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!
Tag: wine Tasting
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 Quick Guide to Pairing Wines with Chocolates
I’ve created a quick guide to help you pair wines with chocolates. With Valentine’s Day coming up, I see tons of promotions for wine and chocolate pairings all over the Internet. So, what are some wines that pair with chocolates, anyway? While I don’t consider myself a wine expert, I’ve done some research and added my personal experiences. Pairing chocolate with wine balances flavors, sweetness, and tannins. Even though the majority of these are for reds, here are some suggestions for your chocolate and wine pairings: 1. Dark Chocolate (70% or higher cocoa) • Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah. • Why? The bitterness and intensity of dark chocolate need a bold, tannic wine. The wine should have dark fruit and spice notes to create balance. 2. Milk Chocolate (30-50% cocoa) • Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Ruby Port • Why? Milk chocolate’s creaminess and sweetness go well with fruit-forward, medium-bodied reds with lower tannins. 3. White Chocolate • Wine Pairing: Brachetto d’Acqui, Moscato d’Asti, and Lambrusco • Why? White chocolate’s buttery sweetness pairs beautifully with light, fruity, slightly effervescent red wines. 4. Chocolate with Nuts or Caramel • Wine Pairing: Tawny Port, Aged Zinfandel, and Madeira • Why? The nutty, caramelized flavors work well with the aged, slightly oxidized, or fortified wines. 5. Spiced or Chili Chocolate • Wine Pairing: Syrah, Malbec, and Zinfandel • Why? The bold, peppery, and fruit-forward nature of these wines complements the spicy heat in the chocolate. New Jersey has plenty of wine and chocolate trail weekends during Valentine’s Day weekend. If there’s a pairing I should add to this, please feel free to drop it in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you about some of your favorites since we all have unique palates.
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.
A Simple Guide to six New Jersey Wines
If you’re new to wine or just curious about New Jersey’s options, don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it seems! New Jersey offers a wide variety of grapes. This means there’s something for everyone.
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.