TRENTON – Gov. Phil Murphy signed S1435 Aug. 15, which will establish a marketing and advertising campaign for state wineries and viticulture attractions to promote and recognize New Jersey’s expanding wine industry.
According to a release, the legislation will raise awareness of wineries across the state and attract new visitors to enjoy New Jersey wines.
“New Jersey’s wine industry is a fast-growing part of our tourism economy,” stated Murphy. “I am proud to sign this legislation that will support local businesses, encourage job creation, and welcome visitors to experience our incredible wineries.”
“This new, high-impact marketing and advertising campaign will be a great boost in further enhancing the visibility of New Jersey’s wine industry,” stated Douglas H. Fisher, secretary of the state Department of Agriculture. “This legislation will make it easier than ever before for consumers to find and experience New Jersey’s world class wineries.”
Primary sponsors of the bill include Sens. Robert “Bob” Andrzejczak (D-1st) James Beach, and Assemblymembers Roy Freiman and Clinton Calabrese.
“The growth of New Jersey’s viticulture industry has provided a significant boost to our state’s economy, increasing tourism and encouraging the success of many local businesses,” stated Andrzejczak. “Over 100,000 people a year visit our wineries and this legislation will help the industry continue to flourish.”
“As the owner of Natali Vineyards, I thank Gov. Murphy and the Legislature for all of their efforts to increase awareness of New Jersey’s vibrant wine industry based on wine grapes grown within the state,” stated Alfred Natali, owner of Natali Vineyards in Goshen.
“Residents and tourists alike view New Jersey wineries as go-to destinations,” stated Beach. “The success of the industry has resulted in our state becoming one of the largest producers of wine in the country. This program will expand our capabilities to inform tourists of what New Jersey has to offer in the world of viticulture.”
“New Jersey’s local wine industry is having an extremely positive impact on our economy,”stated Freiman and Calabrese. “Having received national recognition and prestigious awards for the quality of our local wines, the industry is helping grow and diversify our economy, creating jobs and bringing more visitors to our state. To keep at pace with other neighboring states and fuel growth, it is important our state does its best to support the industry. With this legislation we’re supporting local marketing efforts and spurring new creative collaboration between our residents and small businesses. Inviting visual artists to participate in the creation of unique road signage and outdoor displays in areas viewable by the public will help generate even greater buzz and traffic for the wineries in the state.”
“What our Governor and legislators are doing for the wine industry cannot be overstated,” stated Louis Caracciolo, chair of the Garden State Wine Growers Association. “By signing this bill into law across our state residents and visitors will have a constant reminder that there is a thriving winery agri-tourism “wonderland” right in their backyards.”
“New Jersey has a long history of grape growing dating back to the times of our founding fathers,” stated Larry Sharrott III, managing partner at Sharrott Winery. “Today we are producing wines of great quality and interest that rival any in the world. More than ever New Jersey’s farms need support and vineyards are growing. With the support of Gov. Murphy and the state Legislature, New Jersey will be a recognized quality wine region. Thank you, Gov. Murphy and the state Legislature, for enacting this law. It will bring greater awareness to our industry and New Jersey tourism.”
