Peter and Charlene Leitner began their vineyard in 2004 with a vision of growing fine Austrian wine right here in New Jersey. Located on 20 acres in Pittstown, Mount Salem Vineyard received their River Friendly certification in May of 2015, further demonstrating their passion for crafting high-quality wine in a sustainable and respectful fashion! 

 

Our wines are handcrafted, grown sustainably and vinified classically from select European vines of the family vitis vinifera.

We chose Austrian varieties because we believed they’d be an ideal match for the climate, soils and topography of Hunterdon County.  Indeed, we’ve since proven that they thrive in our cold winters, hot and humid summers, and typical growing season of only five months.

At 700-feet (215 meters) above sea level, our dry-farmed vineyard is graced by a gentle slope and a south-by-southwest aspect, the former draining excess cool air and rainwater and the latter magnifying the sun’s ripening power.  Both are ideal for growing premium wines in a cool climate.  Our soil is classified as Pattenburg Gravelly Loam comprising silt, clay and loam studded with glacial cobbles, which are smooth stones roughly the size and shape of goose eggs.  These stones radiate precious ripening heat and maintain good soil drainage.

You may purchase our wine either by visiting our winery, calling us at 908-735-9359 or emailing us.  We can ship by UPS (minimum shipment is one 750 mL bottle).