Outlook is rosy at N.J. vineyards

Winemakers in New Jersey are delighted with all the hot weather the region has experienced lately.

Vineyard owners around the Garden State say it’s a terrific season for growing grapes.

Larry Sharrott, who owns Sharrott Winery in Camden County, said the weather has helped produce excellent grapes for making wine.

“Hot and dry weather gives us smaller grapes with thicker skins and more concentrated flavors and a little higher sugar,” Sharrott said. “That translates into better wines that have stronger flavors, more balanced alcohol levels, and just all around better taste.”

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Audrey Gambino, who owns Villa Milagro Vineyards in Warren County, agreed with Sharrott’s assessment.

Sharrott said red wines will benefit the most because the heat drives the acid out of the grapes. White wines need that acid.

Harvest of the grapes for white wines will begin at the end of this month. The reds will be picked near the end of September.

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