On January 28, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy hosted a special reception at Drumthwacket, the governor’s mansion, to celebrate New Jersey’s thriving wine industry. The event was organized in partnership with the Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) and local officials, highlighting some of the state’s finest winemakers. Key figures in attendance included state legislators, agricultural leaders, and Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, underscoring the importance of the event in promoting New Jersey’s agricultural economy.
Recognition of Wine Excellence
The reception honored winners of the prestigious Governor’s Cup for 2023 and 2024, a competition that has been recognizing outstanding New Jersey wines since the 1980s. This year marked the first time that the Murphys invited the winners to Drumthwacket for an official awards ceremony, continuing the tradition of supporting the state’s winemaking community. Despite challenges, such as the pandemic, the event has remained a key moment to highlight the best in New Jersey wines, reflecting the state’s growing recognition as a wine-producing region.
A key highlight of the event was the First Lady’s continued support for local wines. She has publicly committed to serving only New Jersey wines at the Governor’s official residence during state dinners, further promoting the state’s wine industry. This gesture aligns with the Murphys’ broader efforts to raise awareness about the quality of local wines and strengthen the state’s position in the national wine market.
The Growing New Jersey Wine Industry
The wine industry has become one of the fastest-growing segments of agriculture in New Jersey, with over 50 licensed wineries in the state. New Jersey vineyards cultivate more than 80 grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay, among others. The state’s wineries also produce a diverse range of fruit wines, making New Jersey a significant player in the U.S. wine market, with an annual production of approximately 2 million gallons of wine.
The Governor’s Cup awards for 2023 and 2024 recognized exceptional wines from across the state. Winners were selected through a blind-tasting process conducted by The Beverage Tasting Institute in Chicago. A complete list of winners from both years includes top honors in categories such as Best New Jersey Vinifera Red and White Wines, Best Rosé, and Best Dessert Wine. These winners exemplify the excellence and variety of wines produced in New Jersey, contributing to the state’s growing reputation in the national wine industry.
List of 2023 and 2024 Governor’s Cup Winners
| Category | 2024 Winner | 2023 Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Best in Show and Best New Jersey Dessert Wine | William Heritage, Mullica Hill | Tomasello Winery, Hammonton |
| Best New Jersey Vinifera White Wine | William Heritage, Mullica Hill | White Horse Winery, Hammonton |
| Best New Jersey Vinifera Red Wine | Meadowbrook Winery, Oldwick | Cape May Winery, Cape May |
| Best New Jersey Fortified Wine | Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington | – |
| Best New Jersey Hybrid White Wine | Working Dog Winery, Hightstown | Bellview Winery, Landisville |
| Best New Jersey Hybrid Red Wine | William Heritage, Mullica Hill | William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill |
| Best New Jersey Rosé Wine | White Horse Winery, Hammonton | William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill |
| Best New Jersey Sparkling Wine | – | Beneduce Vineyards, Pittstown |