An Inside Glimpse at the Governor’s Cup Award Ceremony Blog

“This is a magical celebration,” our Garden State Wine Growers Association’s Executive Director Devon Perry said as she welcomed New Jersey wineries, supporters, and devotees to the New Jersey Wine Competition Reception and Governor’s Cup Celebration on the grounds of Drumthwacket, the New Jersey Governor’s Mansion, held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. 

And wow, what a magical night it turned out to be! Along with all the guests, our team had the privilege of being some of the first to attend a shindig in the recently erected barn on the mansion grounds, made with materials salvaged from a 1700s-era barn that had been in storage for over 100 years. The rustic surroundings created a cozy atmosphere where Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and Lieutenant Governor Tahesah Way rubbed elbows and raised glasses with the winners of the 2023 and 2024 Governor’s Cup. 

Who else was there? Senator Anthony Bucco, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Assemblyman William Moen, Senator Mike Testa, and New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Ed Wengryn were all in attendance to hear the governor and first lady talk about the importance of New Jersey wine and its producers.

We’ve mentioned this before, but despite the award’s name, Governor Murphy is the first governor to host the award ceremony at Drumthwacket since the competition’s inception in the 1980s. It’s an honor to now have so many New Jersey dignitaries join us for the celebration of some of the Garden State’s best wines. 

Before the governor spoke and handed out awards, First Lady Tammy Murphy made a statement that was music to our ears. “We love New Jersey wines,” she said. (There’s someone with good taste!) When the Murphys first hosted the GSWGA and the Governor’s Cup winners in 2018, the first lady made a show of support for our state’s wines that was another first.

“Starting tonight,” the first lady said seven years ago, “we will only serve New Jersey wines in this house.” And the governor told us at this year’s event that New Jersey’s First Couple has kept that commitment to the wines of the Garden State. 

“Vintners, we stand with you as a badge of honor,” he said and noted that not only are they committed to serving our wines, but they’ve added New Jersey craft beer and spirits to what they offer at state dinners.

“If we’re not pitching New Jersey products,” he said, “who is?”

Before handing out the awards, the Governor addressed the winners directly.

“I want to take this opportunity to say congratulations to all of you who have earned your place on the Governor’s Cup Wine List for 2023 and 2024. And I want to give an extra special shout out to our two Best-in-Show award winners: Tomasello Winery in Hammonton and William Heritage in Mullica Hill. I look forward to working with you all to ensure New Jersey’s wine industry keeps growing to new heights, for years to come. And I thank you all, once again, for joining us for tonight’s celebration!”

Once the awards were presented, attendees were able to walk around, taste the award-winning wines, chat with the winemakers, and experience a palpable sense of pride in the room. The winemakers and all those who support them should feel proud. They’ve made some darn good wines that not only show what their respective wineries can do but also represent what New Jersey can do!

The 2021 Tomasello Vidal Blanc Ice Wine that took Best in Show in the 2023 awards and the 2023 William Heritage Ice Cider that took Best in Show in the 2024 awards are both perfect wines to pair with all the sweet treats we’ll be indulging in for Valentine’s Day. We say it’s perfect timing for those wines, and all the other winning wines, to be given a round of applause. You can see a full list of the winners from both years here

And, as everyone at the award ceremony toasted as we raised our glasses, “Cheers to New Jersey wine!”

For a peek at the festivities, check out our video from the evening on Instagram or Facebook. If you’re not following us on those social channels yet, what are you waiting for? And, to stay in the know about what’s happening with our wineries each week, sign up for our email newsletter

© 2024 Garden State Wine Growers Association Supported in part by a grant from the NJ Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism
Created by IGM Creative Group
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