Discover Blue Cork Winery: A Hidden Gem in New Jersey Wine Country. Looking for a relaxing weekend escape, a fun date idea, or something different to do with friends? Blue Cork Winery in New Jersey might be just what you need. This beautiful, family-run vineyard offers scenic views, delicious wines, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel right at home, even if you know nothing about wine. A Picture-Perfect Setting for a Day Out Blue Cork Winery is located on a peaceful 7-acre vineyard that’s perfect for unwinding. Whether you’re visiting with friends or a special someone, their outdoor patio overlooking the vines is a dreamy spot to sip, chat, and enjoy the day. Family-Owned and Rooted in Tradition Owned by Michelle and Angelo Tantaros, Blue Cork was born in 2010 out of a passion for winemaking and family values. Their first vintage, a Chardonnay, was released in 2018. Since then, the vineyard has grown into a warm, welcoming space where their four children also help keep things running. Meet the Winemaker: A Blend of Passion and Education One of the standout parts of a visit to Blue Cork is meeting Dimetri Tantaros, Michelle and Angelo’s son, and the head winemaker. Dimetri doesn’t just work the vines—he studied Viticulture and Wine Technology, meaning he knows how to grow grapes, craft wine, and understand all the science behind it. If you get the chance to chat with him during a tasting, do it—you’ll learn a lot, even if you’re a wine newbie. Natural, Estate-Grown Wines Aged to Perfection At Blue Cork, the wine is made European-style, meaning no chemicals, pesticides, or artificial shortcuts. Every wine is estate-grown (made from grapes grown right there), and many are aged in French oak barrels for up to four years. Their state-of-the-art steel tanks (custom-made in Italy) help keep the wine clear and fresh. They even help reduce the chances of wine-related headaches—a bonus for casual wine drinkers. Try Something New: A Vintner’s Select Pet Nat Dimetri has also launched his first label at the winery called Vintner’s Select. The debut wine is Pet Nat, a slightly sparkling, naturally fermented blend of Traminette and Petit Verdot. It’s a great option if you’re curious to try something unique but approachable. Live Music, Wine Flights, and More Blue Cork isn’t just about wine—it’s about the experience. On many weekends, you can enjoy live music on the terrace, taste a variety of wines through curated flights, or just kick back and take in the vineyard views. Planning a celebration? Blue Cork also hosts private events and parties. Whether it’s a birthday, engagement party, or small wedding, the setting is both elegant and relaxed. Can’t Visit? They Deliver Nationwide! If you fall in love with their wines (and you probably will), you don’t have to wait for your next visit. Blue Cork ships their wines across the U.S., so you can enjoy a bottle from the comfort of your home, no matter where you live. Final Thoughts: Why Blue Cork Winery Should Be on Your List, even if you’re not a wine expert, Blue Cork Winery is the kind of place that makes you appreciate the craft behind every bottle. With a warm, family feel and a commitment to natural winemaking, it’s a must-visit destination in New Jersey wine country. So grab your favorite people, plan a day trip, and let Blue Cork introduce you to a whole new way to enjoy wine—no fancy knowledge required. If you enjoyed this post, please like, comment, and above all, share.
