Gov. Phil Murphy joins First Lady at New Jersey wine competition, celebrates state’s growing industry
TRENTON, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy hosted the New Jersey Wine Competition Awards Ceremony at Drumthwacket, celebrating the state’s top wineries and the continued success of New Jersey’s wine industry.
The event marked the first time since 2022 that winemakers, state officials, and industry leaders gathered to recognize the winners of the prestigious Governor’s Cup, an annual competition that has highlighted New Jersey’s best wines since the 1980s. The Murphys have embraced the tradition, making New Jersey wines an exclusive feature at official state dinners.
During his speech, Governor Murphy, standing alongside his self-described “favorite drinking buddy,” the First Lady, praised the winemakers for their contributions to New Jersey’s economy and tourism industry.
“In recent years, this industry has created more than 30,000 jobs in our state—both directly and indirectly—and it draws in more than 270,000 visitors to New Jersey every single year,” Murphy said.
The governor also emphasized the diversity of New Jersey wines, noting that the state cultivates more than 80 grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Chardonnay. He playfully compared New Jersey’s wine reputation to France’s Champagne region, stating, “It’s only the best Chardonnay if it’s made in New Jersey… otherwise, Fuhgeddaboudit!”
Governor’s Cup winners announced
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2023 and 2024 Governor’s Cup winners, awarded based on blind tastings conducted by The Beverage Tasting Institute. The winning wines represented a variety of styles, from full-bodied reds and crisp whites to dessert wines and rosés.
2024 Governor’s Cup winners:
- Best in Show & Best Dessert Wine: William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill (2023 Ice Cider)
- Best Vinifera White Wine: William Heritage Winery (2023 Limited Release Chenin Blanc)
- Best Vinifera Red Wine: Meadowbrook Winery, Oldwick (2022 Reserve Cabernet Franc)
- Best Fortified Wine: Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington (NV Estate Chocolate Porto Rosso)
- Best Hybrid White Wine: Working Dog Winery, Hightstown (2023 Estate Traminette)
- Best Hybrid Red Wine: William Heritage Winery (2022 Burn Pile Vineyard Reserve Chambourcin)
- Best Rosé Wine: White Horse Winery, Hammonton (2023 Painted Estate Grown Rosé)