South Jersey Tourism Corporation. The area
boasts moderate winter temperatures and well-drained, sandy soil similar to the loam found in
Napa, she adds.
Last March, the federal government
designated Jersey’s outer coastal plain an
official American viticulture area. The
region is home to 16 distinct wineries. One
notable stop, Heritage Station, is run by a
fifth-generation farmer who makes wines
from the peaches, blueberries and grapes he
cultivates. The owner of Amalthea Cellars
uses Old World winemaking techniques
taught to him while growing up with an Italian grandfather. Valenzano Winery in the
middle of New Jersey’s Pinelands is known
for a cranberry wine made with the fruit
grown in nearby bogs. “All of these vintners
have taken local culture and infused their
wines with it,” London says.
Among central Jersey’s most recognized
wineries is Unionville Vineyards in the
Amwell Valley. The winery is on a sprawling
90-acre farm that has, since 1858, functioned
as a fruit orchard, dairy farm and grain farm.
Since 1993, these vineyards have produced
white and red French varietals as well as traditional viniferas. When two visitors showed
up moments before closing time, marketing
manager Barbara Basedow graciously stuck
around to host a tasting. She poured several
