THE NEW JERSEY WINE INDUSTRY is entering a golden era. It has grown tremendously in recent decades, and over 60 vineyards and wineries statewide now produce quality mature grapes. Come fall, the fruit will be crafted into wine using a fascinating combination of ancient technique and modern expertise.

New Jersey is also now home to four federally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). These designations indicate an area’s propensity for quality grape growing, based on its distinct climate, soil type, and geographical attributes. Wine afficionados world-wide recognize AVA marks on bottle labels as confirmation of appellation of origin and quality. New Jersey’s award-winning varietals are increasingly coveted by wine enthusiasts nationwide and around the world—and enjoyed by wine lovers in New Jersey who know the power of local.

Experience the beauty and flavor of New Jersey’s grape growing and winemaking. All within an easy drive from your home in the Garden State.

MEET THE WINEMAKERS. VISIT THE VINEYARDS.
EXPERIENCE WORLD CLASS WINES.
RIGHT HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

THE OUTER COASTAL PLAIN AVA

The Heart of New Jersey Wine Country

Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, the Outer Coastal Plain AVA is the heart of New Jersey Wine Country. The region is exceedingly favorable to grape growing, thanks to its relatively flat terroir and welldraining sandy and sandy loam soil. As a result, the Outer Coastal Plain AVA, established in 2008, boasts more than 35 winemakers and grape growers. Some have been making wine here for generations, carrying on viticulture traditions that originally hailed from European homelands; others are accomplished 21st century apprentices.

When you taste the award-winning wines of the OCPAVA, you’ll savor over 40 different varieties of grapes grown on treasured South Jersey land, in an AVA markedly similar to the renowned Bordeaux region of Southern France. You’ll also appreciate knowing that these NJ winemakers are working in tandem with winemakers across the state, sharing techniques, innovations and best practices to ensure a bright future for all New Jersey wine.

outercoastalplain.com

Coeur d’Est

A NOD TO FRENCH HERITAGE IN THE HEART OF SOUTH JERSEY

COEUR D’EST, MEANING ‘HEART OF THE EAST,’ is both a nod to the wine heritage of France and indicative of the rising winegrowing culture in southern New Jersey from coast to coast – the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware River. This proximity to two significant bodies of water along with the climate and terrain are notably similar to the growing conditions in France’s storied Bordeaux. The Outer Coastal Plain Vineyard Association has developed the Coeur d’Est blend to highlight the unique French-American connection at the heart of their region. Red blends like Coeur d’Est have become the second most popular purchase in the entire red wine category, ranking right behind Cabernet Sauvignon. Participating wineries making their own Coeur d’Est can include almost any assortment of grapes, selected from up to five specific varieties grown within the area, beginning with Chambourcin.

The wine is “a fine nascent ‘Baby Bordeaux’ at a great value.”

A new French grape variety that first appeared in the 1960s, Chambourcin was developed by a French nursery owner in the commune of Bougé-Chambalud, located in the middle of some of that country’s most prolific wine production, where it is used most frequently in Loire and Rhone table wines. The grape is known for its generous growing potential, cold hardiness, and disease resistance. As the world changes along with consumer tastes, these new grapes are being planted more frequently, even in traditional and esteemed regions. Here, Chambourcin has gone from experimental to well-established; it’s become an important variety and the springboard for Coeur d’Est.

Every winery’s offering has a set of requirements it must meet to carry the Coeur d’Est label. It begins with a minimum of 25 to 50% of Chambourcin and then the addition of one to four other designated grapes – Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot – a select grouping of French native grapes permitted to be used in Bordeaux and grown here. It aligns with the Bordelaise winemaking philosophy that the land yields exceptional fruit to be handed over to the prowess of the winemakers to develop the best possible blends.

From this point, the unique styling and skills of each participating Outer Coastal Plain winemaker kick in. The exact blend, the vinification and the aging are at their discretion as they create unique expressions, winery by winery. The final step is that only the wines coming through this process that are judged the best can carry the Coeur d’Est name.

The reception to Coeur d’Est has been impressive. As an area chef recently remarked to Larry Coia, owner of Coia Vineyards and co-owner of Bellview Winery: the wine is “a fine nascent ‘Baby Bordeaux’ at a great value.” While you can enjoy wines made in a range of styles from over 40 different grape varieties throughout the region, doing your own tasting tour of the Coeur d’Est releases allows you to get to the heart of the state’s Outer Coastal Plain. Make plans to visit and see how these passionate New Jersey winemakers are showcasing their region and displaying their expertise through this program.

PARTICIPATING WINERIES CURRENTLY PRODUCING COEUR D’EST