With New Jersey being home to over 60 different wineries, it’s not easy for a local wine lover to know where to begin. “The Garden State” is called that for a reason, its rich soil and lush landscapes create the perfect base for vineyards and winemakers. Maybe you’re pinning locations for your next wine tour, or just looking for a cozy local wine to cuddle up with this season. What are the best New Jersey wines in 2022? Read on.
Cedar Rose Vineyards: 2019 Blaufränkisch
What is now a picturesque 2 acres of vinifera grapevines called Cedar Rose Vineyards was not always just that. The land now producing the vast majority of their grapes was previously an impenetrable forest of cedar trees, bushes, and ivy. The young owners, Steven Becker and Dustin Tarpine, relied on physical labor and a strong work ethic to turn the land into what they envisioned. They paid homage to the cedar forest and rose-colored soil by way of their name: Cedar Rose Vineyards.
Their 2019 Blaufränkisch will greet you with aromas of bright red fruit, followed by earthy notes mingling with savory spices. This deep, dark wine sits very lively on the palate and brings forth memories of Christmas and winter festivities. Their medium-bodied Blaufränkisch flaunts great acidity to promote long aging.
Price: $26
ABV: 13%
Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery: Vintage Ruby
Located just off a quiet road that rolls through acres of pasture and farmland in a beautifully unexpected corner of the Garden State, the tranquil and stylish Enoteca, Auburn Road’s Italian-style wine bar is a quick and easy escape to the country. They invite you to relax and enjoy their assortment of artisan cheese, crackers, jams and more alongside a tasting of your new favorite wine. Soak up the heavy, unfiltered sunshine and end the experience with a delicate & creamy cappuccino.
Their Vintage Ruby will light the fire and drape a warm blanket around your shoulders. This Ruby Port style wine is made from Chambourcin grapes and brandy distilled from their own Cabernet Sauvignon wine. “Aged in American oak barrels until perfection is reached.” Auburn Road carefully picks their grapes for this wine towards the end of the season to allow them to reach their sweetest potential. Vintage Ruby has the deepest of local roots, being fortified by Independent Spirits’ signature brandy. Auburn Road recommends serving alongside a piece of dark chocolate to bring out the sweet notes of plum and raisin, or use in cooking for a rich wine reduction.
Price: $25
ABV: 19%
William Heritage Winery: 2019 Cabernet Franc
William Heritage Winery is a family-owned and operated estate vineyard and winery in Mullica Hill, NJ. They offer an exciting selection of award-winning red and white wines crafted in the heart of the Outer Coastal Plain. Established in 1999 by Bill and Penni Heritage, they saw the potential of winemaking in New Jersey from afar and took action. They began the tireless process of turning their 150 acres of peach and apple trees into vineyards. The land William Heritage Winery’s grapes grow from was called home to decades of farmers past. This rich soil with a rich history produces ripe, top-quality grapes.
William Heritage’s 2019 Cabernet Franc welcomes you with notes of mashed cherries and fresh green bell pepper. This wine spends 11 months in French oak barrels, giving it its youthful but peppery flavor on the palate. It awakens your sense of nostalgia with an essence of eucalyptus, cinnamon, and graham cracker. We recommend sipping alongside a plate of cottage pie or a cozy bowl of wild rice soup.
Price: $34
ABV: 14.1%
Best New Jersey Wines in 2022
Ready to discover the perfect local wine for you? The Two Bridges Wine, Beer, & Spirits Trail is a collective of Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries in Southern New Jersey located between the Delaware Memorial Bridges and the Commodore Barry Bridge. We take visitors on a tour through the depth and range of craft beverages being produced in the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware area. Stay overnight and enjoy a variety of art, music, festivals, entertainment, and amazing food. Enjoy a complete experience of the incredible grape-growing and winemaking that New Jersey has to offer.
