Outer Coastal Plain AVA

Viticulture in southern New Jersey dates to colonial times. In 1767, the Royal Society of the Arts recognized two New Jersey vintners for quality wine production. The industry flourished through the mid-19th century, when Renault Winery was established in 1864, becoming the oldest continuously operating winery in the United States, and Dr. Thomas Welch founded the U.S. grape juice industry in Vineland. Prohibition devastated the region, but the 1981 Farm Wineries Act relaxed restrictions and triggered a revival. Formal AVA designation followed on February 9, 2007, with expansion in 2017 and the creation of the Cape May Peninsula sub-AVA in 2018.

• 1767: Royal Society of the Arts recognized New Jersey vintners for quality production
• 1864: Renault Winery founded, still operating today as the oldest continuously operating U.S. winery
• 1981: Farm Wineries Act reignited the modern wine industry
• 2007: Official AVA designation granted; expanded in 2017 to nine counties

The Outer Coastal Plain occupies a roughly triangular area bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Delaware Bay to the south. Elevations reach a maximum of approximately 300 feet above sea level, with much of the AVA sitting considerably lower across relatively flat, sandy terrain. The maritime climate is warmed by the Atlantic Gulf Stream and moderated by both the ocean and Delaware Bay, delivering 190 to 217 freeze-free days per year. The AVA falls within USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a, and 7b. These conditions draw comparisons to Bordeaux, the northern Rhone Valley, and northern Italy.

• 190-217 freeze-free days annually, one of the longest growing seasons in the northeastern U.S.
• Atlantic Gulf Stream warming and Delaware Bay moderation reduce frost risk
• Flat to gently rolling topography with sandy hills throughout
• Contains the 1.1 million acre Pinelands National Reserve within its boundaries

Soils across the Outer Coastal Plain are well-drained, sandy and sandy loam in texture, and of low to moderate fertility. They derive from unconsolidated deposits of sand, silt, and clay laid down during the Tertiary period, with a coastal fringe of beach and estuarine deposits. Low fertility forces vines to develop deeper root systems, concentrating flavor in the fruit. The Cohansey aquifer, the largest freshwater aquifer in the mid-Atlantic region, sits beneath the AVA and provides a reliable subsurface water source.

• Sandy, well-drained soils of low to moderate fertility derived from Tertiary-period deposits
• Coastal fringe features beach and estuarine soil types
• Low fertility encourages deep rooting and concentrated fruit character
• Cohansey aquifer is the largest freshwater aquifer in the mid-Atlantic region

More than 50 varieties of vinifera and hybrid grapes are grown commercially across the AVA. Vinifera plantings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Viognier, Blaufrankisch, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Nero d'Avola, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Albarino, Touriga Nacional, and Tempranillo. French-American hybrids such as Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, and Traminette are also widely cultivated. A signature regional blend, Coeur d'Est, combines Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Bordeaux-style red blends and Chardonnay-based whites represent leading wine styles.

• Over 50 vinifera and hybrid varieties grown commercially across the AVA
• Coeur d'Est is a signature regional red blend featuring six varieties
• French-American hybrids including Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc thrive in the maritime conditions
• Award-winning wines produced across red, white, and hybrid categories

As of 2025, 48 wineries operate within the AVA, including 9 located within the Cape May Peninsula sub-AVA. Notable producers include Renault Winery, Tomasello Winery, Bellview Winery, Alba Vineyard, Sylvin Winery, Brook Hollow Winery, Four Sisters Winery, Villa Milagro Vineyards, Coia Vineyard, Panther Branch Vineyard, and Four JG's Vineyard. The industry's revival since the 1980s has been driven by technological advances and a sharper focus on quality, helping New Jersey secure its position as the 7th largest wine-producing state in the U.S.

• 48 wineries in the AVA as of 2025, including 9 within the Cape May Peninsula sub-AVA
• Renault Winery, founded 1864, is the longest continuously operating winery in the United States
• New Jersey ranks 7th among U.S. states for wine production
• Industry revitalization driven by the 1981 Farm Wineries Act and ongoing quality investment