HISTORY OF WINERY
The site that is now Alba Vineyard was first identified in the late 1970s after a meticulous search for the rare limestone soils that define many of the world’s great wine regions. With its rolling hills above the Musconetcong River Valley and its remarkable geological foundation, the property quickly proved to be one of the most important vineyard sites in the region. Following the initial plantings of vinifera, native, and hybrid cultivars, the winery opened in 1982 as one of the original New Jersey wineries established after the passing of the Farm Winery Act.
In 1988, the surrounding landscape was officially recognized with the creation of the Warren Hills AVA, today considered the premier American Viticultural Area in New Jersey. Centered around Alba, this designation confirmed what had already been discovered in the soils and slopes—this was a place capable of producing world-class estate-grown wines on the East Coast.
After the original winery fell into bankruptcy, the property was purchased in 1997 by Tom Sharko, a full-time cabinet maker, who saw its potential and committed his family to restoring it. At the time, his sons Nick and Tom were just eight and six years old. From the very beginning, this became a true family-owned and operated New Jersey winery, built not with outside funding, but through relentless work, reinvestment, and belief in the land.
We grew up in the vineyards, clearing overgrown fields, pulling posts, planting new blocks, and rebuilding the winery piece by piece alongside our father. With a craftsman’s skill set and a farmer’s mindset, he taught us to build everything ourselves. To this day, nearly every stone wall, landscape, tasting bar, and interior wood detail has been constructed by our family. What guests experience is not only a vineyard and winery, but a property shaped by hand season after season, year after year.
Between 1998 and 2008, the estate underwent a complete transformation. The original vineyards were removed and replanted to high-density vinifera on the limestone hillsides, focusing on the cultivars that define Alba today; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc. These plantings established the foundation for one of the most significant estate vineyards in the Warren Hills AVA.
In 2010, Nick joined the winery full time as Vineyard Manager, continuing the expansion of the estate and replanting the remaining original parcels while pushing new vineyard blocks further up the slopes. In 2011, Tom joined as well, working in the vineyards while leading the construction of a new winery. Completed for the 2016 harvest, the larger production facility marked a turning point in quality and allowed Alba to focus entirely on small-lot, estate-driven wine production in New Jersey.
Pictured: Tom, Nick and Blake receiving a new delivery of wine barrels
The evolution continued with the completion of the new tasting room and outdoor arbor in 2018, both built by Tom and Tom creating one of the most distinctive wine tasting destinations in NJ.
There has never been a shortcut. Every acre planted, every building raised, and every improvement made has been the result of working seven days a week as a family. 100% of the revenue goes back into the farm to relentlessly push to make the best wine we can. That commitment continues today, in the vineyards, in the cellar, and in the way we welcome guests.
From its limestone soils to its family craftsmanship, Alba Vineyard has become a benchmark for quality among New Jersey wineries and one of the leading estate wineries on the East Coast. Each vintage is the continuation of a journey that began with a belief in this land and is carried forward by a family that has dedicated its life to it.
Our Team
Tom Sharko
Vice President
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Tom grew up in the family business, working every job from the age of six; from carpentry alongside his father to farming in the vineyards with his brother. That early, all-in experience shaped his understanding of Alba as both a working farm and a growing estate. After graduating from Virginia Tech, he joined full time in 2011, choosing to help lead the next phase of the family vision.
Today Tom oversees the daily operations and long-term direction of the business, with a focus on thoughtful growth while remaining hands-on across the property. Whether in the vineyard, the cellar, tasting room or behind the scenes, he is involved in every aspect of moving the estate forward. Outside of Alba, Tom enjoys yoga, drawing, travel, and discovering new chef’s tasting menus.
Nick Sharko
Winegrower
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Nick learned to prune at the age of ten and has spent his whole life among the vines. Since joining the estate full time in 2010, he has led Alba’s vineyard program with a focus on high-density hillside plantings and farming for the highest level of quality. Working at the intersection of tradition and innovation, he continues to refine organic and sustainable practices that push the boundaries of what is possible for East Coast viticulture. When not in the vineyard, Nick travels the great wine regions of the world and brings that perspective back to the rows — always in pursuit of growing better fruit. While also maintaining a low single digit handicap on the golf course.
Blake Trobaugh
Head Winemaker
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Blake’s path to winemaking began during his college years with home winemaking and brewing, a hands-on curiosity that quickly grew into a career in wine. He built his foundation working harvests by day, the floor at a wine bar by night, and completing the U.C. Davis Winemaking Program. A final harvest internship evolved into an assistant winemaker role and ultimately head winemaker, where he spent more than a decade refining his craft.
Drawn by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter at Alba, Blake relocated to bring his experience and perspective to the estate. In the cellar he focuses on translating site and season into wines of precision and balance. Outside of harvest, he can be found hiking with his dogs or exploring new cuisines with his wife.
Building The Winery
