Sip the Season: Here’s Your Inside Guide to the NJ Wine Expo

Mark your calendars, wine lovers—November might just become your favorite time of year. Along with the crisp air and colorful leaves, it’s also New Jersey Wine Month, when freshly-picked grapes start fermenting and wineries across the state celebrate the close of their harvests.

“Harvest is the most exciting time of year,” says Dustin Tarpine, winemaker at Cedar Rose Vineyards and chair of the Garden State Wine Growers Association. “You start to see the potential of the vintage, which is really rewarding.”

With over 60 wineries and vineyards producing everything from crisp whites to bold reds, New Jersey has become one of the country’s most dynamic (and unexpected) wine regions. And this November, you can taste it all at the NJ Wine Expo.

At the NJ Wine Expo, over 30 NJ wineries and vineyards will be pouring their latest releases, alongside industry experts, food offerings, and the chance to chat directly with winemakers. Whether you’re a casual taster or a seasoned sommelier, there’s something here for every kind of palate.

Here’s your guide to making the most of it.

Sip Strategically

With dozens of vineyards pouring, pacing yourself is key. Start with lighter wines, like crisp whites or sparkling wines, before moving on to rosés, and finish with fuller reds. That order helps keep your palate sharp so you can pick up nuances in each glass.

“One of the best things about the NJ wine scene is the diversity of products and styles across the state,” says Tarpine. “There aren’t rigid conventions, so people are experimenting with styles and approaches. It makes New Jersey wine vibrant and creative.”

One unique example, Tarpine notes, is a Pét-Nat (short for pétillant naturel), a less-fizzy, lighter variety of sparkling wine a number of Jersey wineries are experimenting with.

“[The Expo] is great to try out new stuff, check out new wineries, and take notes,” says Tarpine. “I always tell people to take notes because at the end of the day you’ve tasted through a bunch of wine and might not remember where the one you liked was.”

Meet the Makers

One of the biggest perks of the NJ Wine Expo isn’t just about getting to taste wine—it’s about getting to meet the people who make it. With winemakers themselves on hand, you have the rare chance to go beyond tasting notes and learn directly from the source.

“This year we intend to make it more of a true exposition with wineries organized by region and specialty,” notes Tarpine. “We want guests to be able to learn about which styles are produced in which parts of the state, and the climatic characteristics that drive these distinctions.”

And, if you’re not sure how to strike up a conversation with winemakers, start simple: talk about the weather. Asking about rainy summers or recent dry spells will open up the dialogue about the season’s harvest and how all those elements affect taste.

“Talking with winemakers will give you a crash course overall on why certain areas produce what they produce and why it tastes the way it does,” says Tarpine.

So, not only will you deepen your understanding of wine, you’ll also likely pick up a story to tell the next time you open a bottle with friends.

Become a Connoisseur

When you’re listening to winemakers throughout the Expo you may hear some technical terms like “malolactic fermentation,” “lees stirring,” or “native yeasts.” Presentations from industry experts can help explain how and why all those things make a wine truly distinct.

“I personally feel that wine is special amongst craft beverages due to the level of influence that region, variety, production method, and vintage play in the final character of a wine,” says Tarpine. “An estate-grown, vintage wine truly reflects the climate and soil of the site, the weather during the vintage, and the decisions of the vineyard manager and winemaker throughout the process.”

Topics can range widely depending on the presenter. Some winemakers may dive into terroir and soil types, others might discuss how climate affects ripeness and vintage variation, while others explore production methods (like oak aging versus stainless steel) and how those choices shape the evolving identity of New Jersey wines.

Take Away

It’s your chance to discover something new to take home.

“[The Expo] is a good way to get all these wineries in one room so you can check them all out at the same time,” says Tarpine.

Many winemakers bring limited-release bottles and vineyard exclusives that you won’t find on store shelves. Review your tasting notes, grab a favorite, and let that bottle be the starting point for your next vineyard trip.

“[At a vineyard] you will be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff who can walk you through exploring and enjoying their wines,” notes Tarpine. “That mini-lesson not only defines your preferences—it helps you make better purchasing decisions as you continue exploring wineries throughout the state.”

Make It a Weekend

The NJ Wine Expo might be the main event, but it’s also the perfect excuse to linger a little longer in the Garden State. Since several vineyards are just a short drive from Bell Works, you can turn your tasting day into a mini getaway.

“Most wineries have open hours, and most accept walk-ins as well as reservations,” says Tarpine. “We’re just trying to get the message out that it’s not complicated—you don’t need to have any special knowledge before you come in. We just want people to come out, hang out, and enjoy themselves.”

With this year’s venue at Bell Works in Holmdel, you’re already in the heart of Monmouth County, with easy access to local vineyards like Fox Hollow, 4JGs Orchards & Vineyards, and Cream Ridge Winery. Treat the Expo as your launchpad, then let nearby vineyards and local hospitality complete the weekend.

The NJ Wine Expo takes place November 15 at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass, while Early Access passes offer extra perks like a six-bottle tote and more time with winemakers. Reserve your tickets at newjerseywines.com.   

 

 

This is a paid partnership between Garden State Wine Growers Association and Philadelphia Magazine