Gov. Christie recently signed a piece of legislation that might have an impact on small wineries such as the Valenzano Winery here in Shamong.
The new law will allow wineries around the country to be able to ship into and out of New Jersey. It also lets them ship to consumers instead of from their businesses or through retailers and distributors.
Also, the same goes for wineries outside New Jersey that don’t produce more than 250,000 gallons annually.
Anthony Valenzano, the owner of Valenzano Winery, said his business currently ships through Joe Canal’s discount liquor store.
He said shipping is not a big part of their business, in part because they sell retail on site — and have a tasting room.
“You can’t wine taste through the Internet,” Valenzano said.
In business since 1996, he sells to all the major chains in New Jersey.
Making wine was his father’s hobby — and then it became his. The company started small and has since been growing.
Valenzano said his winery’s success is because they know what their market is and that they provide great wines at great prices.
“We’re always trying to give our customers the best deal, the best product and the best experience,” he said, noting he is not concerned with competition. We want competition. It makes us all better.”
Wine making is growing in New Jersey, he said. When they first started in the 1990s, there were 15 wineries in New Jersey.
There are now there are 44.
Valenzano predicts many more wineries will open now because of the new law.
He said the best part of what he does is meeting new people and developing new products.
“It’s nice to be able to grow something, produce something, market something,” Valenzano said.
Those who have tasted their wines are sold on New Jersey wines — while those who never have don’t regard them highly, he said, noting he can always find a wine someone will like.
“It’s the people who are willing to give us a try — that’s our hardest market to break into,” Valenzano said. “We focus on the people who give us a shot, are willing to come out and enjoy one of our festivals, enjoy one of our wines, and that’s who our market is.”
The winery grows grapes on three farms in Shamong and buys from a dozen places in southern New Jersey that grow for them.
Different regions around the world grow different types of grapes depending on microclimate, Valenzano said. Some grapes grow better in the sandy soil of southern New Jersey.
“It’s about finding the right grape for your region,” he said.
In its first year, the Valenzano Winery produced 1,100 gallons of wine. In 2011, it sold 89,000 gallons. All steps on winemaking are done on site.
Valenzano said the biggest customer base are local liquor stores and that he does not think the new law will affect his business because he doesn’t plan on increasing his direct shipping to consumers.
“We were in favor of a legislative solution to the dilemma that the wineries had,” he said. “This bill provided that solution, but at the same time, we feel it gave our local retailers the short end of the stick. Our business wouldn’t be successful if it were not for New Jersey retailers.”
