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Our Story

The Cape May peninsula is a very special place for growing European wine grapes (Vitis Vinifera). In the Mid-Atlantic region the weather is quite hostile: too cold, too humid, and too rainy. But lower Cape May has a moderating impact on these weather conditions due to the influence of two large bodies of water, the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. It is somewhat similar to the Bordeaux region of France which lies between the Atlantic and the lower Gironde River, especially the area known as the Medoc. As one might expect, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc do very well in this climate.

The large bodies of water help the climate for wine grapes in a number of ways. First, the winters are not so cold. It is very rare to see temperatures below zero farenheit which is the killing zone for these grapes. Second, we have an extended growing season, usually 200 frost free days, which allows many of the varieties to ripen into late October. Third, we have water borne breezes that help dry out the canopy which helps reduce fungal disease pressure. Finally the loamy sand soil provides excellent drainage so that vine roots are not standing in "wet feet" after the frequent and often severe thunderstorms that occur.
The Natali Vineyards site was selected in the spring of 2000 and after one year of bio-renovation the first 2000 vines were planted. Each subsequent year more vines were planted and the total number is nearly 5000 on a little more than 6 acres. There are 13 different varieties on this tract allowing us to produce the best blends possible. The Natali Vineyards partners believe in the saying that "The wine is made in the vineyard" so that the focus of our energy is in the vineyard.
Info

Wine Information
Search for "New Jersey" Wine and you'll find a ton of information, like this article by the NJ Dept of Agriculture. The wikipedia entry for wine is informative. The UC Davis program in Viticulture and Enology is top notch.