hint of sweetness.
• William Heritage 2022 BDX-Perhaps their best Bordeaux-style blend to date. This is their signature wine for good reason and 2022 was such a great vintage. The dark red fruit is ripe and the wine is bold in color and flavor, with a long and very smooth finish.

Coming Attractions

• Plagido’s Winery Spring ’26
• Hawk Haven Winery Spring ’26
• Cedar Rose Winery Spring’26
• Terra Nonno Winery Spring ’26
• Vino & Vibes at William Heritage Winery ’26

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