William Heritage Winery: A Guide to the Award-Winning Wines and Tasting Experience

William Heritage Winery is a family-owned winery located in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. The winery produces premium, estate-grown wines from its 150-acre estate. The vineyard was first planted in 1998 and opened to the public in 2002.

The winery is committed to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. William Heritage Winery has won numerous awards for its wines, including the prestigious Governor's Cup for Best Wine in New Jersey. Visitors to the winery can enjoy tastings, tours, and events throughout the year.

In addition to producing wine, William Heritage Winery is also dedicated to preserving the land and supporting the local community. The winery is a member of the Garden State Wine Growers Association and participates in sustainable farming practices. They also support local charities and organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Food Bank of South Jersey.

History and Family Legacy

The Heritage Family

William Heritage Winery has a rich history dating back to 1853 when the Heritage family began farming the same land in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. The family has been farming for six generations, with past generations farming apples and peaches. Today, the fifth generation of farmers is re-tasking the 150-acre estate to grow vineyards for premium wine production.

Bill and Penni Heritage, the current owners of the William Heritage Winery, planted their first grapes in 1999 on parts of the 150-acre land where four generations had farmed it previously. The family has a deep connection to the land and has been committed to sustainable farming practices for over 150 years.

Transition to William Heritage Winery

The vineyard was first planted in 1998 and opened to the public in 2002 under the name Heritage Vineyards. However, the family learned that a West Coast producer had the rights to their original winery name, and they had to undertake a rebranding. Not long after, William Heritage Winery became the first winery in New Jersey to earn 90 points (for its vintage brut) from Wine Advocate.

Today, William Heritage Winery is a family-owned and operated business committed to producing premium estate-grown wines. The winery offers a diverse range of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, among others. The family's commitment to sustainable farming practices and premium wine production has made William Heritage Winery a sought-after destination for wine lovers in New Jersey and beyond.

Vineyards and Viticulture

Estate Vineyard

William Heritage Winery is a family-owned and operated estate vineyard and winery located in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. The vineyard was first planted in 1998, and since then, the family has grown the vineyard to 60 acres of grapes, making it one of the larger winegrowers in New Jersey. The estate vineyard is situated in four distinct areas on the William Heritage estate, and the vineyard's grape growing effort is focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.

The vineyard's location on the north side of busy Route 322 was once a gravel pit, but it has since been transformed into rocky, well-drained soils that are ideal for grape growing. The vineyard is managed with sustainable practices, and the family is committed to preserving the land for future generations.

Grape Varietals

The vineyard's grape varietals are grown in the Outer Coastal Plain American Viticultural Area (AVA), which covers over 2.25 million acres in Southeastern New Jersey. The AVA's sandy soil and mild climate are ideal for growing a variety of grapes, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Syrah, and Viognier.

William Heritage Winery focuses on growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay in their estate vineyard. The winery also sources grapes from other vineyards in the AVA to produce a wide range of wines. The winery's commitment to quality is evident in their wines, which have won numerous awards over the years.

In conclusion, William Heritage Winery's estate vineyard is a testament to the family's commitment to sustainable practices and preserving the land for future generations. The vineyard's focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, along with their sourcing of other grape varietals from the AVA, allows the winery to produce a wide range of award-winning wines.

Winemaking Philosophy

At William Heritage Winery, the winemaking philosophy centers around producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the estate-grown grapes. The winery is committed to using sustainable farming practices to grow the best quality grapes possible.

Estate-Grown Wines

William Heritage Winery is known for its estate-grown wines, which are made from grapes grown on the winery's own vineyards. The winery has over 150 acres of vineyards, which are located in the heart of the Outer Coastal Plain AVA in New Jersey. The vineyards are planted with a variety of grapes, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah.

By growing their own grapes, William Heritage Winery is able to closely monitor the quality of the fruit from the vine to the bottle. The winery's commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures that the grapes are grown in a way that is environmentally responsible and produces the best possible fruit.

