I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Rich Heritage, the sixth-generation farmer behind William Heritage Winery. Our conversation delved into the storied past of the winery, its remarkable journey, and its exciting future.
A Legacy of Farming
William Heritage Winery traces its roots back to 1853, when William Heritage purchased the farm in Gloucester County’s Mullica Hill. “The name comes from the original founder of the property,” Rich shared. “My family has lived on the same farm property for six generations, with the seventh generation now growing up here.” Initially, the farm was known for its apple and peach orchards, which were the mainstay crops until market challenges prompted a shift.
In the late 1990s, facing economic pressures from the peach and apple markets, the Heritage family began to explore alternative crops. In 1998, they planted their first grapevines, and by 2002, they released their first wine—a 2001 Chardonnay. This pivotal change was driven by the need to reinvent the farm’s focus and preserve its legacy. “We found that grapes and winemaking would save our family farm and ensure future generations of farming,” Rich explained.
Milestones and Achievements
The journey of William Heritage Winery is marked by numerous milestones. “We were awarded Winery of the Year in 2009, an incredible honor considering there were about 40 wineries in the state at that time,” Rich said. This accolade set the stage for subsequent recognitions, including multiple 90-point scores from prestigious publications like Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, and Decanter Magazine.
The 2010 vintage, in particular, marked a significant leap in quality. It earned the winery its first 90-point score from Wine Advocate for a champagne-style wine. “To be the first New Jersey winery to achieve this was jaw-dropping,” Rich said. “It validated our efforts and set a new standard for us.” This recognition was not just a milestone but a testament to the winery’s dedication to quality and innovation. It opened doors to national and international acclaim, bringing New Jersey wines into the spotlight.
The Unique Terroir of Mullica Hill
Rich emphasized the importance of the winery’s unique location in Mullica Hill, which falls within the Outer Coastal Plain American Viticultural Area (AVA). “Our sandy soil, mixed with loam, provides excellent drainage for grapevines, while the proximity to the ocean and Delaware Bay moderates temperatures and extends the growing season,” he explained. This combination allows for a diverse range of grape varieties to thrive.
The terroir of Mullica Hill offers distinct advantages that have been instrumental in the winery’s success. “We benefit from great wind flow thanks to the ocean and the Delaware Bay, which helps mitigate disease pressure,” Rich noted. Additionally, the natural elevation of their vineyard, one of the highest points south of Trenton, contributes to the unique characteristics of their wines. “Our vineyard has one of the highest points in elevation, which is quite rare in this region. And it really helps with the quality of the grapes.”
Wine Varietals and Consumer Favorites
Discussing their standout wines, Rich highlighted three particular favorites: cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and their vintage brut champagne. “Cabernet Franc is a standout with its intense fruit and long finish, while Chardonnay has seen a resurgence in popularity with its mineral-driven profile,” he noted. The vintage brut champagne, with multiple 90-point ratings, stands as a testament to the winery’s commitment to quality.
“Cabernet Franc is really special. It’s a varietal you don’t find everywhere, and our customers love it for its unique flavor profile,” Rich explained. The winery’s Chardonnay, often underrated, has gained a dedicated following. “There used to be a movement of ‘anything but Chardonnay,’ but people are rediscovering its potential, especially with our low oak, mineral-driven style.”
The vintage brut champagne is another jewel in their crown. “Our Champagne-style wines have consistently received high ratings from national magazines. In a blind tasting, you’d be hard-pressed to distinguish it from top brands,” Rich proudly stated. The winery’s dedication to producing high-quality sparkling wines has set them apart and earned them a loyal customer base.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Sustainability is at the heart of William Heritage Winery’s operations. “Our tasting room is 100% solar-powered, and our vineyards are farmed sustainably with minimal use of chemicals,” Rich said. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also enhance wine quality.
The winery employs various sustainable practices, such as using cover crops to rejuvenate the soil and hand-pulling leaves to avoid compacting the soil with machinery. “Our vineyards are very much alive and thriving because we farm sustainably,” Rich said. “Being kind to Mother Nature has directly contributed to the increase in wine quality.”
The winery also maintains strong ties with the local community. Its tasting room in Haddonfield, NJ, a dry town, was established with careful consideration and support from the local government. “We strive to be good neighbors and engage with the community through various events and initiatives,” Rich said. This approach has fostered a positive relationship with the town and helped the winery become an integral part of the local community.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, Rich hinted at exciting developments on the horizon. New wine releases, including a 2022 estate merlot, estate cabernet sauvignon, and an iced cider, are set to debut this fall. “The 2022 vintage is one of the best growing seasons we’ve seen in over five years,” Rich said. “The merlot has lovely strawberry notes and fine leaf tobacco, while the cabernet sauvignon is elegant with black cherry and vanilla oak.”
One particularly thrilling release slated for February 2025 is the winery’s first-ever pinot noir, along with a new sparkling wine to be unveiled at their annual Wine and Chocolate event. “We’ve never released a pinot noir before, so we’re really excited about this,” Rich revealed. “And our new sparkling wine will be a highlight of the event.”
Rich also expressed a desire to see more New Jersey wines featured in local restaurants. “There’s something special about pairing local wines with local produce,” he said. “It enhances the dining experience and supports local agriculture.” The winery has already made strides in this direction, with successful wine dinners at the Borgata Casino and partnerships with restaurants on Long Beach Island.
As Heritage continues to honor its agricultural heritage while embracing new opportunities, there’s no doubt that William Heritage Winery will remain a cherished destination for wine enthusiasts near and far.
Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to visit William Heritage Winery to experience their exceptional wines firsthand. Cheers!
William Heritage Winery—Mullica Hill Tasting Room
480 Mullica Hill Road
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
William Heritage Winery—Haddonfield Tasting Room
127 Kings Highway E
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
