NJ WINE PIONEER SPEAKS OUT! Violetta Neri of Hopewell Valley Vineyards

“Don’t dismiss New Jersey wine until you taste it!”

This Episode with Violetta Neri of Hopewell Valley Vineyards, one of New Jersey’s pioneering wineries. Violetta shares the story of how she and her husband, Sergio, built their vineyard from the ground up in 2001, planting 15 acres of vines and becoming the first in the state to cultivate Barbera, a traditional red varietal from Northern Italy. 

With deep roots in Italian and Greek winemaking traditions, the couple has blended Old World craftsmanship with New Jersey soil, proving that the Garden State can produce world-class wines.

Beyond winemaking, Violetta talks about the hard work and heart behind running a family-owned vineyard, from harvest to bottling, and balancing life as both business partners and life partners. The conversation touches on Hopewell Valley Vineyards’ award-winning wines, community events like live music and brick-oven pizza nights, and their nonprofit, PALS – Pennington Adult Living Services, which supports adults with disabilities. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of why supporting local wineries, breweries, and small businesses is essential—not just for good wine and good times, but for building stronger communities.

VIEW HARVEST SEASON & UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com/

Hopewell Valley Vineyards New Jersey winery

NJ wine tasting and vineyard tours

Barbera wine New Jersey

Family-owned winery in Hopewell NJ

Brick oven pizza and live music at Hopewell Valley Vineyards

New Jersey local wineries and vineyards

Best wineries near Pennington and Hopewell Township

Support local NJ wine industry

Award-winning New Jersey wines