Winemaker's Approach

The winemaker at William Heritage Winery takes a hands-on approach to winemaking, using traditional techniques to produce wines that are balanced and expressive. The winery's white wines are made using whole-cluster pressing, which helps to capture the fresh fruit aromas and flavors of the grapes.

The winemaker also uses selected yeast strains to ferment the juice at cool temperatures, which helps to preserve the delicate flavors of the grapes. The red wines are aged in oak barrels, which adds complexity and depth to the wines.

Overall, William Heritage Winery's winemaking philosophy is focused on producing wines that are true to their terroir and reflect the unique characteristics of the estate-grown grapes. By using sustainable farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques, the winery is able to produce wines of exceptional quality that are enjoyed by wine lovers around the world.

Our Wines

William Heritage Winery offers a wide range of high-quality wines that are crafted with care and precision. Whether you prefer red, white, or specialty wines, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this award-winning winery.

Red Wines

For those who enjoy a bold and flavorful red wine, William Heritage Winery offers a variety of options to choose from. Their Chambourcin is a popular choice, with its rich, dark fruit flavors and smooth finish. The Merlot is also a crowd-pleaser, with its notes of black cherry and vanilla. If you prefer a more complex wine, the Cabernet Franc is a great option, with its layers of flavor and aromas of black currant and spice. For those who like a classic Bordeaux-style blend, the BDX Blanc is a perfect choice, with its blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Semillon.

White Wines

If you prefer a crisp and refreshing white wine, William Heritage Winery has you covered. Their Sauvignon Blanc is a popular choice, with its bright citrus flavors and herbal notes. The Chardonnay is another great option, with its creamy texture and flavors of apple and pear. For those who enjoy a sweeter wine, the Malbec is a great choice, with its notes of honey and tropical fruit. If you are looking for a unique and complex wine, the Petit Verdot is a great option, with its notes of black cherry and tobacco.

Specialty Wines

In addition to their red and white wines, William Heritage Winery also offers a variety of specialty wines that are sure to please any palate. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular choice, with its rich, full-bodied flavor and aromas of blackberry and cassis. The BDX Rouge is another great option, with its blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. For those who enjoy a dessert wine, the Late Harvest Vidal Blanc is a great choice, with its notes of apricot and honey.

Overall, William Heritage Winery offers a diverse selection of wines that are sure to please any wine lover. With their commitment to quality and attention to detail, you can be confident that you are getting a truly exceptional product.

Awards and Recognition

William Heritage Winery has received numerous awards and recognition for their exceptional wines. In 2022, the winery was named New Jersey’s 'Winery of the Year' by the Garden State Wine Growers Association [1]. This prestigious award is a testament to the winery's commitment to producing high-quality wines.

William Heritage Winery is also recognized as a benchmark producer in New Jersey [2]. They have consistently produced wines that are praised by critics and wine enthusiasts alike. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate has awarded several of their wines with high scores, including 89 points for their 2017 William Heritage Blanc de Blancs and 92 points for their 2017 William Heritage Late Harvest Semillon [3]. Wine & Spirits Magazine has also recognized their wines, awarding their 2019 William Heritage Estate Reserve BDX Red Blend with 92 points [4].

The Beverage Testing Institute awarded the winery's 2020 Governor's Cup and 92 points for their 2017 William Heritage Late Harvest Semillon [5]. Additionally, the winery's 2019 William Heritage Pét-Nat Rosé received 88 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate [1].

Overall, William Heritage Winery has established itself as a leading producer of high-quality wines in New Jersey. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the numerous awards and recognition they have received.

Visiting the Winery

William Heritage Winery is located in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, and is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. The winery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with knowledgeable staff and a wide selection of wines to choose from.

Tours and Tastings

Visitors can take a tour of the winery to learn about the wine-making process and the history of the winery. Guided tours are available every Saturday, and visitors can also enjoy a wine tasting during their visit. Classic wine tastings are available for $5.00 per person, and visitors can sample a variety of award-winning red and white wines crafted from the winery's own estate vineyards.

