Meet Cava Winery Sussex County Wines

photo layout Union Green

Cava blends the best elements of the old world with contemporary consumer tastes and has found Sussex County to be a natural choice of location for growing grapes and business.For Cava Winery’s owners Anthony Riccio and Deneah Bledsoe, the essence of agriculture is expressed through “connection” –connection to the earth, to family heritage, and to celebration with family and friends. Inspired by the tranquility and beauty of the vineyards of Italy, CAVA Vineyards and Winery blends “Olde World” charm with a passion for New Jersey agriculture to achieve their goal of producing a variety of “wines of distinction” which stay true to the character of bold Italian flavor. The “flavor” of the Cava Winery experience is as important to the family as the flavor of the wines they produce. Cava blends the best elements of the old world with contemporary consumer tastes and has found Sussex County to be a natural choice of location for growing grapes and business.

Cava Winery is set in a region of Sussex County once known for mining minerals. The topography is conducive to vineyard production, but establishing a vineyard and winery doesn’t happen overnight. Unlike some farm crops, which return a first year harvest, grapevines need years of careful nurture before producing fruit for harvest. Since establishing the vineyard over three years ago, the Cava team has been training, pruning and monitoring each vine to ensure it’s good health and longevity. 


The fruits of their labor at the Hardyston location will be experienced for the first time this 2010, when the long anticipate grapes will be pressed, fermented and bottled. “It’s been a process-a labor of love to this point- we’re anticipating the harvest and looking forward to tasting the 2010 fruit of the vine.” Anthony shared. “This first crop of grapes will be a very special one to all of us.”

The inherent challenges of establishing any new agricultural operation of this scale are mastered through teamwork, planning and passion. For many New Jersey farmers who also have careers off the farm, those challenges alone can tip the scales. The Cava Team experienced an added challenge to their operation when in 2009 Anthony was called out of military retirement and served many months overseas in active duty. The shared agricultural vision was entrusted to the care and management of his partner and wife Deneah and the Cava team of dedicated family and staff. Despite the difficulty, Deneah and her team continued the Cava tradition and are credited for the sustainability and successes of the operation during that difficult time. To the couple, the vineyard and winery have taken on an even deeper meaning. It is a living testament to their agricultural dedication, their vision and determination to realize their dream- traits shared by most US farmers. Anthony returned from duty in early summer 2010 and credits the sustained success of both the vineyard and winery to his family, loyal patrons and the inspiration of the local farming community.

A longtime supporter of the local farming community, Cava Winery will continue the tradition established in 2008 and offer its support to Sussex County’s agricultural heritage in association with Lusscroft Farm in Wantage, NJ. This historically significant landmark is linked to many agricultural advances that have impacted the quality of dairy production in the US and throughout the world. Fundraising efforts for the stabilization, restoration and revitalization of Lusscroft's Manor house, Outlook Lodge and barns situated on over 500 acres of pristine Sussex County farmland, is ongoing. For the third year, CAVA will supply the wine experience for the upcoming September 11th event-and will make available for sale, LUSSCROFT SELECT wine varieties. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold will be donated to the Heritage and Agriculture Association who's ongoing efforts continue to bring the vision of Lusscroft's future closer to reality.

The future is filled with potential for CAVA winery as well. Soon the 2010 grapes will be harvested, the Winery continues to delight patrons with weekend wine tastings, private events and opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the simplicity of old world charm and hospitality. 

Future plans for the operation are planned to enhance the CAVA experience and add diversification to the agricultural component of the operation.

Sussex Naturally congratulates CAVA Winery on their demonstrated dedication and commitment to agriculture and extend a welcome back to Anthony, with appreciation for his sacrifice and military service.