Museum finds cases of 2-century-old wine in its cellar

Associated Press

UNION, N.J. — A restoration project at a New Jersey museum has unearthed cases of wine nearly as old as the United States.

The Liberty Hall Museum in Union said it discovered almost three full cases of Madeira wine dating to 1796 while restoring its wine cellar. NJ.com reported the museum also found 42 large glass jugs dating to the 1820s.

Madeira is a fortified wine.

Bill Schroh, director of operations at Liberty Hall, said it was the best wine to ship during the 18th century because it almost never spoils — even centuries later if stored properly.

Liberty Hall President John Kean said he’s sampled the wine. He compared it to a sweet sherry.