Category: Vineyards
Why Autumn Lake Winery is the Perfect Year-Round New Jersey Escape
Why Autumn Lake Winery is the Perfect Year-Round New Jersey Escape. Let’s be real—not everyone is a wine expert. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a relaxing afternoon at one of New Jersey’s most scenic spots: Autumn Lake Winery in Williamstown. This place is the perfect blend of laid-back vibes, nature views, and sips you’ll enjoy (even if you don’t know what “tannins” are). You’re surrounded by beauty no matter where you sit—inside the cozy tasting room with a view of the lake, or out on the patio under the trees, glass in hand, with live music setting the tone. The atmosphere is chill, the people are friendly, and the wine? Let’s talk about that. Award-Winning Wines and a Little History Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, you’ll appreciate the fact that Autumn Lake’s wines are award-winning. One standout? Their Petit Verdot, which earned the Governor’s Cup. Not too shabby, right? The winery planted its first vines in 2012, and its first grape harvest—Cabernet Franc—came in 2014. Owner and winemaker Mark Hernandez still has one of the original bottles from 2016, proudly tucked away like a piece of history. Today, the vineyard spans 12 acres and is home to 17 grape varieties, with two more (Nebbiolo and Barbera) on the way. During our visit, Mark gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyard. We saw the early growing season and learned to recognize different grapes just by their baby buds. What the Heck is Trentina? Mark also introduced us to Trentina, a newer Italian grape variety that’s exclusive to the Outer Coastal Plain region here in NJ. It’s a cross between Muscato Ottonel and Malvasia di Candia Aromatica—don’t worry, I hadn’t heard of them either. What does it taste like? Mark says, “candy and flowers in a glass,” and honestly—he nailed it. It’s light, aromatic, and super easy to drink. Even if you’re a wine newbie, this one might win you over. Inside the Winemaking Process After walking the vines, we headed into the tank room to see where the magic happens. One of the stainless-steel tanks was frosty on the outside—turns out, that’s part of the cold stabilization process, which helps keep wines clear and sediment-free. Autumn Lake uses this method for their whites and lighter reds, while the fuller-bodied reds age in neutral oak barrels for over a year. Mark’s even experimenting with toasted oak staves to enhance flavor in older barrels. Science aside, the result is wine that’s smooth, clean, and thoughtfully made. Plan Your Visit Autumn Lake Winery is open year-round, and trust me—it’s worth the trip no matter the season. With food trucks, live music, and some of the friendliest staff around, it’s an ideal spot to unwind. You don’t need to know the difference between a Pinot Noir and a Cabernet to enjoy yourself here. Check out their wine list and upcoming events at AutumnLakeWinery.com—and don’t be surprised if you leave with a few bottles for the road.
Bellview Winery is a Must Visit New Jersey Winery
A Day at Bellview Winery: Where Family Roots Meet Great Wine Bellview Winery is a must visit New Jersey wInery. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix warm hospitality with seriously good wine, you’ll find the answer at Bellview Winery in Landisville, New Jersey. The winery and vineyard are located in the Outer Coastal Plain AVA in southern New Jersey. Bellview isn’t just a Winery, it’s a Family My fiancé and I recently went on a private tour with Jim Quarella, the winery’s owner and vintner. Bellview isn’t just a winery — it’s a family farm that’s been around for four generations, starting with Jim’s great-grandparents. Even though Bellview has been growing grapes for 25 years, their first harvest was in 2020, and they opened their tasting room in 2021. They started small with classic grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Chambourcin. Today, they grow over 20 different kinds of grapes on 50 acres — and every bottle is made with grapes grown right there on the property. Jim took us on a walk through the vineyard and explained a little bit about how the grapes grow. We were there during a stage called “shoot growth,” where tiny grapes start to form right after the vines wake up for the season. It’s one of the first big steps in the growing process and pretty cool to see up close! Dandelion Wine Happens Here Next, we headed into the tank room where all the winemaking magic happens. Jim showed us a really unique wine they make called Dandelion Wine — it’s a sweet dessert wine based on his great-aunt’s old recipe. It’s one of their signature wines and definitely something you don’t see every day! Inside the tank room, there were huge stainless-steel tanks everywhere, some wrapped with thermal jackets to help control the temperature during fermentation. Bellview also uses oak barrels (but not the super-strong, smoky kind) to gently age their red wines and give them a smooth, spiced flavor. After the tour, we sat down for a tasting led by Jim and Bellview’s head winemaker, David. Every wine we tried was made from their estate-grown grapes. We sampled a bunch of different wines, including Chardonnay, Viognier, Grüner Veltliner, Traminette, Chambourcin, Blaüfrankisch, Cabernet Franc, and a new grape called San Marco, which was originally developed in Italy and recently brought to New Jersey with the leadership of Larry Coia and the Outer Coastal Plain Vineyard Association. Jim explained that San Marco is a cross between two Italian grape varieties and was created in 1993. It’s new to the area and something they’re excited about. Events, Parties and Live Music all Year Long Bellview isn’t just about wine — they host events year-round. Coming up soon are celebrations for Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo, plus they have live music every Friday and Saturday night. Bring a blanket, grab a bottle of your favorite wine, and just relax. If you’re looking for a laid-back, welcoming winery experience (without needing to know all the fancy wine lingo), Bellview is the place to check out. You must experience this winery and their fantastic handcrafted wines for yourself this year. You can find out more at bellviewwinery.com. Better yet… Check out the YouTube video. Have you ever been to Bellview Winery? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments.
