Cape May Peninsula AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2018 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | New Jersey, Outer Coastal Plain AVA |
| Growing season | 179-207 days |
| Climate region | Region III |
| Heat units | 3,516 GDD units |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 33.8 to 38.5 in (860–980 mm)I |
| Soil conditions | Downer, Evesboro, Sassafras, Fort Mott, Hooksan, Swainton, Aura sandy loam |
| Total area | 126,635 acres (198 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 115 acres (47 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 6 |
| Grapes produced | Albariño, Dolcetto, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Merlot, Barbera, Moscato, Malvasia, Viognier |
| No. of wineries | 7 |
Cape May Peninsula is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in the southernmost region of New Jersey. It was established on April 5, 2018 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Dr. Alfred Natali, owner of Natali Vineyards, LLC, on behalf of the ad hoc Cape May Wine Growers Association, proposing the viticultural area named "Cape May Peninsula." The 126,635 acres (198 sq mi) wine appellation includes most of Cape May and a small portion of Cumberland Counties. The region is characterized by well-drained sandy or sandy loam soils of low to moderate fertility, and a relatively long growing season. The climate is strongly moderated by the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The region is in hardiness zones 6b, 7a, and 7b. The appellation lies entirely within the pre-established Outer Coastal Plain AVA, yet has a unique terroir with a more moderate temperature and a longer growing season. The distinguishing features of the Cape May Peninsula AVA are its temperature and soils.