Events and Festivals

William Heritage Winery hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including live music, food trucks, and wine tastings. Visitors can check the winery's events calendar to see what's coming up and plan their visit accordingly. The winery also offers private event spaces for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

In addition to tours and events, the winery offers a number of amenities, including a tasting room and outdoor seating area with beautiful views of the vineyards. Visitors can also purchase wine and merchandise from the winery's gift shop.

Overall, a visit to William Heritage Winery is a great way to experience the best of New Jersey's wine country. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun day trip, the winery offers something for everyone.

Community and Industry Involvement

William Heritage Winery is an active member of the Garden State Wine Growers Association, which is a non-profit organization that promotes the New Jersey wine industry. The winery regularly participates in events organized by the association, such as wine festivals, tastings, and educational seminars. Through its involvement, William Heritage Winery has helped to promote the Garden State as a premier wine destination and has contributed to the growth of the state's wine industry.

Garden State Wine Growers Association

The Garden State Wine Growers Association is a group of wineries, vineyards, and wine enthusiasts who are dedicated to promoting the New Jersey wine industry. The association provides a platform for wineries to network, share knowledge, and promote their products to a wider audience. William Heritage Winery has been an active member of the association since its inception and has played an instrumental role in promoting the state's wine industry.

Advocacy for New Jersey Wine

William Heritage Winery is a strong advocate for the New Jersey wine industry. The winery actively promotes the use of Jersey Wine, which is wine made from grapes grown in New Jersey. The winery believes that Jersey Wine has a unique flavor profile that is reflective of the state's terroir and climate. By promoting Jersey Wine, William Heritage Winery is helping to establish New Jersey as an emerging wine region and is contributing to the growth of the state's wine industry.

The Southern New Jersey region is the largest wine growing region in the state, and William Heritage Winery is proud to be a part of it. The winery has helped to put Southern New Jersey on the map as a premier wine destination and has contributed to the growth of the region's wine industry. With its commitment to quality and sustainability, William Heritage Winery is a shining example of the potential of the New Jersey wine industry.

Sustainability and Stewardship

William Heritage Winery is a family-owned business that is committed to sustainability and stewardship of the land. The winery has implemented several sustainable practices to reduce its impact on the environment.

Land

The winery has a deep respect for the land and has taken measures to ensure its preservation. William Heritage Winery has a total of 150 acres of land, with 50 acres of vineyards. The remaining land is dedicated to wildlife conservation and ecological preservation. The winery has implemented a cover crop system to reduce soil erosion and promote soil health.

Sustainable Practices

William Heritage Winery has implemented several sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact. The winery uses solar panels to generate electricity, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, the winery has reduced its herbicide usage for weed control by 90% since 2019. The winery has also implemented a recycling program to reduce waste and has switched to eco-friendly packaging materials.

Family-Owned

As a family-owned business, William Heritage Winery is committed to preserving the land for future generations. The winery has implemented sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of its vineyards and the surrounding ecosystem. The family takes great pride in producing high-quality wines while minimizing their impact on the environment.

Overall, William Heritage Winery is a prime example of a family-owned business that is committed to sustainability and stewardship of the land. The winery has implemented several sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact and preserve the land for future generations.

Contact and Policies

William Heritage Winery is a family-owned and operated estate vineyard and winery located in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. The winery is open seven days a week, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, and offers wine tastings, tours, and events. Visitors can contact the winery by phone at (856) 589-4474 or by email at info@heritagewinenj.com.

The winery has a Privacy Policy that outlines how they collect, use, and protect visitors' personal information. The policy can be found on their website and includes information on how they use cookies, how they share information with third parties, and how visitors can opt-out of communications.

In addition to their regular hours, the winery may have Special Hours for holidays and events. Visitors are encouraged to check the winery's website or call ahead to confirm hours of operation.

The vineyard has several policies in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Visitors are required to follow all posted signs and instructions from staff. Pets are not allowed on the property, with the exception of service animals. Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the winery except for designated smoking areas. Visitors are also prohibited from bringing outside alcohol onto the property.

Overall, William Heritage Winery is committed to providing visitors with a memorable experience. With their knowledgeable staff, beautiful property, and delicious wines, visitors are sure to have a great time at this New Jersey winery.