UncorkNJ

It's Time to Uncork NJ!

If you're interested in having a representative from UnCorkNJ come to your wine event, send us an email with your contact and event information to jtosches@cpanj.com. We can bring UnCorkNJ corkscrews and informational materials!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Millions of people in 35 states across the country enjoy the simple pleasure of being able to purchase a bottle of wine and have it shipped directly to their home. Unfortunately, New Jerseyans are not allowed to enjoy such a simple pleasure because they are barred from buying wine over the Web, via fax or even in-person and having it shipped to their home. We are trying to change that by proposing an update to New Jersey's archaic laws. We are working to provide consumer choice in fine wines in New Jersey, but we need your help. Here's how:

1. Go to the New Jersey legislative action center and let your elected officials know how you feel about consumer choice in New Jersey.

2. Send the link (http://snipr.com/uncorknj) to family members and friends in New Jersey asking for their support and encouraging them to visit the legislative action center.

3. Tell us your story. Have you been stopped from ordering wine over the Web or direct from a vineyard while on vacation? Just leave us a comment and let us know your story.

Senate Committee Passes S-766, Direct Shipping Bill!

Congratulations! You did it! We are very pleased to report the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee yesterday afternoon reported the direct shipping bill out of committee by a unanimous 5-0 vote.

Senate President Sweeney, one of the bill's sponsors, commented on the importance of this issue, "Allowing direct shipments of wine to and from New Jersey will not only enhance consumer choice, but would provide essential inroads for our budding wine industry. With our wineries producing better and better wines and winning prestigious awards, we should be expanding, not limiting, access to New Jersey wines."

We would like to sincerely thank the following individuals and organizations who testified at the committee hearing in favor of S766:

Steven E. Some, on behalf of UnCorkNJ

Jon Holt, on behalf of the Wine Institute

Charlie Tomasello, co-owner of Tomasello Winery in Hammonton, NJ, and on behalf of the Garden State Wine Growers Association

Rory Philipson, owner of The Blue Bottle Cafe in Hopewell, NJ

Bruce Smith, wine enthusiast

We would also like to thank the following individuals and organizations who were not able to testify but wrote-in their support for the direct shipping bill:

Joe Broski, national secretary of the American Wine Society

Phyllis Deroian, wine enthusiast

Barbara and Murry Kirch, wine enthusiasts

Please continue to encourage your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues to contact their legislators and support direct shipping.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF UNCORKNJ, WE ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO GETTING THE BILL PASSED!!!

Senate President's Bill to Allow Direct Wine Shipping to be Considered by Senate Law & Public Safety Committee on Thursday

We are pleased to alert you that S766, sponsored by Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-3) to permit direct shipping of wine to New Jersey residents has been scheduled for a vote at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee, Room  10, Third Floor, State House Annex  in Trenton.
 
TAKE ACTION NOW!  We ask that you please contact the members of the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee and urge them to support this legislation. We have provided a fast and easy way to help. Simply click the - Alert-Take Action - button. Once you see a web page containing a letter of support, carefully enter your address information in the fields provided. These fields ensure that your message gets to all the members of the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee as well as your local legislators.
 
Recently, Maine and Tennessee have allowed direct shipping, and the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the First Circuit overturned a Massachusetts statue, ruling the ban on winery-to-consumer shipments is unconstitutional.  They join 32 other states in allowing for the direct shipment of wine to their residents. We need your help now to ensure New Jersey residents are provided with the same rights as other consumers.
 
The Senate bill, S766, is sponsored by Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-3), and Senator Brian Stack (D-33), and co-sponsored by: Senators Anthony Bucco (R-25), Jim Whelan (D-2), Gerald Cardinale (R-39), Jeff Van Drew (D-1), James Beach (D-6) and Robert Gordon (D-38).
 
The companion Assembly bill, A1702, is sponsored by Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-3), Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-6), Assemblyman Ruben Ramos (D-33) and Assemblyman Peter Biondi (R-16), and co-sponsored by: Assemblywomen Connie Wagner (D-38), Caridad Rodriguez (D-33), Nellie Pou (D-35), Nancy Munoz (R-21) and Grace Spencer (D-29), and Assemblymen John Wisniewski (D-19), John DiMaio (R-23), Jon Bramnick (R-21), Nelson Albano (D-1) and Matthew Milam (D-1).
 
If you have already sent a letter to your legislators, then please send another one and encourage your family and friends to visit www.UnCorkNJ.com  to do the same. By spreading the word to take action, you've helped us get one step closer to providing New Jersey residents greater freedom regarding the wine selection enjoyed in their homes.
 
Time is short and the need for action is now !!!

Award-Winning Kosher Vintages

As the holiday season quickly approaches, many people are searching for the perfect wine to go with their special meals and holiday parties. Kosher wineries have been developing award-winning vintages for years.

A recent Daily Record article discussed how an award-winning winery, located in Napa Valley, CA, has been producing kosher wines for 36 years, and which ones are best for the holidays.

Help kosher wineries in New Jersey grow their business by supporting UnCorkNJ's efforts. Please spread the word to your friends and family to 'Take Action' and support direct shipping!

New Career Start

The wine industry across the country has recently become a popular destination for individuals looking to launch a new career. Tired of the corporate setting, entrepreneurs with backgrounds in business, technology, chemistry, banking, architecture, and engineering are now adapting their skills to starting wineries and vineyards.

