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.
Tag: Outer Coastal Plains AVA
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.
New Jersey Wine? Yep — Here’s Your Guide to NJ’s 4 AVAs and Some of the Best Wineries to Visit
New Jersey wine? Yep — here’s your guide to NJ’s 4 AVAs and some of the best wineries to visit. When people talk about wine in the U.S., New Jersey probably isn’t the first place that pops into your head. But honestly, it should be! The Garden State has a long wine history and four official wine regions called American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). I know what you’re thinking — Jersey… wine? But stay with me, because these wineries are pretty cool, especially if you’re into weekend trips, chill tastings, or just want to impress your friends with something other than the typical go to big brands. 1. Warren Hills AVA Location: Northwest NJ Vibe: Rolling hills, river views, cozy small-town wineries. Wineries You Should Hit: Villa Milagro Vineyards (Phillipsburg): Eco-friendly, gorgeous views, and great European-style blends. Perfect spot for a sunset wine flight. Brook Hollow Winery (Columbia): Super chill, family-owned spot with really solid Chambourcin (a red you’ve probably never tried but should). Four Sisters Winery (Belvidere): One of the OGs in NJ wine. Low-key, affordable, and known for fun fruit wines and relaxing outdoor vibes. 2. Outer Coastal Plain AVA Location: South Jersey — Hammonton is in my opinion, the capital of NJ wine. Vibe: Flat farmland, beachy air, and serious wine potential. Must-Try Wineries: Sharrott Winery (Hammonton): is a modern space, with live music on weekends and wines that range from bold reds to crisp whites. Their Albariño is a sleeper hit. Tomasello Winery (Hammonton): has been around since the Prohibition days, and still crushing it. Known for both classic grape wines and sweet fruit ones, if that’s your thing. White Horse Winery (Hammonton): Instagram-friendly tasting room and nice dry Rosé for sunny afternoons. 3. Central Delaware Valley AVA Location: NJ/PA border — Hunterdon & Mercer counties. Vibe: River towns, small-batch wines, super scenic drives. Wineries Worth Visiting: Unionville Vineyards (Ringoes): If you’re looking for the “fancy wine” experience in NJ, this is it. Great Pinot Noir and Viognier. Old York Cellars (Ringoes): Friendly vibe, lots of events, and easy-drinking wines that won’t break your budget. Beneduce Vineyards (Pittstown): Weekend wine & live music in a greenhouse-style setup — what more do you want? Their Blaufränkisch is seriously underrated. 4. Cape May Peninsula AVA Location: Southernmost NJ, beach town, wine scene. Vibe: Salt air, sandy soils, and perfect white wines for hot days. Wineries to Check Out: Willow Creek Winery (West Cape May): Beautiful estate, cool wine garden setup, and some smooth reserve reds. Also doubles as an event space if you’re planning a fancy party. Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery (Rio Grande): Family-owned and super welcoming. Their Field Blend white is amazing on a summer day. Cape May Winery (Cape May): Longtime local favorite. Their Chardonnays are crisp, clean, and perfect for pairing with Jersey Shore seafood. The Bottom Line: Don’t Sleep on NJ Wine Next time you plan a weekend adventure, skip the same old brewery crawl and map out a New Jersey wine trail. Whether you’re into bold reds, crisp whites, or just want a new road trip excuse, NJ wineries have you covered. A lot of these spots host live music, food trucks, and even bring-your-own-picnic nights. Wine, friends, and a blanket equal a great day.
