October 4th – TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced the 2021 Governor’s Cups and Best of Show winners among New Jersey wineries. The featured winners were selected from the 2021 Garden State Wine Growers Association competition and judged by the Beverage Testing Institute.
“I’m proud to celebrate our growing viticulture industry,” said Governor Murphy. “The wineries recognized from all across the state produce some of the finest wines in the world, and we’re committed to continue supporting our small business community to build a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy.”
“New Jersey wine growers dot our state with beautiful vineyards showcasing the many wines produced here,” New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher said. “New Jersey wines are appreciated by consumers not only here in the Garden State, but across the country.”
Autumn Lake Winery of Williamstown won Best of Show Overall and the Governor’s Cup for Red Wine with a score of 94 for their 2019 Estate Petit Verdot.
The Governor’s Cup for White Wine was awarded to William Heritage Winery of Mullica Hill, with a score of 92 for their 2020 Unoaked Chardonnay.
Sharrott Winery of Hammonton won the Governor’s Cup for Dessert Wine for their 2018 Wicked port-style wine.
Other winners announced include:
- Sharrott Winery, Hammonton – Tango Red Blend, Best New Jersey Hybrid Red 2021 – 93 points
- Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery, Pilesgrove – 2020 Solé, Best New Jersey Hybrid White 2021 – 90 points
- White Horse Winery, Hammonton – B2020 Estate Reserve Rosé, Best New Jersey Rosé 2021 – 91 points
- William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill – 2018 Blanc de Noirs, Best New Jersey Sparkling Wine 2021 – 92 points
- Fox Hollow Vineyards, Holmdel – 2020 Autumn Harvest Dessert Wine, Best New Jersey Sweet Wine 2021 – 87 points
- Tomasello Winery, Hammonton – NV Red Raspberry Wine, Best New Jersey Fruit Wine 2021 – 88 points
New Jersey is one of the top producers of wine in the country, having produced almost 2 million gallons of wine across its over 50 licensed wineries in 2016.
The state has American Viticultural Areas suited for grape-growing, including the Central Delaware Valley AVA, the Warren Hills AVA, the Outer Coastal Plain AVA and the Cape May Peninsula AVA.
Vineyards across New Jersey grow more than 80 grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Albarino and Chardonnay. New Jersey’s wineries also produce a wide array of fruit wines.
New Jersey wines have received critical acclaim in national and international competitions like the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. They’ve also garnered praise in major publications like Wine Enthusiast and Wine Advocate.
For a list of New Jersey wineries and regular events taking place at wineries and vineyards throughout the state, visit www.newjerseywines.com