The recent New York Times article titled, "Wines, With Notes of M.B.A." illustrates how new vineyards are being established by wine consumers who have little or no experience in producing wines. Over the past three years, 58 wineries have opened in New York, but a growing number of small wineries have also appeared in Washington, Oregon, Texas, North Carolina and New Jersey.

The wineries in the Garden State need your help! By allowing direct shipping in the state, our wineries will be able to grow their business and the change in law will finally provide residents with choice in the wines they consume.

'Take Action' to support UnCorkNJ and tell your legislators that you support direct shipping!

Panel Samples New Jersey Wines

State Production Growing in Quality

The Garden State wine industry was recently featured in a Star-Ledger article titled, 'Uncorking Jersey'. The story features the newspaper's expert panel which was assembled to sample 18 red wines from 17 different wineries based in the state. The team includes a restaurant consultant, a restaurant sommelier who manages a 70,000 plus collection of wines from all around the world, and a wine collector.

UnCorkNJ supporter, Unionville Vineyards, of Ringoes, New Jersey, produces one of the panel's top selections of wines sampled. In reference to the 2007 Unionville Red Montage Big O, "I daresay that there are some wines on our list from all around the world that are not as good as Unionville," said the sommelier regarding her restaurant's collection. Unionville Vineyards has been awarded numerous awards and accolades on the international, national, state and local levels for their wines. For more information please visit www.unionvillevineyards.com

Help New Jersey wineries continue to grow in quality and help their businesses by supporting UnCorkNJ's efforts to allow direct shipping of wine in the state. Please 'Take Action' and let your legislators know you support direct shipping. Also, spread the word to your family and friends and encourage them to support consumer choice in New Jersey!

Video Featuring Unionville Vineyards on NJ.com

UnCorkNJ supporter, Unionville Vineyards of Ringoes, New Jersey, was recently featured in a Star-Ledger video discussing the growing quality of Garden State wines, and the excellent reputation of the winery. The video provides viewers with a look at the wine-making process at Unionville, and talks about how the winery, and other New Jersey wineries, are acquiring more recognition.

With over 500 awards on the local, state, national and international level, Unionville Vineyards is building an outstanding list of accomplishments.

Help all New Jerseyans enjoy all of the great wine from Unionville by supporting UnCorkNJ and our movement to allow direct shipping of wine in the state. Please encourage your friends and family to send a letter to their elected representatives.

Click here to view the video.

Unionville Vineyards Joins UnCorkNJ!

UnCorkNJ is pleased to announce the newly added support of Unionville Vineyards. The award winning, Hunterdon County winery, is calling for a change in the laws which forbid direct shipping of wine in New Jersey. Unionville Vineyards was recently profiled in a Trenton Times article illustrating their history and the success they have enjoyed since operation began.

The winery, which has been producing wines since 1987, has been recognized with many awards and accolades. In 2009, they were awarded with the New Jersey Quality Wine Alliance designation for their Riesling 2007 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2006. In 2007, they were given a gold medal at the New Jersey Wine Competition in Atlantic City, for their Chardonnay 2007. Also in 2007, they were presented with a double gold medal at a prestigious California competition for their Chardonnay 2005.

Unionville offers tours and wine tastings through the fall, Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 noon - 5:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 12:00 noon - 7:00 PM. Please visit their website for information on the winery.

Take Action and please help continue UnCorkNJ's momentum!

Gaining Momentum

The support to overturn the direct shipping ban in Maryland has been gaining support recently. Wineries from Eastern Maryland, a heavy tourist area, have been losing business daily and are now calling for a change in the Legislature. Those visiting the area on vacation are unable to send their favorite local wines back to their home to enjoy year-round. The growth of the U.S. wine industry and demand for out-of-state wine has fueled direct shipping to be permitted in 35 states.

Like Maryland, New Jersey wine owners are being prevented from expanding their business, and wine-lovers are restricted in their free-choice. Help UnCorkNJ continue the momentum we have started by contacting your local legislators. This fall we take our fight to the State House. Spread the word to friends and family and help UnCork New Jersey!

Entrepreneurialship Meets Go-Getter Attitude

A few couples, seven years ago, dissatisfied with their jobs and with the desire for more, bought a farm and started wine production, with no prior experience. Overcoming hardships and through hard work, they now operate an award winning winery in Salem County. The Auburn Road Vineyards in Pilesgrove Township, recently won a silver medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, in upstate NY. The competition was among 2663 entries from 13 countries, 41 states and 5 Canadian provinces. The South Jersey vineyard is now a popular community establishment attracting people for dinner, wine and music.

The wine industry in New Jersey is fast growing, with more than 30 wineries open. The local economy in communities like Pilesgrove, are reaping the benefits of small business. Help current and future New Jersey wineries grow their business within the Garden State and the nation, by supporting direct shipping. Please contact your local legislators telling them that you support direct wine shipping in New Jersey!

Glass or Plastic?

A number of additional wineries in California have continued the momentum of manufacturing wine in plastic bottles. The marketing tactic is fueled by economic incentives, consumer satisfaction, and the opportunity for expanded businesses. The 1-liter plastic bottle, the competitor to a 750mL glass bottle, is sold at the same price, much to consumer happiness. In addition, wine drinkers have not noticed too much of a distinction in taste between glass and plastic. The plastic wine bottles have been marketed to restaurants and hotels who generally serve wine by the glass.

Help New Jersey wineries explore new marketing devices and grow their business to new niches in the region and nation, by contacting your local legislators voicing your support for direct shipping!