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The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) is toasting the start of the festive season with the return of its popular New Jersey Holiday Wine Trail.

Scheduled to begin Nov. 24, the three-day event features special holiday-themed, family friendly events at wineries throughout the state, such as photos with Santa Claus, fire pits, food trucks and live music, as well as opportunities to get some gift shopping done at holiday bazaars.

Wineries on the trail include: Bellview Winery in Landisville, Valenzano Winery in Shamong, Hawk Haven Vineyard in Rio Grande, Villa Milagro Vineyards in Phillipsburg, Terhune Orchards in Princeton and Kennedy Cellars Winery in Hammonton.

GSWGA Executive Director Devon Perry said, “The holiday season is all about cherishing moments with loved ones. Every New Jersey winery is a family-owned gem. What better way to show your support for local growers and small businesses than by visiting one of our homegrown wineries? The New Jersey Holiday Wine Trail Weekend offers a local, festive weekend that provides the perfect opportunity to uncover the hidden treasures of New Jersey’s wine country.”

The return of the trail comes as the statewide coalition celebrates the winners of the 2023 Governor’s Cup, an annual competition honoring the best of the best in New Jersey’s fast-growing wine industry. 

Governor’s Cup

Best in Show and Best Dessert Wine: Tomasello Winery, Hammonton (2021 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine)
Best Red Vinifera Wine: Cape May Winery, Cape May (2021 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon)
Best White Vinifera Wine: White Horse Winery, Hammonton (2022 Estate Albarino)

The rest of the best

Best Red Hybrid Wine: William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill (2021 Reserve Burn Pile Vineyard Chambourcin)
Best Sparkling Wine: Beneduce Vineyards, Pittstown (2022 Estate Grown Gewurz Pet Nat)
Best Rosé: William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill (2022 Reserve Grenache Syrah Rosé)
Best White Hybrid Wine: Bellview Winery, Landisville (2021 Estate Grown Traminette)

Jerald O’Kennard, president of the Beverage Testing Institute, said his organization was honored to judge the 2023 contest for the GSWGA.

“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,” O’Kennard said.

Gov. Phil Murphy said he was thrilled to recognize the winners.

“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,” Murphy said.

Lt. Gov. and Secretary of State Tahesha Way echoed the sentiment, saying, “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.”

Way – who oversees the Division of Travel & Tourism – said, “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.”