I took this photo from one of the crates at Old York Cellars. 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…

Generated with AI Sip & Stay: 10 Dog-Friendly Wineries to Explore in New Jersey. New Jersey’s wine country offers a delightful blend of scenic vineyards and welcoming atmospheres, perfect for wine enthusiasts and their canine companions. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day trip or a weekend getaway, these dog-friendly wineries across the Garden State ensure that both you and your furry friend can enjoy the experience.

Removing the netting before harvest. How New Jersey Weather Affects the Wine (From Someone Who’s Just Figuring It Out) Okay, so I’m not a wine expert—not even close. But after visiting a few local wineries and asking a bunch of questions, I learned that the weather in New Jersey plays a big part in how the wine turns out. I never thought about that before, but it makes sense once you hear it.

New Jersey Makes Good Wine—And This Grape Is a Big Deal So you know how California and France are, like, the big names for wine? Well, New Jersey is making some pretty legit wine, too. I had no idea, but I just learned that Cabernet Franc (yeah, I had to Google how to pronounce it) is one of the top grapes grown here, and apparently, it’s kind of a big deal.

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.

Alright, I’ll admit it—when I used to think about wine, I just assumed all the good stuff came from California. Napa Valley, Sonoma, all those fancy wine regions, right? But then I started learning about New Jersey wines, and it turns out they’re pretty legit.

A Day in the Life of a New Jersey Winemaker. Imagine waking up before sunrise. You get a head start on a day filled with nature, hard work, and a little bit of science. That’s what a typical day is like for a winemaker here in New Jersey. Morning in the Vineyard The day starts early in the vineyard. The winemaker and their team head out to check on the grape vines.

Vineyards at Beneduce Vineyard. 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.

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.

Sleeping vines at Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery. Okay, so you’ve probably noticed that the same type of wine can taste different depending on where it’s from. A Chardonnay from California doesn’t taste the same as one from France—or New Jersey. But why? It all comes down to something called terroir. It sounds like tare-wahr. Terroir is a fancy way of saying “how the place affects the wine.”

Pairing wines with chocolate at Fox Hollow Winery. I've created a quick guide to help you pair wines with chocolates. With Valentine's Day coming up, I see tons of promotions for wine and chocolate pairings all over the Internet. So, what are some wines that pair with chocolates, anyway? While I don't consider myself a wine expert, I've done some research and added my personal experiences.

A wine trail is basically a route that takes you through a bunch of wineries in a certain area. These places are usually pretty close together. You can hop from one to the next and try different wines along the way.

If you’re new to wine or just curious about New Jersey’s options, don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it seems! New Jersey offers a wide variety of grapes. This means there’s something for everyone.

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.

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.

Did you know that New Jersey has four distinct AVAs? Or perhaps my first question should be... Are you familiar with what an AVA actually is? Until just a few months ago, I was completely unaware of its significance and meaning. An AVA, or American Viticultural Area, is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States. It is recognized for its unique geographical and climatic characteristics.