Cheers! New Jersey wineries poised to have great harvest due to drier weather this year
This fall has seen plenty of sunshine, dry weather and cooler nights – which can make for sweeter grapes for wine.
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Forget the Napa Valley, Sonoma or the Finger Lakes - New Jersey is in the middle of one of its best grape harvests in a decade, according to wine experts in Monmouth County.
“Should be a very good vintage for New Jersey wines,” said Craig Donofrio, manager at 4JG Orchards and Vineyards in Colts Neck.
“Pure joy. We love to see that this time of year,” said Joe Casola, of Fox Hollow Vineyards in Holmdel.
Cheers to September in the Garden State! And a run of spectacular weather, during the most critical time for wine makers – the grape harvest.
“With this drier season, we are seeing fruit coming in a little bit lighter which is definitely going to intensify flavors, color, profile,” said Casola.
It’s a satisfyingly sweet end to the 2024 growing season at the pair of Monmouth County vineyards.
“It translates into wines that have naturally higher sugar levels,” said Donofrio.
Since Labor Day most of the white grapes were picked, give the red grapes another week or so.
This region is known as the “outer coastal plain” to wine growers and is extremely weather-dependent. Too much heat and rain create fungus, according to winemakers.
“You want to prevent mold and mildews from building up in the vineyard,” added Donofrio.
But this fall has seen plenty of sunshine, dry weather and cooler nights.
“I think this weather is going to really showcase the Garden State vineyards and wine growers,” said Casola.
So when will this crop of grapes be bottled and ready? White wines from the 2024 vintage should be released by the summer of 2025, and reds a bit later in 2026.
Both wineries have weekends full of activities, live music, and wine tastings. The owners tell News 12 that weather like this should keep crowds strong through the fall.
