Hawk Haven Vineyard

 

Hawk Haven Vineyard evolved (as have many New Jersey Wineries) from a family run farm. The land the vineyard sits on in Rio Grande has been owned and farmed for over 75 years by the Wuerker Family. Though Hawk Haven is a fairly new winery (they opened to the public in 2009) they have won numerous awards for their wines. They won a Gold Medal in the 2016 New Jersey Wine Competition for their 2012 Cab Franc and five Bronze Medals. In 2015 they won a Silver Medal for the same Cab Franc at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and they also took Bronze Medals at this competition for their 2013 Chardonnay, 2013 Pinot Grigio, 2013 Viognier and “Q” Red Blend.

Not surprisingly, Hawk Haven has experienced tremendous growth over the past couple of years. They have added three tasting bars since my last visit. In addition to their attractive medium-sized tasting room, they have a sizable patio with shading from the summer sun available and room to host musical acts, with views of their vineyards. Hawk Haven also hosts many special activities, such as Crush Pad Saturdays and Sangria Sundays and their Root Stock Concert Series is a great venue for established  and up-and-coming performers.

Fortunately, Hawk Haven’s wines are worth the drive on their own merit. I knew they made some very good reds (especially their Cab Franc, Quill-a Bordeaux-Style blend and Tempranillo). I did not recall how good their Dry Riesling was. So good that on my recent visit during a heat-wave, we chose to have a glass of it with a wonderful artisanal cheese plate on their patio. I normally would prefer a good red wine with this pairing, but the Dry Riesling is a well-crafted, refreshing change of pace and was appropriately served well-chilled.

In all, Hawk Haven produces 17 varietals from their 20 acres devoted to grapes. Their tastings presently consist of four whites: Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Naked Chardonnay and Flying Press White (an off-dry blend) and four reds: Flying Press Red (a light-bodied Merlot blend), Cabernet Sauvignon, Quill, and Flying Press Rosé.

All of Hawk Haven’s wines are made from their own estate grapes. The winery is open daily from 11 AM until 7 PM. They offer good specials for wine club members. Check their website for details.

Tried a New Jersey wine recently? Visited a NJ winery lately? Share your experience here.

Cheers!