Photo #1: Photo Credit: Martin Reordan Photography
Photo #2: Left to Right: Rhonda DiMascio, Morven Museum. Brad Fay, Discover Central Jersey. John Koopman III as George Washington. John Cifelli, Unionville Vineyards.
History buffs are particularly excited for the calendar to soon change from December 31 to January 1. As you may know, 2026 will be the United States of America’s Semiquincentennial, its 250th anniversary of July 4, 1776, the day the Second Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence.
Here in New Jersey, we’re fortunate to live so close to Philadelphia, where that Declaration was written and signed, but we should not forget the important part that our state played in the Revolutionary War. More than 90 engagements occurred right here in New Jersey. So important was the state to the war that it earned the title, “Crossroads of the American Revolution.”
Earlier this month, one of the Founding Fathers, the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, General George Washington (technically, a professional Washington. reenactor), made an appearance at a Unionville Vineyards’ event to celebrate the release of three new wines.
“248 years ago, the greatest assembly of the Continental Army in one place at any point in the war happened right here at our vineyard site in Hopewell,” said Unionville’s general manager, John Cifelli, as the evening’s ceremonial portion began.
Of course, where Unionville’s Pheasant Hill Vineyard site sits now was not a vineyard 248 years ago. But the home on the property at that time was where 13 generals of the Continental Army assembled for two days, 50 yards from where Unionville’s Chardonnay vineyard is now. When the generals left after those two days, they encountered the British army at the Battle of Monmouth. General Washington went on to tell the guests in attendance about his experience leading his soldiers in the region, including the events that led up to what is now known as The Ten Crucial Days, when the tide of the Revolution turned.
To honor its connection to the American Revolution, Unionville has launched the Washington Collection, a trio of Revolution-inspired wines:
- 2024 Battlefield Blush: An off-dry blend of French-American hybrid grapes—Cayuga, Seval Blanc, and Marechal Foch, that can be a solo sipper or paired with spicy foods, like BBQ, curries, or Thai.
- 2025 Victory White: A rich, full-bodied dry white of 100% estate-grown Chardonnay. Pair with roast chicken or pasta in cream sauce.
- 2023 Revolutionary Red: A medium-bodied red blend of NJ-grown French vinifera varieties Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. 100% NJ-grown. Pair with a juicy burger or pasta in red sauce.
The three wines are available in a commemorative package. A portion of the proceeds from the Washington Collection will be donated to organizations that preserve, protect, or promote Revolutionary-era American history.
Looking for the Connections Between NJ Wine and History in the Upcoming Year?
So are we. There may be other connections between some of New Jersey’s current winery and vineyard sites and the origin of our country. We already know that Saddlehill Cellars is on land that General George Washington gave to his personal guard, Lt. John Stafford, in 1773. What else might we discover as everyone turns their attention to the Semiquincentennial?
Stay tuned, because if we discover more connections, we may go down an NJ history rabbit hole in 2026 here on our website or in our newsletter.
