L to R: Gary C. Pavlis, associate professor of agriculture and natural resources and county agent, Angus Gillespie, professor of American Studies, and Daniel Ward, associate research professor of plant biology, at the Cream Ridge Winery. Photo: Nick Romanenko/Rutgers University
American Studies Professor Angus Gillespie, an expert in folklore who taught at Rutgers for more than 50 years, has a new passion: Promoting New Jersey’s growing wine industry and the university’s efforts to bolster its success.
Several years ago, Gillespie and his wife, Rowena, were strolling Lambertville’s Bridge Street when he found a tourism brochure extolling New Jersey’s 60 wineries.
“Who knew?’’ recalled a surprised Gillespie, who saw one, Angelico Winery, was nearby, prompting the couple to take a serendipitous detour to the “charming…small scale, friendly’’ place.
Gillespie was quickly hooked on a burgeoning hobby he wanted to share with others.
“I think it’s safe to say that many New Jerseyans have no idea there’s 60 wineries in New Jersey,’’ said Gillespie.
According to Garden State Wine Growers Association, the New Jersey Farm Winery Act of 1981 repealed restrictive limits on the number of wineries from less than 10 then to 60 licensed today that have produced approximately 2 million gallons of wine. New Jersey vineyards grow more than 80 varieties of grapes — including leading varietals Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and hybrids Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc — on more than 1,500 acres, totaling $92.5 million in annual tourism expenditures, according to association data.
After obtaining a New Jersey Wine Passport from the association, Gillespie and his wife began visiting other wineries to have the booklet stamped and learn more about the cultivation of grapes (viticulture) and winemaking (enology). He also has been featuring winery owners and other industry experts on his local cable show, “Old Ways in New Jersey,’’ which is produced by East Brunswick Television (EBTV) and shared on YouTube for broader viewership.
Gillespie says the link between Rutgers and the winery industry is predicated on the university’s “obligation to promote agriculture,’’ given the school’s roots as a land-grant university and the cooperative extension program. He has been featuring winery owners and Rutgers experts, like Gary C. Pavlis, associate professor of agriculture and natural resources and county agent, and Daniel Ward, associate research professor of plant biology, who support the industry on his local cable TV show.
Read more in the article, which first appeared on Rutgers Today.
