Regional Identity

Across its estate vineyards in East Amwell, Hopewell, and Princeton, Unionville has built something rare: the opportunity to explore how the same varietals can express themselves in entirely different ways. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah are grown in distinct soils and microclimates, then farmed, fermented, and often bottled separately to preserve the individuality of each site. For guests in the tasting room, it offers a unique side-by-side experience — one that reveals just how profoundly place can shape a wine. It’s a living study of terroir, and one of the clearest examples of Unionville’s commitment to letting the land lead.

The Heart of Unionville

At Unionville Vineyards, the story begins in the vineyard — and nowhere is that story more clearly told than at Pheasant Hill. Widely regarded by General Manager John Cifelli as one of the finest vineyard sites on the East Coast, Pheasant Hill represents the foundation of Unionville’s philosophy: that exceptional wine starts with exceptional land. With vines nearing 30 years old, its soils — layered with sandstone, limestone, and granite — produce fruit with depth, character, and remarkable consistency. It is here that the concept of terroir comes to life, where the nuances of place are translated into every bottle.

More than just a vineyard, Pheasant Hill is the cornerstone of Unionville’s identity — a place where craftsmanship, patience, and the land itself shape the wines that have come to define the winery.

Long before vines were planted here, this land played a remarkable role in American history. In June of 1778, George Washington camped at what is now Pheasant Hill and held a war council before the Battle of Monmouth — a gathering recognized as one of the most significant military assemblies of the Revolutionary War. That legacy remains deeply woven into Unionville’s identity and recently inspired the winery’s Washington Collection, released in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. It’s a rare connection between past and present — where the same ground that once shaped history now shapes extraordinary wines.

Gather & Unwind

Beyond the vineyard and cellar, Unionville Vineyards’s tasting room is where guests can experience the full range of wines in the place where it all comes together. Designed as both a showcase and a place to gather, it offers the chance to taste through distinct vintages, compare expressions from each vineyard, and better understand the character behind every bottle. Set against the rolling countryside of Hunterdon County, it’s a place to share wine with friends, discover something new, and connect more deeply to the land and craft behind it. Guests can enjoy guided tastings, seasonal releases, and side-by-side comparisons that bring Unionville’s vineyard philosophy to life. It’s also where many first discover the subtle differences between sites — and begin to appreciate just how much place matters. Here, Unionville’s philosophy isn’t just explained — it’s poured into every glass.

Barrel. Bottle. Beyond.

From stainless steel fermentation tanks to oak barrels and finally the bottle, every stage of the process is guided by precision, patience, and purpose. Time is as important as technique, allowing each vintage the space to develop, deepen, and reveal its fullest character. Every decision in the cellar is intentional, shaping not only the wine itself, but the experience of what’s ultimately poured into the glass.

That commitment to excellence has earned Unionville national recognition, including 92 and 93-point scores from leading critics and The Big O being named one of the 30 best wines to drink in 2026 by VinePair. But beyond the accolades, it’s the discipline, care, and uncompromising standards behind every vintage that define Unionville — carrying each bottle far beyond the cellar doors.

Great wine is never simply produced — it is shaped over time, guided by the land, and refined through an unwavering commitment to craft. From the vineyard to the cellar to the final pour, every bottle reflects a deep respect for place, process, and the pursuit of excellence. It’s this balance of history, precision, and passion that continues to set Unionville Vineyards apart as one of New Jersey’s most exceptional wineries.

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