The Atlantic Wine Project was started in 2022 to bring attention to wine producers on the east coast who are making true wines of place from their regions. Through the cultivation of hybrid varieties and newly introduced European varieties that are resistant to the colder, maritime conditions, these vines can be grown more sustainably producing wines which are evolving to reflect the terrior of the soils, climate and personalities of their growers.

The first grower AWP is working with is Bellview Winery in the Outer Coastal Plain AVA. Bellview Winery is owned by Jim Quarella and Larry Coia. Both Jim and Larry are growers first and collectively have over 70 years of viticultural experience. They have collaborated with Rutgers University and with viticultural research centers around the globe to find grape varieties which make the best quality wines while also being best suited to east coast growing conditions. This means that these varietals are able to be cultivated with minimal chemical interventions. While Jim and Larry grow exceptional fruit, their winemaker, David Gardner, shows the discipline and restraint in the winery to assure that the fruit takes center stage in the wines. His wines show an ability to harvest at peak levels of ripeness and acidity, a lighthandedness with oak and an intuitive palate when it comes to assembling blends.

AWP was founded by Patrick Harney a 30 veteran of the wine and spirits industry. Patrick, originally a trained chef, worked in the fine wine import and distribution sectors of the business specializing in the regions of Piedmont, Burgundy, the Rhone, Spain and the New World.