When you think of winemaking, the lush hills of Napa Valley or the sprawling vineyards of Bordeaux may come to mind. But Conor Quilty, winemaker at Meadowbrook Winery, in Oldwick, New Jersey, is changing the narrative of what it means to produce exceptional wine on the East Coast. In a sit-down with Jersey Bites, Quilty shared his journey from scouting pests in California vineyards to crafting award-winning wines in northern Hunterdon County.
From the East Coast to California…and Beyond
“I’ve worked in wine my entire career,” Quilty begins. His journey in winemaking began with a focus on plant biology and sustainability during his undergraduate studies. Realizing that the East Coast was not considered prime winemaking territory, he set out for California, where his work in vineyards—scouting for pests and working in integrated pest management—laid the foundation for a career that would eventually span the globe. After joining Jackson Family Wines and working with renowned wineries in Australia, Quilty ultimately decided to return to his East Coast roots to help shape New Jersey’s growing wine scene.
In 2020, he began consulting for Meadowbrook Winery, which at the time was an up-and-coming project with big dreams. By 2021, he took on a full-time role as winemaker and general manager. “The owner had this incredible vision but needed someone to manage the day-to-day operations,” he said. “Since then, we’ve planted 15 acres of vines, produced 2,000 cases of wine, and launched the brand. It’s been a whirlwind.”
Refining the Approach: Quality Over Quantity
In collaboration with Meadowbrook’s ownership, Quilty focused on a smaller portfolio of wines that Meadowbrook could consistently excel at. “The New Jersey wine scene has historically been very experimental,” he said. “We wanted to narrow that down to six to ten wines that we can produce consistently and really shine.” Set in the cooler climate of Hunterdon County, Meadowbrook benefits from the unique growing conditions, allowing varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Albariño, pinot noir, and pinot meunier to thrive and form the backbone of the winery’s up-and-coming sparkling wine program.
For Quilty, sparkling wine is a passion project. “We’ve bottled 500 cases of traditional method sparkling wine from some of our first vintages, but we’re letting it age,” he said. While it’s a waiting game, Quilty is optimistic that the sparkling wines will become a significant part of the winery’s portfolio once they’re ready for release.
In addition, his 2022 Cabernet Franc recently won the prestigious Governor’s Cup, a milestone that underscores Meadowbrook’s growing success. Quilty credits the grape’s adaptability to New Jersey’s terroir and emphasizes the team effort behind the award-winning wine. “Cabernet Franc does exceptionally well in New Jersey,” he said. “It’s bright, fruit-forward, and expressive—everything we love about this grape.”
Local Partnerships and Regional Recognition
Meadowbrook Winery’s success isn’t just about the wines; it’s about cultivating partnerships and fostering awareness of New Jersey wines. “Getting New Jersey wines into local restaurants is essential,” Quilty notes. While challenges remain—particularly around pricing and perceptions of quality—the winery is making strides in changing the local landscape. Through early partnerships with renowned establishments like Red Horse by David Burke and The Tewksbury Inn, Meadowbrook is slowly building a name for itself. By aligning with farm-to-table restaurants such as Juniper Hill and Ninety Acres, Meadowbrook’s wines are now paired with some of the region’s best cuisine.
Looking to the Future: A Tasting Room That Reflects the Vision
Meadowbrook Winery is constructing a state-of-the-art tasting room designed to provide a refined and educational wine experience. “We’re building something the town supports—no large events, no food trucks—while creating a space that fills a gap in the market,” Quilty explains.
The tasting room will focus on curated tastings, food pairings, and education, offering visitors a more intimate, high-end experience. Construction is well underway. Quilty is optimistic that the tasting room will open by Summer 2025—possibly even by Memorial Day. As Meadowbrook Winery continues to grow, it’s clear that this winery is a rising star in New Jersey’s wine industry, poised to make a lasting impact.
Stay tuned for what’s next from Meadowbrook Winery.
Meadowbrook Winery
18 King Street, PO Box 383
Oldwick, NJ
