A Look Behind the Scenes at Brook Hollow Winery: A Hidden Gem in New Jersey Wine Country. If you’re a wine lover looking for a unique tasting experience in New Jersey, look no further than Brook Hollow Winery, tucked away in the scenic hills of Columbia, just off Route 80 near the Delaware River. We recently had the chance to go behind the scenes with owner and vintner Paul Ritter, and what we discovered was a story as rich and satisfying as a glass of Brook Hollow red. 🍇 From Basement Hobby to Thriving Vineyard Brook Hollow Winery’s story begins humbly. Paul Ritter started out making wine in his basement as a hobby. That hobby took a big step forward when a friend allowed Paul to use a small, 400-square-foot barn on his farm—aptly named Brook Hollow—to host tastings. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and in 2012, Paul purchased his own vineyard. Just a year later, Brook Hollow Winery officially opened its doors in 2013, and it’s been growing ever since. 📈 Expanding the Dream Over the years, Brook Hollow has expanded significantly. Paul has acquired more of the surrounding land, built a larger tank room for winemaking operations, and even developed a stunning event space across the street. Whether you’re attending a tasting or planning a wedding, Brook Hollow delivers both charm and function. 🍷 100% Jersey Wine, 50% Estate-Grown Brook Hollow sources over half of its grapes right from its 30-acre vineyard in Northern New Jersey, with the remainder coming from vineyards in South Jersey, including Cape May County. All the wine is proudly made from New Jersey-grown grapes. Hybrid varietals thrive in the north and are grown on-site, while vinifera like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced from the south. 🛢️ A Unique Aging Approach Brook Hollow does things a bit differently when it comes to aging. Instead of oak barrels, all wines are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. To achieve the complexity and depth that oak aging imparts, Paul uses oak chips and other oak alternatives. The result? Wines that are just as bold and flavorful, with a cleaner finish. 🍾 Two Ways to Taste Wine lovers have two tasting options at Brook Hollow: Premium Guided Tasting: Led by Paul or his assistant winemaker, Nick, this experience includes a full flight of wines, a charcuterie board, and a tour through the intimate tank room. It’s ideal for those who want to dig deeper into the winemaking process. Self-Guided Tasting: Choose up to four two-ounce pours from a selection of approximately a dozen wines. Perfect for a laid-back visit or for first-timers discovering New Jersey wine. 🎶 Events, Weddings, and More Brook Hollow isn’t just about wine. The winery hosts live music, craft fairs, seasonal events, and even corporate gatherings throughout the year. Their event space overlooking the vineyard makes for a truly memorable wedding venue for couples who love wine and scenic views. To learn more or plan your visit, check out their website: www.BrookHollowWinery.com Planning a trip to New Jersey wine country? Brook Hollow is proof that the Garden State has some serious winemaking talent—and a welcoming community behind every bottle.
Category: Sparkling wine
Exploring Some of the Best Sparkling Wines Made in New Jersey
Exploring some of the best sparkling wines made in New Jersey. If you’ve ever popped a bottle of Champagne on New Year’s Eve, then congrats—you’ve had sparkling wine! But did you know that New Jersey produces its very own sparkling wine, and some of it is truly exceptional? Before we dive into where to find it, let’s start with the basics. 💬 What Is Sparkling Wine, Anyway? Sparkling wine is just wine with bubbles. The fizz comes from carbon dioxide, which is created naturally during fermentation (or added later). Depending on how it’s made, it can be super fizzy (like Champagne), lightly sparkling, or somewhere in between. Some are dry, some are sweet, but all have that festive, fizzy feel that makes any occasion feel a little more special, even if it’s just pizza night. Champagne is probably the most famous kind, but only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France can use that name. So what we call it here depends on where it’s from—Prosecco (Italy), Cava (Spain), and yes, just “sparkling wine” from New Jersey. 🥂 So… New Jersey Makes Sparkling Wine? Yes! And it’s getting noticed. Some New Jersey wineries use the traditional Champagne method (which takes more time but creates finer bubbles), while others go with easier methods that still taste great. Either way, the local grapes, the climate, and the creativity of NJ winemakers are turning out some seriously impressive bottles. 🍾 Where to Try New Jersey Sparkling Wine Here are a few wineries to check out if you want to try some local bubbly: Tomasello Winery (Hammonton) – Their Brut Rosé is made using the traditional method and has even won awards. It’s dry, elegant, and perfect for brunch or celebrations. Known for a wide variety of wines, Tomasello also offers a Sparkling Blueberry Wine, which is a fun, fruity twist on traditional bubbly. Unionville Vineyards (Ringoes) – Unionville makes limited amounts of sparkling wine that’s crisp, classy, and made with the same method used in Champagne. Auburn Road Vineyards (Pilesgrove) – Their Ladybug yellow label is a lively sparkling wine made from Gruner Veltliner grapes. Golden color. Aromas and flavors of golden apple, yellow pear, apricot and lemon curd. It’s refreshing and great for sipping on the porch. 🍽️ What to Eat with It? Good news—sparkling wine is really food-friendly. It goes with salty snacks (think popcorn or potato chips), soft cheeses, seafood, fried foods, and even dessert. It’s basically a party in a glass and works with way more than just cake. 🎉 Final Thoughts If you’ve never had sparkling wine from New Jersey, now’s a great time to try it. You don’t need a fancy occasion—just an open mind and a curiosity for something new. Whether you like it dry or sweet, New Jersey’s wine scene has a bubbly option that’ll surprise you, in the best way. Cheers!