The New Jersey Fine Wine Group Releases Open Source Cabernet Franc 2022
October 27, 2025 (New Jersey) — The Winemakers Co-Op, a pioneering non-profit collective dedicated to driving the fine wine movement in New Jersey, marks its 10th anniversary this year with the release of Open Source Cabernet Franc 2022 and a special tasting event on Thursday, November 6 at Cree Wine Company in Hampton, NJ.
Founded in 2015 by leading producers including Beneduce Vineyards, Unionville Vineyards, William Heritage Winery, and Working Dog Winery, The Winemakers Co-Op has grown to include Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery and Auburn Road Vineyards & Winery. The group is marking a decade of advocacy for locally grown, high-quality vinifera wines and steady progress in reshaping perceptions of the Garden State as a serious wine region.
To celebrate, the group is kicking off a series of events with a one-night-only tasting featuring all five Open Source Cabernet Franc wines from Co-Op members, alongside a special sixth bottling from Auburn Road Vineyards. The evening includes a seated horizontal tasting, walk-around reception, and passed hors d’oeuvres, from Cree Wine Company, founded by Chris Cree, NJ’s only Master of Wine.
Looking ahead, The Winemakers Co-Op will host a virtual media tasting in January 2026, inviting wine journalists to explore all six expressions of Cabernet Franc 2022 and meet the winemakers behind them. Request a media invite here.
Over the past decade, the group has achieved numerous milestones, earning dozens of accolades from top wine critics, producing educational viticultural and vinification forums for New Jersey wine members, publishing state-wide harvest reports and introducing thousands of wine lovers to high quality state-grown and vinified NJ fine wines. Read our 10-year milestones here.
About The Winemakers Co-Op
The Winemaker’s Co-Op was founded in 2015 with the common goal of increasing the quality and perception of the fine wines of New Jersey. Member wineries aim to produce benchmark dry wines from estate‑grown vinifera (European) varieties that illuminate the differences in soil and climate that exist throughout the Garden State. Through a series of intimate tasting events, industry outreach and communication with the press, these wineries have established themselves as leaders of fine wine production on the East Coast. By spearheading essential industry research and development, Co-Op members are striving to push the boundaries of quality with each new vintage. For more information, please visit thewinemakersco-op.com.
More Information:
The Open Source Cabernet Franc 2022 is line priced at $45; and is available at special events and the winery’s respective tasting rooms until sold out.
Tickets are available to the November 6 event at Cree Wine Company in Hampton, NJ here: eventbrite.com/e/the-winemakers-co-op-open-source-cabernet-franc-2022-release-tasting-tickets
Member Wineries:
