FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Executive Director: Devon Perry
T: 856-761-9986
devon@newjerseywines.com

 

GARDEN STATE WINERIES ARE NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR’S CUP TOP WINNERS

Haddonfield, NJ (November 14, 2023) – Garden State Wine Growers Association – a coalition of 60+ New Jersey wineries and vineyards that support the Garden State’s wine industry through information, resources, and advocacy – joins New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy in heralding the exceptional New Jersey wines competing in the 2023 Governor’s Cup. The wines were judged by the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest).

Results and quotes below:

  • Tomasello Winery, located in Hammonton, is the winner of the Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) annual Governor’s Cup for the Tomasello 2021 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine. The wine was recognized as the Governor’s Cup for Best in Show and the Best Dessert Wine, netting one of the three Governor’s Cups awarded.
  • Cape May Winery in Cape May County was awarded the Governor’s Cup for the Best Red Vinifera Wine with its 2021 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • White Horse Winery in Hammonton won the Governor’s Cup for Best White Vinifera Wine with its 2022 Estate Albarino.

Results and quotes below:

  • Governor’s Cup for Best in Show and Best New Jersey Dessert Wine 2023: Tomasello Winery, Hammonton (2021 Ice Wine, Vidal Blanc)
  • Governor’s Cup for Best New Jersey Vinifera Red Wine 2023: Cape May Winery, Cape May (2021 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • Governor’s Cup for Best New Jersey Vinifera White Wine 2023: White Horse Winery, Hammonton (2022 Estate Albarino)
  • Best New Jersey Red Hybrid Wine 2023: William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill (2021 Reserve Burn Pile Vineyard Chambourcin)
  • Best New Jersey Sparkling Wine 2023: Beneduce Vineyards, Pittstown (2022 Estate Grown Gewurz Pet Nat)
  • Best New Jersey Rosé 2023: William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill (2022 Reserve Grenache Syrah Rosé)
  • Best New Jersey White Hybrid Wine 2023: Bellview Winery, Landisville (2021 Estate Grown Traminette)

New Jersey is one of the top producers of wine in the country, having produced approximately 2 million gallons of wine across its over 60 licensed wineries.

New Jersey has four American Viticultural Areas suited for grape-growing, including the Central Delaware Valley AVA, the Warren Hills AVA, the Outer Coastal Plain AVA and the Cape May Peninsula AVA.

Vineyards across New Jersey grow more than 80 grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Albarino and Chardonnay. New Jersey’s wineries also produce a wide array of fruit wines.

New Jersey wines have received critical acclaim in national and international competitions including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the World Wine Championships, and the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. They’ve also garnered praise in major publications such as Wine Enthusiast, The Wine Advocate, and Tastings.com.

For a list of New Jersey wineries and regular events taking place at wineries and vineyards throughout the state, visit www.newjerseywines.com.

QUOTE FROM GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY: “It is an honor to once again celebrate the winners of the Governor’s Cup alongside the Garden State Wine Growers Association,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “From Cape May to Pittstown, New Jersey wineries and vineyards represent the very best of our state’s rich cultural history. Just as importantly, as employers of tens of thousands of New Jerseyans and premier destinations for New Jersey residents and visitors alike, they contribute significantly to our state’s thriving tourism economy and local communities.”

QUOTE FROM JERALD O’KENNARD, PRESIDENT BEVTEST: “What a pleasure and honor it has been to review the fine wines of New Jersey for the Garden State Wine Growers Associations’ Governor’s Cup again this year,” said Jerald O’Kennard, President of the Beverage Testing Institute. “Over the last six years of conducting this state competition, we’ve seen continued improvements in viticulture and vinification throughout New Jersey. Many of the top winemakers are going well above just making good tasting wines and are now creating liquid art, expressive of the unique sense of place of the state of New Jersey and its four distinct AVAs. In continued partnership with the GSWGA, we look forward to bringing a truly global perspective and a deep insight of the terroir and tremendous potential of New Jersey wines for many future Governor’s Cups.”

QUOTE FROM TAHESHA WAY, NEW JERSEY SECRETARY OF STATE: “The wine industry in the Garden State is a vital contributor to the state’s overall tourism product portfolio and economy, supporting over 30,000 jobs in a diversity of spaces, from farming and manufacturing to hospitality and retail,” said Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, who dually serves New Jersey as Secretary of State, overseeing the Division of Travel and Tourism. “Our Garden State Wine Country sees an incredible 273,000 tourism visits each year—a testament to not only New Jersey’s thriving agricultural heritage, but also the state’s determined pursuit of innovation and growth in the field.” 

QUOTE FROM SENATOR JIM BEACH, SENATE CHAIR OF TOURISM: “As the Chair of Tourism in the Senate I’m keen on seeing more beverage tourism, and I’m thrilled to see that our fine wines continue to garner respect and recognition,” said Senator Jim Beach. “The New Jersey wine industry has proven itself and it’s the perfect time for us all to celebrate across the Garden State.”

QUOTE FROM DEVON PERRY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GSWGA: The Garden State Wine Growers Association Executive Director, Devon Perry noted the results are the perfect kick-off to New Jersey Wine Week, which runs from November 13 to 19. “The holiday season is the ideal time to enjoy New Jersey wines with family and friends. Whether you celebrate during New Jersey Wine Week or choose to embark on a Holiday Wine Trail, world class wines grown in the Garden State continue to put New Jersey on the map, and remind us that there is so much to sip, savor and enjoy in less than an hour’s drive from anywhere in the state.”

About Garden State Wine Growers Association: The Garden State Wine Growers Association is a non-profit organization of New Jersey-based wineries, vineyards and allied businesses. It serves as a centralized information repository, resource and clearing house for industry members, and offers a unified voice advocating for issues important to the entire range of New Jersey winery and vineyard operations. Central to this mission are efforts toward branding, marketing, public relations, education, and legislation and regulation for the furtherance of the vineyard and wine industries in the Garden State.

About Beverage Testing Institute: Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) was founded in 1981 as the first international wine competition in the United States, adding beer, spirits, cider, sake, mead and more to the repertoire in 1994. Using industry-leading methodology co-developed with Cornell University and a one-of-a-kind approach to trade focus groups and sensory panelist recruitment, BevTest’s evaluations are so much more than a competition. Beverage Testing Institute has become the most comprehensive and reliable source for alcohol beverage product testing and professional reviews in the world.

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