One of the most exciting aspects of the industry is the ability to successfully grow many varieties of grapes because of the great conditions. There are more than 40 varieties now growing in the state, from Pinot Noir and Riesling in the North, to some of the more popular Italian varieties such as Sangiovese and Barbera in the South. We have everything from vinifera vines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, to French American Hybrids to Native American vines. We also have a Spanish winery that has just started planting in Lower Township, Cape May County. They’ll have Spanish varieties including Albernino and Tempernio. In addition, you can find many excellent fruit wines including Apple, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cranberry, Cherry, Plum, Raspberry and Strawberry; as well as blush wines, Ports, Ice wines, Spice wines, Sangria’s and several Sparkling wines.”

New Jersey wineries produced almost 2 million gallons of wine with a retail value of almost $30 million in 2016.  We have more than 50 licensed wineries.

NJ has four micro-regions designated as best-suited for grape growing, each an official American Viticultural Area:

• Central Delaware Valley AVA: designated in 1984, located in Central NJ and shared with Southeastern PA along the Delaware River, just north of Philadelphia 
  
• Warren Hills AVA: designated in 1988, located entirely in Warren county, along NJ’s hillier northwestern edge bordering Pennyslvania.
  
• Outer Coastal Plain AVA: designated in 2007, located in Southeastern NJ and includes all of Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic and Ocean Counties.
• Cape May Peninsula AVA, designated in 2018, located in Southeastern NJ and includes part Cape May and Cumberland Counties. 

Garden State Wine Growers Association

(856) 761-9986

New Jersey Department of Agriculture
Division of Marketing and Development

Kristin Rue
Kristin.Rue@ag.nj.gov