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 in heralding William Heritage Winery, located in Mullica Hill, as the winner of the Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) annual Governor’s Cup for the William Heritage 2019 Reserve BDX Red Blend. The wine was recognized as the best in the recent competition and the Best Red Vinifera Wine, netting one of the three Governor’s Cups awarded.
Auburn Road Winery in Pilesgrove was awarded the Governor’s Cup for Best White Vinifera with its 2020 Barrel Reserve Chardonnay. Tomasello Winery in Hammonton won the Governor’s Cup for Best Sweet Wine with its 2020 Riesling Epilogue Ice Wine Riesling. The wines were judged by the Beverage Testing Institute.
Eight wines were honored at the annual competition, including:
- Governor’s Cup for Best in Show and Best New Jersey Vinifera Red Wine 2022: William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill (2019 Reserve BDX Red Blend);
- Governor’s Cup for Best New Jersey Vinifera White Wine 2022: Auburn Road Winery, Pilesgrove (2020 Barrel Reserve Chardonnay);
- Governor’s Cup for Best New Jersey Sweet Wine 2022: Tomasello Winery, Hammonton (2020 Epilogue Ice Wine Riesling);
- Best New Jersey Hybrid White Wine 2022: White Horse Winery, Hammonton (2021 Estate Vidal Blanc);
- Best New Jersey Sparkling Wine 2022: Beneduce Vineyards, Pittstown (2021 Estate Grown Rosé Pet Nat, Blaufränkisch);
- Best New Jersey Rosé 2022: William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill (2021 Rosé);
- Best New Hybrid Red Wine 2022: Sharrott Winery, Hammonton (NV Tango Red Blend);
- Best Fortified Wine 2022: Auburn Road, Pilesgrove (2019 Vintage Ruby, Chambourcin).
New Jersey is one of the top producers of wine in the country, having produced approximately 2 million gallons of wine across its over 50 licensed wineries.
Governor Phil Murphy saluted the industry while announcing the winners. “I am proud to recognize and celebrate the winners of the Governor’s Cup and New Jersey’s thriving wine industry,” said Governor Murphy. “Our wineries help to keep the Garden State’s agricultural heritage alive, allowing it to flourish into the future. New Jersey wineries have not only displayed their talent, but have proved their resiliency throughout the pandemic and I look forward to their continued success.”
“I would like to wish this year’s winners of the New Jersey Governor’s Cup a huge congratulations on this outstanding achievement,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Phil and I are big supporters of New Jersey grown products and are proud to boast about and serve Garden State wines at events held at Drumthwacket. We look forward to sharing these prized additions very soon!”
GSWGA Marketing Chair Lou Caracciolo noted the event celebrates a growing industry in the state. “In the 10 year anniversary of the Judgment of Princeton, once again New Jersey wine makers have shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are moving to the front of world class wines.”
The state 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 and the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. They’ve also garnered praise in major publications such as Wine Enthusiast and The Wine Advocate.
For a list of New Jersey wineries and regular events taking place at wineries and vineyards throughout the state, visit www.newjerseywines.com.
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.