Governor's Wine Showcase FAQ

The Governor's Wine Showcase of New Jersey FAQ

1. Why did we create the Governor’s Wine Showcase?

The Governor’s Wine Showcase was created to support the NJ wine industry by providing a platform specifically designed to evaluate NJ wines in a way that truly reflects their quality and context. We partnered with professional judge and sommelier Sharyn Kervyn to assemble a panel of esteemed international judges who have a genuine interest in NJ wines. These judges will be trained on NJ varietals and vintages to ensure that their evaluations are both fair and regionally informed.

2. How is the Showcase different from other competitions?

The Showcase is not just a traditional competition where a few winners are selected. Instead, it’s designed to collectively showcase the best that NJ has to offer. Any winery that meets the scoring threshold will be included, giving greater representation and promoting the collective quality of NJ wines. Additionally, wineries receive personalized feedback on each wine submitted, offering valuable insights to improve quality and consistency.

3. Why require 100% NJ-grown fruit?

The Showcase sets a higher standard than other competitions by requiring 100% NJ-grown fruit, rather than the TTB’s 75% rule or the 85% AVA standard. This decision supports the local viticulture community and promotes NJ as a distinct wine destination. Our goal is to showcase wines that truly reflect NJ’s terroir, emphasizing authenticity and quality while encouraging wineries to use local fruit. This approach not only highlights NJ wineries but also supports the vineyards that grow and sell fruit, reinforcing the credibility of NJ as a unique and quality wine-producing region.

4. How will qualifying wines be promoted?

Governor’s Mansion Event: Showcase-eligible wines will be invited to a high-profile promotional event at the Governor’s Mansion, attended by public figures and politicians. Social Media & Judge Promotion: Judges, selected for their expertise and influence, will actively promote the Showcase and NJ wines through their networks. GSWGA Marketing Campaigns: The Showcase will be featured through GSWGA’s digital and social media outreach. Event Highlighting: Showcase wines will be presented at key events throughout the year, including the NJ Wine Expo, expected to draw 2,000+ attendees.

5. How do you ensure fairness and impartiality?

To maintain impartiality, the judging process will be conducted as a blind tasting, minimizing bias and emphasizing objective quality. Sharyn Kervyn, an experienced wine judge, will oversee logistics but will not participate in the judging itself, ensuring an unbiased process. The goal is to highlight high-quality NJ wines while acknowledging the distinct characteristics of the region.

6. What is the value of participating?

The Governor’s Wine Showcase offers exceptional value, especially for GSWGA members. The cost is just $20 per wine, significantly lower than typical competition fees that range from $80 and up. The Showcase not only provides professional feedback and exposure but also contributes to building the collective reputation of NJ wines. Participating in the Showcase strengthens the perception of NJ as a credible and thriving wine region.

7. What happens after I enter my wines?

Between June 9-20, while the delivery window is open, the wineries that have entered and paid will receive an email with QR codes to attach to their bottles, along with shipping instructions.

8. Do I need to have labels on my bottles?

No, labels are not required, but please have identifying information on the bottles: Winery, varieties, vintage, and the QR code.