Finding a state of sustainable wine: implications for sustainable viticulture and oenology in New Jersey, USA

Abstract

New Jersey is the most urbanised state in the USA, yet positioned as a sustainable wine region of the world. The methodology includes a thorough literature review of sustainable wine combined with a quantitative and qualitative survey of wineries in New Jersey. Data collected from 71% of wineries demonstrate sustainable opportunities for developing wine regions. A variety of conclusion is drawn from the research. First, farmers are generally sustainable at a small scale and employ a variety of sustainable best management practices. Second, support from the growers association and government would advance sustainability. Third, additional funding would expedite this move; many of New Jersey wines are already labelled or marketed as sustainable. By creating a certification, guidelines, or set of best management practices, New Jersey could differentiate and improve sales locally, nationally and even globally. These lessons can be applied to other developing wine regions of the world.