Grapes That Make Both Red and White Wine in New Jersey
Have you ever wondered how the same grape can be used to make both red and white wine? You’re not alone! Many people assume that red wine only comes from red grapes. They also think white wine only comes from white grapes. But that’s not always true. In New Jersey, winemakers use certain types of grapes to create both red and white wines—sometimes even rosé. Here’s a simple guide to some of these versatile grapes and how they’re used to make different kinds of wine. Chambourcin: A Grape That Does It All Chambourcin is a grape commonly used to make rich, smooth red wine. It can also be turned into a lighter, fruitier rosé. Additionally, it can become a white wine if the skins are removed before fermentation. If you like wines that are smooth and easy to drink, Chambourcin is a great choice. Old York Cellars makes a terrific Chambourcin Rose that’s light and off-dry, whereas Brook Hollow Winery produces a medium-bodied red. Pinot Noir: Red, White, and Sparkling Pinot Noir is usually used for red wine. However, when winemakers press the juice and remove the dark skins immediately, it makes a white wine instead. This type of wine is often used in sparkling wines like Champagne. If you like a lighter, elegant wine, keep an eye out for Pinot Noir in different styles. Frontenac: A Grape with Many Personalities Frontenac is a unique grape that grows well in New Jersey. It can be made into a bold red wine, a crisp white wine, or even a rosé. A special version of this grape is called Frontenac Gris. It is naturally lighter in color. It is often made into a refreshing white wine with fruity flavors like peach and citrus. I’ve enjoyed both a dry red and a sweet white Frontenac from Brook Hollow Winery. Grenache: Great for Red and Rosé Grenache is a grape that’s often used in red wines, but it’s also popular for making rosé. Rosé is made by letting the grape skins sit in the juice briefly. This gives it a light pink color. It also results in a fresh, fruity taste. Catawba: An Old-School Favorite Catawba is an American grape that has been used for winemaking for centuries. It can be made into a red wine, a white wine, or even a bubbly sparkling wine. It has a naturally sweet, fruity flavor. The flavor makes it easy to enjoy. This is especially true if you like wines that aren’t too dry. Zinfandel: The Grape Behind White Zinfandel Most people know Zinfandel as a bold, fruity red wine. It’s also used to make White Zinfandel, which is a sweeter, pink-colored wine. This happens when winemakers limit how much time the grape skins stay in the juice. This process creates a lighter and sweeter wine instead of a deep red one. Most of us know Lodi, California as the home of a good Zin, don’t count New Jersey out. The Garden State is starting to produce some good wines from this varietal. What This Means for You Next time you visit a winery or pick out a bottle of wine, remember that grapes can surprise you. They are more versatile than you think! If you usually drink red wine, try a white or rosé version of the same grape. You will be surprised by how different it tastes. Have you ever tried the same grape in both a red and white wine? If so, leave a comment below and let us know which varietal it was. Let us know what you think!
What’s a Wine Trail?
A wine trail is basically a route that takes you through a bunch of wineries in a certain area. These places are usually pretty close together. You can hop from one to the next and try different wines along the way.
Explore New Jersey’s Four Remarkable AVAs
Did you know that New Jersey has four distinct AVAs? Or perhaps my first question should be… Are you familiar with what an AVA actually is? Until just a few months ago, I was completely unaware of its significance and meaning. An AVA, or American Viticultural Area, is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States. It is recognized for its unique geographical and climatic characteristics. These features distinguish it from other areas. These characteristics can include factors like soil composition, climate, elevation, and topography. Each of these factors can significantly influence the types of grapes that thrive there. They also affect the quality of the wines produced. The establishment of AVAs began in 1978. Since that time, more than 250 AVAs have been officially designated across the United States. This showcases the diversity of American wine production. New Jersey proudly claims four of these recognized AVAs. Each one contributes its own unique flavor and character to the state’s growing wine industry. Let’s take a closer look at these viticultural areas that are under vine. Each area has its distinct profile and offerings. I was pleased to get out to at least one winery in each of these four AVA’s this past year.22 New Jersey’s AVAs 1. Warren Hills AVA The first AVA we will explore is the Warren Hills AVA. It is nestled in the beautiful valleys of Warren County. This region is characterized by its scenic landscapes, where several tributaries from the Delaware River weave through the terrain. Here, approximately five wineries are now operating, according to sources like Wikipedia. The primary focus of grape cultivation in this AVA revolves around French-American hybrid varieties. These grapes are known for their adaptability and resilience. This makes them well-suited for the climate and soil conditions of the area. 2. Central Delaware Valley AVA The second AVA is the Central Delaware Valley. This region straddles both the southeastern part of Pennsylvania and southwestern New Jersey. This AVA is strategically located around the Delaware River. It is situated just north of the bustling urban centers of Trenton and Philadelphia. In this region, about three wineries produce wine. The unique climate and soil composition here allow various grape varietals to flourish. This makes it a fascinating area for both winemakers and wine enthusiasts. 