(TRENTON, NJ) -- The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) has announced the cancellation of Sips, Stars & Stripes: A NJ Wine Revolution, originally scheduled for May 30, 2026 at the historic War Memorial in Trenton.
The decision comes in response to the unprecedented freeze events that impacted vineyards across New Jersey during April 2026. According to vineyard managers and growers throughout the state, prolonged overnight temperatures below freezing caused extensive and widespread damage to grapevines in nearly every wine-producing region of New Jersey.
Industry leaders report that the freeze affected primary and secondary grapevine buds across multiple varieties, creating concerns not only for the 2026 harvest, but potentially for the 2027 growing season as well. Vineyard rehabilitation efforts are expected to require substantial labor, long-term recovery work, and significant financial investment.
"We will actively pursue both state and federal assistance to help New Jersey's winegrowers and vineyard owners recover from this devastating agricultural disaster," said GSWGA Lobbyist, Louis Cappelli, Jr. of NJ Strategies LLC. "The freeze damage represents a significant threat to one of New Jersey's fastest-growing agricultural industries, and we are committed to working with our partners in government to secure the resources needed to support recovery efforts and protect the future of New Jersey wine."
"This is unlike anything many growers have experienced in decades," said Dustin Tarpine, Chair of the Garden State Wine Growers Association. "Our wineries and vineyards are currently focused on recovery efforts, vineyard rehabilitation, and preserving the long-term health of New Jersey's wine industry."
"New Jersey's wine industry has grown from fewer than 10 wineries in the early 1980s to more than 60 wineries statewide today," said Ed Wengryn, NJ Secretary of Agriculture. "Industry leaders say the freeze event presents one of the most serious agricultural challenges New Jersey wineries have faced in modern history."
GSWGA leadership determined that cancelling the event was the most responsible course of action in order to allow wineries to prioritize vineyard recovery efforts, staffing resources, and operational needs during this critical period.
The Association is also encouraging public support for New Jersey wineries by visiting local tasting rooms, purchasing New Jersey wines, and supporting agritourism businesses throughout the state.
Ticket holders and event partners are being contacted directly regarding the cancellation.
The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing and promoting the New Jersey wine industry through advocacy, education, marketing, and public awareness initiatives. Founded in the 1980s, GSWGA supports more than 60 wineries, vineyards, and allied businesses throughout the Garden State and works to position New Jersey as a premier wine and agritourism destination. Through statewide events, tourism partnerships, and industry collaboration, GSWGA continues to strengthen the economic and cultural impact of New Jersey wine.
