Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer to extend a pilot program that allows local wineries to hold special events on preserved farmland has passed the Senate Economic Growth Committee.

“New Jersey’s wineries have the potential to generate thousands of local jobs,” Senator Singer (R-30) said. “There is a proven economic benefit to encouraging these beautiful businesses to host special events, such as a wedding. This legislation will spur agriculture tourism and create a level of stability for this rapidly-growing industry.”

Senator Singer chose to sponsor S-2127 in order to protect and sustain the agricultural harvest of farms, support local wineries, and attract residents and visitors to experience New Jersey’s vineyard industry.

New Jersey’s vineyards contributed more than $232 million to the state’s economy in 2016, according to a recent economic impact study.

Singer’s bipartisan bill, S-2127, would extend a State pilot program that allows wineries to hold events on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays. Special events often include weddings, birthday parties, and other milestone celebrations, social, or cultural events.

The 2014 pilot program expired on March 1, 2018. The bipartisan bill extends the period of hosting special events at local wineries for an additional two years.

S-2127 would keep the pilot program active, which will benefit New Jersey’s vineyards, and the people who may choose to hold a wedding or another special event at a Garden State winery as a result of this legislation.

“If we don’t extend this pilot program for wineries, employers and customers alike will pay the price,” Senator Singer said. “Extending this program will safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of local residents and ensure people can hold their special event in the venue of their dreams.”