3. Outer Coastal Plains AVA The third American Viticultural Area is the largest in the state: the Outer Coastal Plains AVA. This expansive region encompasses several counties, including Monmouth, Ocean, Cape May, Atlantic, Salem, Burlington, Cumberland, and Gloucester. The Outer Coastal Plains AVA is particularly noteworthy. It is responsible for most grapes grown and wine produced in the Garden State. Approximately 30 wineries operate within its boundaries. The diverse microclimates and soil types in this AVA support cultivating various grape varieties. This results in a rich array of wines. These wines reflect the unique terroir of New Jersey. 4. Cape May Peninsula AVA The final AVA we will discuss is the Cape May Peninsula AVA. It is located in the southernmost part of the state. It serves as a sub-section of the larger Outer Coastal Plains AVA. This charming area is home to about seven wineries. Each winery contributes to the vibrant winemaking culture that thrives in the region. The Cape May Peninsula AVA benefits from its coastal proximity, which influences the climate. This provides a unique environment for grape growing. It further enhances the diversity of wines produced in New Jersey. Hopefully, this detailed overview has introduced you to the fascinating winemaking regions within our great state. New Jersey’s AVAs each offer a unique glimpse into the world of viticulture. They show the rich agricultural heritage of the area. Please feel free to drop a comment below. Let me know if you have a favorite winery. Share what AVA it belongs to. Your insights and experiences are always welcome as we celebrate the vibrant wine culture of New Jersey together.
Discover Cedar Rose Vineyards in NJ: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
This past weekend we had a special invitation to Cedar Rose Vineyards from Dustin, one of the owners. He gave us a private tasting and tour of their quaint winery which was cozy, warm, and welcoming. Dustin offered us tastings of several varietals and blends. We began with a few whites such as Albariño, Viognier, and an Orange wine made from Traminette. The reds were Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux straight from the barrel. Amazing! We were treated to the story of how Cedar Rose came to be. The story included how his partners, Steve and Sam, converted the wooded land into several lots. These lots ended up being home to 16 varietals under vine. Today they produce over 50,000 bottles from the grapes grown on site. Cedar Rose offers live music during the weekends. They can host parties and events for up to 35 to 40 people. They produce delicious wines and have a menu where all the food is made on-site. I highly recommend you take the trip to Millville, NJ, and experience Cedar Rose Vineyards for yourself. You won’t regret it. You can watch a more in-depth piece on the winery on my YouTube channel @njstompsthegrape. It’s worth the watch. Visit their website at CedarRoseVineyards.com. Cedar Rose wines are available in appointments at 160 liquor stores throughout the southern part of New Jersey.
Discover New Jersey’s Thriving Wine Scene
You might be stumbling upon this blog for the first time. Perhaps you’re a friend who wants to pacify my love for wine and blogging. Or maybe…. just maybe, you have followed me on social media over the past year. You want to check out my new site. That would be the best of all three if you ask me. I wanted to start a blog about New Jersey’s growing wine industry for quite some time. I sat on it for a few years and then decided to finally go for it for several reasons. My career as an educator is nearing its end. I had a burning wish to begin my second chapter in life. I wanted to pursue something I’m passionate about, like wine. As a child, I remember seeing my grandfather’s wine press in the basement and watching him make wine. He always kept his homemade wine it in a jug at his feet during Sunday dinners. I think that memory was what drew me towards my love of wine as I got older. I have lived in New Jersey my whole life. It naturally made sense to explore this industry right here in the Garden State. So the sole focus of my blog will be on vineyards and wineries right here in my home state. Sometimes, I will go beyond the New Jersey borders. But, for the most part, I’m going to share my NJ experiences. I hope to turn my passion for wine into a financial supplement for my pension. I’m using blogging and social media to achieve this. I know… So transparent right? But like I mentioned it’s going to be my second chapter in life. Thank you for being here and supporting me. As the blog grows I’ll share things I’m learning about here on the blog and across my social media platforms. If you haven’t had a chance to follow me, please join me on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. By the way… Instagram is my best of the three platforms so far. Thank you for taking a look. The site is always a work in progress so please feel free to share ideas with me.