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Background

New Jersey’s 24 wineries, occupying an estimated 500 acres, are becoming more and more sophisticated, and the results are showing in their award-winning wines. The state’s wine industry has received countless awards locally, nationally and internationally. New Jersey’s wine industry adds an important diversification to New Jersey agricultural sector offering agri-tourism opportunities while providing a value-added product.

But even as grape production continues to expand in New Jersey, it is not keeping pace with increased wine production. New Jersey’s wine industry ranks fifth in production behind California, Oregon, Washington and New York. This means the industry is becoming less dependent on New Jersey grapes and more dependent on out-of-state grapes, and risks losing its legitimate claim as an agricultural concern in the state.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture administers a promotion and research fund for the wine industry supported by per-gallon tax refunds collected by the New Jersey Wine Industry Advisory Council. The Council prints promotional materials, conducts publicity programs, funds promotional festivals and conducts varietal and production oriented research with the funds.

In 2004, the Department met with the Department of Transportation to begin the process of establishing a roadside signage program for wineries and farm markets. The Department also worked with the Horse Park of New Jersey to secure a new location for the New Jersey Wine Festival.

In 2005, efforts will be made to increase New Jersey grape production, improve roadside signage, and expand the Jersey Fresh Wine Festival to include the wine industry, restaurant industry, and farmers markets. The development of a joint marketing opportunity for New Jersey fruit wines such as raspberry, blueberry and cranberry should be considered. The fruit wines could be promoted as a product category unique to New Jersey.

Wine Strategies


9.1 Increase New Jersey Grape Production
79) STRATEGY - Support new research into the potential for increasing the state’s grape production, which would likely lead to an increase in the locally grown content of New Jersey wines.

80) STRATEGY – Consider increasing the minimum acres required to establish a plenary winery from three to five acres.

9.3 Support the Wine Industry at Trade Shows
82) STRATEGY – Seek opportunities at domestic and international trade shows for New Jersey’s wine industry to expand the marketing and promotion of its wines. Support these efforts with any available state, regional or national cost sharing programs such as the USDA Market Access Program.

9.4 Expand the Jersey Fresh Wine Festival

83) STRATEGY - Support the expansion of the Jersey Fresh Wine Festival to include the wine industry, restaurant industry and farmers markets.

9.5 Promote Wine Product Categories
84) STRATEGY - Consider the development of a joint marketing opportunity for New Jersey fruit wines such as raspberry, blueberry and cranberry. Promote them as a product category unique to local New Jersey fruit production.