HADDONFIELD, N.J. — Each year, on May 20th, the Garden State Wine Growers Association’s annual Passport Contest concludes, marking the start of the much-awaited selection process. This year, on Thursday, July 27th, Tahesha Way, New Jersey’s newly appointed Lieutenant Governor, selected the winner of the contest, Theresa Weems.
While the Passport to New Jersey Wine Country Grand Prize winner is revealed annually, the Garden State Wine Growers Association is enriched by the multitude of unique stories and journeys shared by participants in this annual contest.
A remarkable story of 2023 Passport Contest intrants includes Maryanne Adams and Jodi Lennon, who completed a 1,000-mile walk for wine!
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Maryanne Adams, a graphic designer, and Jodi Lennon, a retired school business administrator, embarked on a remarkable journey to visit all 56 wineries in the state of New Jersey by foot. Their ambitious goal was to cover 1000 miles during their epic adventure, which culminated with their final steps at Villa Milagro Vineyards in Pohatcong Township, New Jersey.
“We didn’t limit ourselves to the states. We went to Canada and Mexico for walks. We walked every beach in New Jersey, three national parks from Maine to Florida, and stopped in Savannah to walk all 21 squares,” says Adams.
“And for fun and theater, we marched in the Philadelphia Mummers parade in 2023,” added Lennon. “We were pleasantly surprised by Jersey wines along the way,” says Adams. “We met many nice people along the way. Our experiences were awesome. We loved everyone and how welcomed we felt,” added Lennon.
This story is just one of many that captures the excitement of New Jersey Wine Country and underscores the Passport Program’s commitment to enhancing the New Jersey tourism experience.
“Everyone who completes their New Jersey Wine Passport is a cherished friend to the industry, and seen as an ambassador of New Jersey Wine Country,” says Devon Perry, Executive Director of the Garden State Wine Growers Association. “This contest simply allows us to celebrate that and to say thank you to the lucky winners for their business and their commitment to helping us continue to flourish. And stories like Maryanne Adams and Jodi Lennon continue to highlight the possibilities and magic behind the vines in the Garden State. ”
–Garden State Wine Growers Association
