A Full Schedule of Teaching and Tastings Paid Tribute to the Judgement of Princeton
The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) held its second annual International Wine Summit, Monday, June 3, 2024, at Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus. Dozens of wine experts from New Jersey to Italy celebrated a two-fold mission: sharing the stunning quality of New Jersey wines with an international audience while exposing Americans in underrepresented regions to Italian wines. The summit offered an educator’s spin on wine tastings with panel discussions featuring representatives from New Jersey’s wineries along with Italian growers and sommeliers.
“The Garden State Wine Growers Association continues to provide an international platform for New Jersey wineries and vineyards to shine behind the vines and in the tasting rooms,” said Devon Perry, Executive Director of the GSWGA. “Cheers to the ten year anniversary of the Judgment of Princeton, and all that’s ahead for New Jersey wine country.”
Highlights included:
– Garden State Wine Growers Educational Roundtable moderated by wine event planner, writer, judge, and consultant Hank Zona with panelists Donna Albano, Professor Hospitality, Tourism & Event Management Studies at Stockton University; Larry Coia, Owner of Bellview Winery and author; Italian Sommelier Luca Radicchi of AIS International, and Beverly Tepper, Graduate Program Director and a professor in the Department of Food Science at Rutgers University.
– Blind Tasting and Discussion of New Jersey and Italian regional wines led by certified wine judge Sharyn Kervyn de Volkaersbeke, Italian Sommelier Food & Wine Expert Sally Semeria, and Luca Radicchi
– Wine Summit Showcase supported by Red Vanilla
– Closing Chocolate Tasting Provided by Bar 32 of the Tennessee Avenue Restaurant Group
In addition to the Garden State Wine Growers Association, the International Wine Summit was supported by our partners at Stockton University, New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism, Visit AC, Tropicana Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City, KdV Wine Services, Edible Jersey, Tennessee Avenue Restaurant Group, Bar 32, Red Vanilla, and AIS – Colli Orientali del Friuli.
“International visitors to New Jersey will be delighted by our award-winning wines and the charm of experiencing our expansive wine country firsthand. The Garden State boasts four diverse wine regions, each offering a distinct landscape, from the rolling hills of Warren to the coastal breezes of Cape May,” said New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism Executive Director Jeff Vasser. “With more than 40 varieties growing in the state, from Pinot Noir and Riesling in the north to well-known Italian varieties like Sangiovese and Barbera in the south, we invite global travelers to discover our exceptional wineries and wine trails and savor the distinctive, local flavors that make a visit to New Jersey truly special.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Garden State Wine Growers Association,” said Sara Han, VP of Sales of Red Vanilla. “This collaboration allows us to connect with the vibrant wine community in New Jersey, offering them high-quality wine glasses and accessories that match their unique requirements. Our goal is to support these wineries in their journey and help them create unforgettable experiences for their customers.”
“We are happy to welcome Red Vanilla as a valued sponsor of the Garden State Wine Growers Association,” said Devon Perry.. “Their commitment to excellence and passion for enhancing the wine experience aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate New Jersey’s wine culture. Together, we look forward to fostering greater appreciation and enjoyment of our state’s remarkable wines.”
History: In 2012, The Judgment of Princeton International Wine Summit bolstered New Jersey wines as equal to, or better than, long-established French and Napa competitor reds, whites, and blends. The New Jersey wine industry has experienced significant growth since its wines outperformed French and Californian wines at the Judgment of Princeton International Wine Summit, putting New Jersey’s viticulture and winemaking on the map.
About Garden State Wine Growers Association – The Garden State Wine Growers Association is a non-profit organization of New Jersey-based wineries, vineyards, and allied businesses. It serves as a centralized information repository, resource and clearing house for industry members, and offers a unified voice advocating for issues important to the entire range of New Jersey winery and vineyard operations. Central to this mission are efforts toward branding, marketing, public relations, education, and legislation and regulation for the furtherance of the vineyard and wine industries in the Garden State. For more information, visit www.NewJerseyWines.com.
