Like fine wine, South Jersey vineyards just get better with time.
“Our wines hold the exclusive honor of being poured at Drumthwacket, the governor’s residence,” says Perry. “Top restaurants across the state pair dishes to our wines, and we’re collaborating on tasting events with culinary leaders, including Jose Garces and restaurant groups in Atlantic City.”
Moreover, she says, upscale restaurants are increasingly showcasing local vintages. Notably, this includes Cherry Hill’s Caffe Aldo Lamberti, celebrated multiple times with Wine Spectator magazine’s seal of excellence for its carefully curated selection.
Michael Snyder, with Visit South Jersey, a state-funded tourism promotion group that partners with the Wine Growers Association, has also observed New Jersey wines’ success.
“Years ago when I mentioned our state’s vineyards, few knew they existed,” says Snyder. “Now when the topic comes up with the same people, they’re the ones sharing stories of their amazing experiences on our wine trails and how they can’t wait to come back.”