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Explore the Best Wineries in Outer Coastal Plain

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

The Outer Coastal Plain AVA is one of the biggest sub-regions of the New Jersey wine region. The reputable sub-region of Outer Coastal Plain has an array of wines such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vidal, and Chambourcin known throughout the world for their distinction and class. As you embark on your travels through the wine region of New Jersey, we invite you to dive into these distinctive wines.

Outer Coastal Plain’s refinement and success are a result of unique methods, exquisite grapes, and an ideal ocean-influenced climate. These elements help create a style of wine found nowhere else in the United States, or the world for that matter. We encourage you to explore the exemplary wines that make Outer Coastal Plain a favourite for wine drinkers worldwide.

Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in the Outer Coastal Plain.

Where is the Outer Coastal Plain Wine Region?

The Outer Coastal Plain in the southeastern corner of New Jersey, USA is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) officially designated in 2007. The appellation encompasses all of Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic, and Ocean counties, as well as parts of Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, and Monmouth counties.

Unique Terroir of Outer Coastal Plain Appellation

The climate of Outer Coastal Plain AVA is impacted by the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, which results in a long growing season. Rare spring frosts that can harm buds or flowering are also rare, making it possible to grow vinifera varieties which are usually too cold-sensitive for the mid-Atlantic region. 

The Outer Coastal Plain AVA has both loamy sand and sandy loam soils, and even some of the same soil types including Sassafras sandy loam. This well-draining and low to moderately fertile soils make grape growing ideal.

History of Outer Coastal Plain wine region

Viticulture was introduced in New Jersey during the Colonial days. In 1767, London's prestigious Royal Society of the Arts honoured two New Jersey viticulturists for their achievement in bottling quality wine that originated from local agriculture. Vines flourished in the southeastern section of the state in the mid-1800s. Renault Winery, founded in Egg Harbor City in 1864, is the oldest continually operating winery in the US. At the same time, Dr Thomas Welch initiated the US grape juice industry in Vineland, NJ. Prohibition ruined many of these vineyards, but descendants of immigrants—mainly Italian—continued to push viticulture and winemaking as a vocation. With enhancements to grape cultivation and winemaking techniques, coupled with high per capita wine consumption among New Jersey natives, it has encouraged more people to set up commercial vineyards and wineries within this AVA.

What is Outer Coastal Plain Wine?

The Outer Coastal Plain AVA has the best climatic and soil conditions on the East Coast for growing high quality wine grapes. Award-winning wines are produced here with vinifera, French-American hybrids and native-American varietals.  Winemakers in the Outer Coastal Plain are known for cultivating a wide selection of grape varieties. In fact, there are more than 50 varieties of both vinifera and hybrid grapes grown commercially. 

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Viognier are great vinifera varieties to grow in this region; while French American hybrids such as Vidal, Chamboucin, Traminette and Villard Noir, as well as native American varieties like Ives and Cynthiana, do particularly well here. There are also excellent wines made from Italian varieties such as Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Nero D’Avola, Barbera and Nebbiolo; in addition to Spanish varieties like Albarino, Touriga Nacional and Tempranillo. Lastly, the Northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige has introduced some unusual grape varieties and clones that are currently being planted. 

Out of these, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Chambourcin have emerged as the top five most popular grapes in terms of acreage. Altogether, these five represent almost 40% of all acreage devoted to grape production in the OCP.

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Food to Pair with Outer Coastal Plain Wine

Salmon Pie

Salmon Pie is a tasty, comforting, and budget-friendly dish from the Québéc area in Canada. It consists of a pastry base which is filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes and cooked salmon, along with seasonings such as black pepper, parsley, thyme, eggs, and onions (depending on the recipe). It's then baked until it's golden brown. When it's served, you can top it off with a few dollops of sour cream for extra flavour. It makes a nice pair with white wines of Outer Coastal Plain as well as Pinot Noir.

Chicken Parmigiana

Chicken parmesan, or chicken parmigiana as it's often referred to, is a classic American dish made up of chicken breasts coated in breadcrumbs, topped with tomato sauce and cheese, and then baked until the cheese melts and the chicken is cooked through. It's believed to have its origins in an Italian dish called 'melanzana alla parmigiana', though the exact origins of this dish remain a mystery. It's a favourite in cities with large Italian immigrant populations such as New York and New Jersey. People often serve this delicious dish on top of rice or pasta, while others may prefer to make it into a submarine sandwich.

Steak-Frites

Steak-frites, which is simply translated as steak and fries, is a classic dish with origins in French and Belgian cuisine. For the fries, you can choose from hand-cut rustic potato wedges or thin, factory-produced types - all deep-fried for a crunchy texture and golden color. The steak is often the ribeye cut, but sirloin and T-bone are also popular choices. Serve it with a simple sauce such as reduction, Béarnaise or Hollandaise sauce, and pair it with a glass of tannin wine of Outer Coastal Plain for an unbeatable combination.

Places to visit in Outer Coastal Plain

Fabulous Coastal Town of Cape May

Cape May is an "open-air museum" as well as a seaside resort with golden beaches.   Take a tour of the entire city, wandering through it and resting on the beach.  This fantastic trip is a popular tourist attraction in the area. The famed antique vineyards, which have become one of the most popular tourist sites, are among the route's historical highlights. We are confident you will enjoy it. Stop, rest, go on an expedition, have a picnic, and enjoy every moment spent here.

Exploring Old American Lifestyle in Cold Spring Harbor Village

Cold Spring Harbor is an adorable village that may meet your shopping needs, your family's appetite, and your interest in history. There is a well-known museum that happily and pleasantly depicts American life "the old-fashioned way". There are many festivals, marches, short exhibits, music, festivities, vintage costumes - a true joyful spirited holiday. The program, however, varies depending on the day of the visit. 

The Pinelands National Reserve, Where The Tranquility of Nature Placed

The Pinelands National Reserve is an incredible place. Nestled in the oftentimes highly urbanized state of New Jersey, the Pinelands are the largest area of open space along the mid-Atlantic coast. It has magnificent, undisturbed forests of pine, oak and cedar. The slow-moving streams that originate from an immense aquifer system provide some of the purest water in the world for southern New Jersey's marshes and bays. This habitat covers more than a million acres of woodlands, wetlands, farms, and 56 different communities from rural areas to suburbs. Its people have a unique relationship with nature, as it is home to over one thousand plants and animals – many of which are endangered or threatened species.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outer Coastal Plain

What is the flagship wine of Outer Coastal Plain AVA?

The Outer Coastal Plain is home to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and the little known Chambourcin.

 How many wineries are in Outer Coastal Plain AVA?

The wine industry in Outer Coastal Plain AVA currently comprises over 20 wineries and commercial vineyards.

Map of Wineries in Outer Coastal Plain

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Experiences in Outer Coastal Plain

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Outer Coastal Plain