Murphy, Garden State Wine Growers Association honor NJ’s winning wines (slideshow)

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The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) kicked off New Jersey Wine Week with a Nov. 14 reception at Drumthwacket, the governor’s mansion, to recognize the 2022 Governor’s Cup winners.

During the festivities, Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy presented the Governor’s Cup awards for Best Red, Best White and Best Dessert wines, along with winners in several other categories of the annual competition.

Governor’s Cup

• Best in Show and Best New Jersey Vinifera Red Wine 2022: William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill (2019 Reserve BDX Red Blend)
• Best New Jersey Vinifera White Wine 2022: Auburn Road Winery, Pilesgrove (2020 Barrel Reserve Chardonnay)
• Best New Jersey Dessert Wine 2022: Tomasello Winery, Hammonton (2020 Epilogue Ice Wine Riesling)

The rest of the best

• 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 Jersey Hybrid Red Wine 2022: Sharrott Winery, Hammonton (NV Tango Red Blend)
• Best Fortified Wine 2022: Auburn Road, Pilesgrove (2019 Vintage Ruby, Chambourcin)

“I am proud to recognize and celebrate the winners of the Governor’s Cup and New Jersey’s thriving wine industry,” the governor said.

“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,” he added.

The wine industry represents the fastest-growing segment of agriculture in New Jersey, according to GSWGA, a statewide coalition of wineries and vineyards. New Jersey vineyards grow more than 80 grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Albarino and Chardonnay, while the state’s wineries produce a wide array of fruit wines.

The Garden State is also one of the top producers of wine in the country, having produced approximately 2 million gallons across its over 50 licensed wineries.

A recently released economic impact report by WineAmerica, found that the New Jersey wine industry generates close to $4.69 billion in total economic activity and employs almost 17,000 people. It also produces an additional 5,732 jobs in supplier and ancillary industries and its wine country regions generate 272,500 tourist visits and $92.48 million in annual tourism expenditures.