Cape May Peninsula AVA

The Cape May Peninsula has a long human history, with the whaling community of Town Bank established in 1650. The town of Cape May became a Victorian resort destination following a major fire in 1878. The wine industry is far more recent: Cape May Winery and Vineyard planted the region's first vineyard in 1992, and over the following 25 years a thriving wine community developed across the county. In 2018, Dr. Alfred Natali of Natali Vineyards petitioned the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) on behalf of the ad hoc Cape May Wine Growers Association, resulting in formal AVA status on April 5, 2018.

• Whaling community of Town Bank founded on the peninsula in 1650
• Cape May rebuilt as a Victorian resort after an 1878 fire
• First vineyard planted 1992 at Cape May Winery and Vineyard
• AVA established April 5, 2018, New Jersey's fourth wine appellation

Cape May Peninsula occupies the southernmost tip of New Jersey, where it is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Delaware Bay to the west. This dual water body influence moderates temperatures throughout the growing season, producing a temperate maritime climate that experts compare to Bordeaux, France. The peninsula benefits from the longest growing season in New Jersey, falling within hardiness zones 6b, 7a, and 7b. These conditions allow both cold-hardy hybrid varieties and a wide range of Vitis vinifera cultivars to ripen successfully.

• Surrounded by Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, providing significant temperature moderation
• Longest growing season in New Jersey due to maritime influence
• Hardiness zones 6b, 7a, and 7b across the peninsula
• Climate described as comparable to Bordeaux, France

The soils of the Cape May Peninsula are well-drained sandy or sandy loam of low to moderate fertility. This soil profile is well suited to viticulture, as low fertility encourages vines to produce concentrated fruit rather than excessive vegetative growth, and the excellent drainage prevents waterlogging during wet periods. A broad range of grape varieties is cultivated here, from international vinifera such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Albariño, Viognier, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Riesling to cold-hardy hybrids including Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, and Cayuga White.

• Well-drained sandy and sandy loam soils of low to moderate fertility
• Soil profile supports both vinifera and cold-hardy hybrid varieties
• Over 15 grape varieties cultivated across the AVA
• Low fertility soils encourage concentrated fruit production

Cape May Peninsula produces dry whites, dry reds, sweet wines, and red blends, with vinifera varietals at the heart of the region's identity. Nine wineries currently operate within the AVA, connected by the 19-mile Cape May Wine Trail. Notable producers include Cape May Winery and Vineyard, Hawk Haven Vineyard, Natali Vineyards, Turdo Vineyards and Winery, Willow Creek Winery, Jessie Creek Winery, and G&W Winery. The combination of wine tourism and Cape May's existing reputation as a resort destination has made this the most visited wine region in New Jersey.

• Nine wineries operate within the AVA, linked by the 19-mile Cape May Wine Trail
• Wine styles include dry whites, dry reds, sweet wines, and red blends
• Most visited wine region in New Jersey
• Cape May's resort history supports strong wine tourism year-round