🍷 Buzzing About New Jersey Wine: A Conversation with the Wine Growers Association

Welcome back to The Jersey Buzz Podcast, where we spotlight the amazing people and places that make the Garden State great! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the vineyards of New Jersey with a guest who radiates passion and expertise—Devon Perry, Executive Director of the Garden State Wine Growers Association.

🌿 “From Seed to Glass”: What the Association Does

Devon kicked off the conversation with an energetic overview of her role. As Executive Director, she represents every vineyard and winery in New Jersey, advocating for them through media, tourism, hospitality, and public engagement.

“We have one foot in manufacturing and one foot deeply rooted in the Garden State—because we are farmers before anything else.”

The Association connects wineries to the public while also working with restaurants, hotels, and tourism outlets to elevate awareness and appreciation for New Jersey wines.

🍇 History in Every Glass

Think Jersey wine is a recent trend? Think again.

“Some of our wineries, like Tomasello, date back nearly 100 years—surviving Prohibition and still producing quality wine today.”

The local wine industry is not only rich in history but also full of award-winning flavors that rival international bottles. Devon reminded us that in a double-blind tasting called The Judgment of Princeton, New Jersey wines stood toe-to-toe with high-end European vintages—and fooled the experts!

📲 There’s an App for That – and a Passport!  

Visit website to download: https://www.newjerseywines.com/

Devon introduced two incredible tools for wine lovers:

“People love the tactile joy of collecting stamps—just like the National Park passport. It’s nostalgic and rewarding.”

🍷 Why Support Local Wine?

New Jersey wineries are mostly mom-and-pop operations, making them the perfect way to support local farms, businesses, and families.

“Every dollar spent at a local winery stays in the community. These folks live on their land, care about the environment, and constantly give back.”

From donations to community events and silent auctions, local wineries are pillars of support in their towns.

🥂 Wine Trails, Events & Experiences

Whether you're looking for a romantic Valentine's Day outing, a girls’ weekend, or a fun solo experience—there’s a wine trail for that.

🧡 The Heart Behind the Work

Devon shared her beautiful backstory—Sunday dinners at BYOBs with her grandparents, a love of storytelling, and even launching a wine-friendly restaurant database.

“There are two kinds of wine: the kind you like and the kind you don’t. It’s not about price—it’s about taste and experience.”

This philosophy eventually led her to tourism and now the Wine Growers Association, where she combines her passion for food, local business, and hospitality.

👥 Community, Connection &...Dating?

Want to meet interesting people? Skip the apps—head to a winery!

“You’ll meet people who are curious, engaged, and passionate. And even if you're not a big wine drinker, there’s great food, music, and conversation.”

Whether it’s opera at Tomasello, paella night at Old York Cellars, or avocado toast at Auburn Road—there’s truly something for everyone.

Ready to Explore?

🎯 Plan your visit, find events, and get your passport stamped at:
👉 www.NewJerseyWines.com

Let’s start a movement—tag your winery adventures on Instagram with #JerseyWineChallenge, #BuzzLocalWine, and don’t forget to tag @thejerseybuzz and @newjerseywines.

Cheers to discovering local gems, spending more time with friends, and supporting the land we love—one glass at a time.

🍷 Cheers, New Jersey. We’re Buzzing Off—Until Next Time!