Sip & Stay: 10 Dog-Friendly Wineries to Explore in New Jersey
Sip & Stay: 10 Dog-Friendly Wineries to Explore in New Jersey. New Jersey’s wine country offers a delightful blend of scenic vineyards and welcoming atmospheres, perfect for wine enthusiasts and their canine companions. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day trip or a weekend getaway, these dog-friendly wineries across the Garden State ensure that both you and your furry friend can enjoy the experience. Here’s a small list of Wineries where you can enjoy a glass of wine with your pup: 1. Autumn Lake Winery – Williamstown, NJ Nestled around a serene lake, Autumn Lake Winery boasts walking trails, live music, and ample space for your pup to roam. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to combine nature walks with wine tasting. 2. Working Dog Winery – Hightstown, NJ As the name suggests, this winery is a haven for dog lovers. With live music, spacious grounds, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. 3. Cream Ridge Winery – Cream Ridge, NJ Known for its diverse wine selection, Cream Ridge Winery welcomes service dogs indoors and all dogs outdoors, making it a year-round destination for pet owners. 4. Cape May Winery & Vineyard – Cape May, NJ This winery is located near the shore and offers picturesque views and a relaxed setting. Dogs are welcome in designated outdoor areas, allowing you to enjoy the coastal breeze together. 5. Cedar Rose Vineyards & Winery – Millville, NJ Cedar Rose welcomes well-behaved dogs at their vineyard. They even offer treats for your furry family member. 6. Willow Creek Winery – Cape May, NJ This vineyard combines rustic charm with a dog-friendly policy. Enjoy their unique wine offerings while your pup relaxes by your side in the outdoor seating areas. 7. White Horse Winery – Hammonton, NJ With its expansive outdoor space, fire pits, and live entertainment, White Horse Winery is a lively destination. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, making it a great spot for social pups. 8. Old York Cellars – Ringoes, NJ Offering panoramic vineyard views, Old York Cellars allows dogs in their outdoor spaces. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a tranquil setting with their furry friend. 9. Bellview Winery – Landisville, NJ Bellview Winery welcomes dogs in their outdoor areas, providing a relaxed environment in which to enjoy their extensive wine list. It’s advisable to check ahead for any event-specific restrictions. 10. Valenzano Family Winery – Shamong, NJ Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Valenzano offers ample outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. It’s a great spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon with your pup. Tips for Visiting Wineries with Your Dog: • Leash Up: Always keep your dog on a leash and under control. • Hydration: Bring water and a bowl to keep your pup hydrated. • Clean Up: Carry waste bags and clean up after your dog. • Check Policies: Some wineries may have specific pet policies or restrictions during events, so it’s best to call ahead. Exploring New Jersey’s wineries with your dog can be a rewarding experience, combining the pleasures of wine tasting with the joy of spending time with your furry friend. Cheers to memorable adventures in the Garden State! Why not bring your furry friend on a wine trail with you? New Jersey has plenty of other great wineries that are pet-friendly to explore that are not listed here.
