New Jersey Wine Initiative Partners Local Restaurants, Faces Distribution Challenges

New Jersey's wine industry is gaining recognition, thanks to The Lobby Club in Trenton, which has replaced its entire wine inventory with local selections from Jardin and Bellview Winery. This initiative, led by the Atlantic Wine Project's Patrick Harney, aims to highlight New Jersey wines alongside global counterparts, showcasing the state's unique terroir. Harney noted that wines like Jardin White and Jardin Red, which are well-suited to the region's sandy soils, have garnered positive attention for their authentic expressions of place. Meanwhile, Spring Gate Spirits in Pennsylvania is changing ownership and relocating to Stewartstown, with Allegro Wine Company’s Carl Helrich taking the helm to expand production capabilities. The distillery plans to enhance its offerings of spirits-based Ready-to-Drink cocktails, capitalizing on recent legislative changes in the adult beverage market. As both states evolve their wine and spirits industries, local producers are finding new opportunities to shine.