Devon Perry, Executive Director - Garden State Wine Growers Association
Everyone involved in wine in New Jersey admits that the Garden State has a non-garden image problem—created, many speculate, by the turn-pikes and the areas nearest New York City. Even when people “shop local with tomatoes, blueberries, corn, and peaches,” says Devon Perry, head of the Garden State Wine Growers Association, “they often don’t extend that commitment to wine.” Since taking the helm of the GSWGA in 2022, Perry has been on a mission to change perceptions both in and out of the state through a broad range of marketing initiatives to put the name of New Jersey in clear view of consumers. Perry adds that many people don’t realize New Jersey makes wine. “We are surrounded by well-funded states, but we have to MacGyver our own microphone,” she says.
Perry became interested in wine in her 20s, working for a family business called GoBYO, an online site that was started by her grandfather, the entrepreneur Joseph Segel, from the simple idea of wanting to know where he could bring his own wine to restaurants. The business created a wine-rating database with 60 data points alone just relating to BYOBs. It also ran a program of educational wine tastings with business executives, and Perry grew up “setting up tables, looking at the menus, and learning,” she says.
Up to the challenge of representing many different winery business models under one heading, Perry has rung up a number of accomplishments early in her tenure, including re-invigorating and re-focusing the Passport program for visiting the wineries, strengthening ties with NJ Travel & Tourism, and—most relevant to this piece—increasing support of women in wine. Currently, she’s most excited about New Jersey’s future as an agritourism destination. To women in the industry, Perry says that the association has a USDA grant specifically focused on women, and that “my arms and my office are open.”
Garden State Wine Growers Association
205 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield
newjerseywines.com