A Day in the Life of a New Jersey Winemaker
A Day in the Life of a New Jersey Winemaker. Imagine waking up before sunrise. You get a head start on a day filled with nature, hard work, and a little bit of science. That’s what a typical day is like for a winemaker here in New Jersey. Morning in the Vineyard The day starts early in the vineyard. The winemaker and their team head out to check on the grape vines. They walk among the rows. They look at the plants to see if they’re healthy. They also check if the grapes are growing well. They keep an eye out for pests or any signs that something is wrong. It’s all about making sure the grapes are on track to become good wine later on. Harvesting and Crushing When the grapes are just right—not too green and not too ripe—it’s time to pick them. Depending on the vineyard, they pick by hand or use small machines. Once the grapes are gathered, they’re taken back to the winery. Here, the winemaker oversees the crushing process. Think of it as making a fresh fruit smoothie. Start with great fruit, and you are to end up with something delicious. Fermentation and Aging After crushing, the grape juice begins to change into wine through a process called fermentation. The winemaker closely watches things like temperature and time because even small changes can affect how the wine tastes. Later, they check on the barrels where the wine is aging, making sure everything is just right. The Personal Touch What makes this process special is the winemaker’s care and passion. It’s not just about following a recipe—it’s about telling a story with each bottle. Knowing about the journey from farm to bottle can add depth to every sip of wine. This is true even if you’re not a wine expert yourself. Have you ever had the experience of walking through a New Jersey vineyard? If so, comment below and share what it was like. Did you ever realize the hard work and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle? You can watch the process here. I belong to a group of local hobbyists known as the Carriage House Winemakers. We make our wine.
How Are New Jersey Wineries Going Green?
Alright, so we all know wine comes from grapes, and grapes come from vineyards. But have you ever thought about what it takes to grow those grapes and turn them into wine? Turns out that it’s not just about planting vines and waiting for magic to happen. A lot of work goes into farming, including ensuring it’s done in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. That’s where sustainable winemaking comes in. New Jersey wineries are stepping up their eco-friendly practices. One big thing they’re focusing on is reducing chemical use. Many vineyards are switching to natural methods. They are not spraying pesticides and fertilizers. For example, they use cover crops, which are plants that help keep the soil healthy. They also bring in helpful insects to control pests. Beneduce Vineyard in Pittstown is River Friendly Certified. Their farming includes over 50% of their blocks being completely herbicide-free, with more transitioning each year. Some wineries are using solar power to run their operations. Another cool thing? Brook Hollow Winery in Columbia has solar panels installed on their buildings. Beneduce is in the process of installing panels on their winery, too. They will be providing EV chargers, too. Think about it—making wine requires a lot of energy, from crushing grapes to aging wine in temperature-controlled rooms. By switching to renewable energy, wineries can lower their carbon footprint and still make great wine. Water conservation is another big deal. Vineyards need water, but wasting it isn’t an option. Many New Jersey wineries are using drip irrigation. This method delivers water directly to the roots instead of just spraying it everywhere. It saves water and keeps the vines healthier. Beneduce and Brook Hollow both utilize “rain gardens.” These gardens use water from impervious surfaces like rooftops and parking lots. This water is captured and retained on site. The process reduces runoff and erosion. Beneduce Winery is being eco-friendly in several ways. They maintain over 30 bee hives to produce their own honey. They are also farming over 10 acres of heirloom wheat to make their own flour. Beneduce is also a plastic-free wine packaging facility using only FSC-certified paper for labels. Their building was made with green materials such as reclaimed mushroom wood, recycled newspaper insulation, fieldstones from their farm, etc. Brook Hollow composts all their discarded grape materials. Plus, they only use LED lightbulbs throughout their facility. Cedar Rose Vineyards, located in Millville, used all reclaimed materials to build and decorate their tasting room. They used everything. This includes the trees on the property for the tasting bar. They also used lumber and tin ceiling tiles from an old barn. You can watch the interview at https://youtu.be/mJivjDnhVQU So, next time you grab a bottle of New Jersey wine, know that a lot of effort is involved. The wine is being made in a way that’s better for the planet. And honestly, wine just tastes better when you know it’s made the right way! Please like, subscribe, and share. Most of all… Keep stomping!