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originally published: 07/04/2023 

(RINGOES, NJ) -- Central Jersey Exists and Old York Cellars has the wine to prove it.  Just days after the New Jersey Assembly and Senate voted to add the Central Jersey region to the official New Jersey state tourism map, a new ‘Central Jersey Exists’ series of wines were unveiled from Old York Cellars.

For decades, Jerseyans have been forced to identify themselves as coming from North Jersey or South Jersey when many of them lived somewhere in the middle. The debate gained national notoriety after New Jersey Governor Phil D. Murphy appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2018 to answer the question of whether Central Jersey exists. With an assist from Central Jersey comedian Jon Stewart, his answer was a decided “YES.”

Passed by overwhelming margins in the Senate on June 20 and by the Assembly on June 30, the Central Jersey legislation (S3206/A4711) defines the new region as being “comprised, at a minimum of the counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset.” New Jersey Governor Phil D. Murphy has until mid-August to sign or veto the bill.

To celebrate this long-awaited validation, Old York Cellars is partnering with Discover Central New Jersey, a collaborative agritourism initiative, in creating a special Central Jersey Exists wine collection.  Designed to celebrate the landmark towns and beautiful scenery that makes the central region so remarkable, this eight custom label wine collection has something for everyone, including a Central Jersey Barn Red blend, and a Central Jersey River Blush Blend that honors the Delaware River and the D&R Canal.

“Central New Jerseyans know they live in a special region full of bountiful farms and wineries, gorgeous parks, and great history, and unique culture,” said Discover Central New Jersey founder Brad Fay. “With New Jersey preparing to put Central Jersey on our tourism map, the rest of the world can more easily discover and enjoy our great region.”

 

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“Buy your Central Jersey Exists wines now so you’ll be ready to pop a cork when Governor Murphy’s signature puts Central Jersey on the official state tourism map,” said Old York Cellars owner David Wolin. “With Red, White and Blush wines in the series, made from New Jersey Grapes, there is something for every palette.  You can even customize our Exit Sign Label to celebrate your own Central Jersey experience.”

The Central Jersey Exists wines are part of Old York’s “What Exit Wines” charitable wine series. For each bottle sold, $2 will be donated to two nonprofits engaged in promoting heritage tourism in Central Jersey. They are Canal Watch, that works to protect the D&R Canal State Park which passes through all four Central Jersey counties, and the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition, which protects and promotes the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway in three of the four counties.

To purchase Central Jersey Exists wine, visit the winery at 80 Old York Road in Ringoes, or order online at shop.oldyorkcellars.com/Discover-Central-NJ. Wines ordered online can be picked up at 10 locations in Mercer, Somerset and Hunterdon Counties, as well as 6 other locations throughout the state.  Find a location near you.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sourland Mountains in Central New Jersey, Old York Cellars offers a full winery experience.  The winery plays host to a variety of wine inspired experiences including guided wine tastings, wine pairings, Wine & Music on the weekends, Wine & Comedy Nights, Private Events, Corporate experiences, and their exclusive Vintner’s Club.  Old York Cellar’s wines are handcrafted by acclaimed winemaker Scott Gares. Over the years, their wines have won numerous medals at a variety international wine competition.  You can find a selection Old York Cellars wines at their 15 New Jersey Restaurant partners and at all 9 New Jersey Wegman’s locations.

Discover Central New Jersey is an agritourism initiative of Stepping Stone Strategies LLC, based in Somerset County. It promotes farms, farm-to-table restaurants, craft beverage makers, historic sites, and hotels in New Jersey’s “Canal Region.” It counts among its partners the Love Flemington and Experience Princeton improvement districts.