about us

The Tomasello family welcomes you to learn more about our winemaking tradition

cultivating a passion for wine since 1933

Welcome to Tomasello, the only fourth generation, family-owned winery in New Jersey. The Tomasello family dedicates our lives to producing excellent wines on 70 acres in the heart of the Outer Coastal Plain, a historically celebrated wine growing region.

Positioned along the Atlantic coast line and the Pinelands, we enjoy a longer growing season as a benefit of the warming maritime effects on our climate. Our sandy soil has a slightly higher pH—most comparable to soil acidity levels in the Loire Valley of France, which is known for bright, beautifully balanced wines.

Almost all Tomasello products are made from estate-grown grapes and local fruit, including blueberries from top growers in Hammonton, the Blueberry Capital of the World. Our award-winning wines are sold online, in our tasting rooms throughout New Jersey, and in thousands of stores across 37 states and select locations in Canada and Asia.

Some say, “Great wines are made in the vineyard.” We believe that the celebrations and good times you share with family and friends make our wines even greater. We look forward to a place at your table for generations to come.

our history

In the 1930’s, our grandfather, Frank Tomasello was a berry farmer in Hammonton, NJ, with a special knack for growing grapes and a passion for wine. He understood that the area’s soil and climate were perfect for grape growing. In fact, native grape vines were so common that the Vikings declared the neighboring town “Vineland.”

Prior to prohibition, New Jersey was home to nearly 100 wineries. As was common during Prohibition, many in this great American wine-growing region became traditional farmers.

In February 1933, when Frank heard the federal government was repealing Prohibition, he did not waste any time. He jumped into his truck and drove through a snow storm to Washington, DC to be one of the first in line for a license. Tomasello Winery was bonded that year, license number 68 for the entire country.

The first wines that Frank produced were Ranier Red, Ranier White and Ranier Rosé, in honor of his wife’s maiden name. The delightful blend of American varietals were a huge success, and they are still among our top selling wines with a very loyal following. In the 1940’s, Frank welcomed his sons, Charles and Joseph, into the business. They grew their Tomasello Winery into a commercial business while adding some new products, including sparkling wines made in the classical French method known as methode champenoise.

Joseph Tomasello passed away in 1971, leaving Charles Tomasello, Sr., then 48, to expand the family’s vineyard. He added the first generation of French American hybrids, many of which were in the experimental stages, being developed by Cornell University’s Extension Station. While many of these grapes are currently being planted throughout the United States, Charles Tomasello, Sr. was the first to plant many of the successful varieties at the Tomasello vineyard.

Nearly 10 years later, the third generation joined the business when Charles’ sons, Charles, Jr. and Jack came on board. Together they expanded the winery and revamped the vineyard while adding Vinifera vines, such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the early 1990’s Charlie and Jack began producing fruit wines made of 100% fruit, such as blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, and red raspberry. These fruit wines became an international success, and have been distributed throughout markets in Asia for over 30 years. Almost all Tomasello products are made from estate-grown grapes and local fruit. Tomasello Winery uses only the best blueberries from the top growers from Hammonton, the Blueberry Capital of the World. Quality wine making is a function of quality fruit, therefore we use only the finest fruit from around the country to make our wines.

The fourth generation was introduced when Charlie and Jack’s sons, Brian and Sean, joined the business. Together with their fathers, they have worked to expand the product line to include unique and enjoyable products such as Incredible Creams, and Artisan Orchard Hard Ciders. 

Today, almost 100 years after its inception, Tomasello Winery farms nearly 70 acres of vines and stands as the only fourth generation, family-owned winery in the state of New Jersey. Products can be found in thousands of stores across 37 states along with select locations in Canada and Asia. Our high-end products have earned the winery many prestigious national and international awards, as well as the praise of critics, chefs and wine drinkers alike.