November is New Jersey Wine Month, a time when the Garden State’s vibrant wine culture takes center stage. As a wine enthusiast, I’m thrilled to attend the inaugural NJ Wine Expo on November 9, 2024, at Bell Works in Holmdel. This event promises to be a historic gathering, featuring over 30 of New Jersey’s finest wineries and vineyards.
Event Highlights
The NJ Wine Expo offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wine offerings of New Jersey. Attendees can meet winemakers, sample a curated selection of wines, and gain insights from industry experts. The event is structured into three sessions:
• Early Access (11:00 am – 3:00 pm): Includes early entry, exclusive tastings, a souvenir wine glass, and a six-bottle wine bag.
• Session 1 (12:00 pm – 3:00 pm): General admission with wine tastings and a souvenir wine glass.
• Session 2 (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm): General admission with wine tastings and a souvenir wine glass.
Tickets are priced at $50 for Early Access and $35 for general admission sessions. It’s important to note that attendees may only participate in one session.
Participating Wineries
The expo will feature a remarkable lineup of New Jersey wineries and vineyards, including:
• Alba Vineyard
• Angelico Winery
• Auburn Road Vineyards
• Autumn Lake Winery
• Bellview Winery
• Blue Cork Winery
• Briganti by the Bay
• Brook Hollow Winery
• Cape May Winery
• Cedar Rose Vineyards
• Chestnut Run Farms
• DiMatteo Vineyards
• Federal Twist Vineyard
• Four Sisters Winery
• Kennedy Cellars
• Laurita Winery
• Old York Cellars
• Rebel Sheep Wine Co.
• Saddlehill Cellars
• Salem Oak Vineyards
• Sharrott Winery
• Summit City Winery
• Tomasello Winery
• Unionville Vineyards
• Valenzano Winery
• Villa Milagro Vineyards
• White Horse Winery
• Willow Creek Winery
Each of these wineries brings its unique flavors and styles, offering attendees a comprehensive tasting experience.
Spotlight on Select Wineries
Among the esteemed participants, a few stand out for their exceptional contributions to New Jersey’s wine scene:
• Alba Vineyard: Located in the scenic Warren County, Alba Vineyard is renowned for its commitment to sustainable viticulture and producing award-winning wines. Their portfolio includes a variety of reds, whites, and dessert wines, each reflecting the unique terroir of the region.
• Cape May Winery: Situated in the picturesque Cape May Peninsula, Cape May Winery offers a diverse selection of wines crafted from locally grown grapes. Their offerings range from crisp whites to robust reds, all produced with a focus on expressing the character of the local vineyards.
• Laurita Winery: Nestled in the rolling hills of New Egypt, Laurita Winery combines rustic charm with modern winemaking techniques. They produce a wide array of wines, including innovative blends and traditional varietals, all aimed at providing a memorable tasting experience.
Culinary Delights
In addition to the wine tastings, the expo will feature an array of local food vendors offering small-bite culinary creations. This provides a perfect opportunity to pair New Jersey wines with delicious local fare, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Planning Your Visit
For those interested in attending, it’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance, as Early Access tickets will not be available at the door, and general admission tickets may increase to $45 if available on the day of the event. The NJ Wine Expo is an excellent way to immerse yourself in New Jersey’s burgeoning wine culture and discover new favorites.
As a wine lover, I look forward to exploring the diverse offerings at the NJ Wine Expo and celebrating the rich viticultural heritage of New Jersey.
