Toast These Wineries In South Jersey For Winning Governor's Cup Awards

HADDONFIELD, NJ — Wine experts are toasting several South Jersey vintners at an annual awards ceremony celebrating Garden State vineyards and wineries.

William Heritage Winery of Mullica Hill took home the Governor's Cup for Best in Show at this year's Garden State Wine Growers Association awards.

Five other South Jersey wineries (listed below) took home awards, as did one in Hunterdon County. New Jersey Wine Week is coming up from November 14-21.

William Heritage Winery's 2019 Reserve BDX Red Blend also won Best New Jersey Vinifera Red Wine 2022, according to the state wine growers association.

This wine, which is barrel-aged for 18 months, is a blend of 54 percent Merlot, 31 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5 percent each Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc grapes.

In an Instagram post, the Mullica Hill winery said they were "honored and humbled" by the award.

"Hats off to our vineyard and winemaking team," the William Heritage Winery wrote, also congratulating its fellow wineries.

Auburn Road Winery in Pilesgrove and Tomasello Winery in Hammonton also took home a Governor's Cup for Best Wine Vinifera and Best Sweet Wine, respectively.

The Beverage Tasting Institute judged the wines, and the Wine Growers Association announced the winners on October 11.

Here is the full list of winners, courtesy of the Garden State Wine Growers Association:

• Governor’s Cup for Best in Show and Best New Jersey Vinifera Red Wine 2022: William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill (2019 Reserve BDX Red Blend)
• Governor’s Cup for Best New Jersey Vinifera White Wine 2022: Auburn Road Winery, Pilesgrove (2020 Barrel Reserve Chardonnay)
• Governor’s Cup for Best New Jersey Sweet Wine 2022: Tomasello Winery, Hammonton (2020 Epilogue Ice Wine Riesling)
• Best New Jersey Hybrid White Wine 2022: White Horse Winery, Hammonton (2021 Estate Vidal Blanc)
• Best New Jersey Sparkling Wine 2022: Beneduce Vineyards, Pittstown (2021 Estate Grown Rosé Pet Nat, Blaufränkisch)
• Best New Jersey Rosé 2022: William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill (2021 Rosé)
• Best New Hybrid Red Wine 2022: Sharrott Winery, Hammonton (NV Tango Red Blend)
• Best Fortified Wine 2022: Auburn Road, Pilesgrove (2019 Vintage Ruby, Chambourcin)

There are more than 60 wineries and vineyards in the state, said the Garden State Wine Growers Association.

New Jersey vineyards produce more than 80 kinds of grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Albarino and Chardonnay, according to the Garden State Wine Growers Association.