Willow Creek is the newest winery in Cape May. Located in West Cape May, it is a very beautiful property. You may get the impression you are arriving at a southern mansion from another era. This is a very apt impression, as the winery is owned by Victorian Cape May’s Southern Mansion, one of the premier bed and breakfasts in a town that is renowned for their many great ones. I highly recommend staying there, especially if you can stay off-season and during the week, as you will save enough to enjoy more wine!
Willow Creek has only been open to the public since 2014. In addition to the Willow Creek Label, they also have a second label called Wilde Cock (named after the owner, Barbara Bray Wilde and the roosters that live on the farm).
Willow Creek’s white wines include Wild Cock White (a dry blend of Malvasia Bianca and Chardonnay); Malvasia Bianca (semi-dry); and Wilde Cock Prestige Silver (semi-dry blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Dry Riesling). They also make a Rose called Medirina Rosa (a dry blush blend of Pinot Noir and Malvasia Bianca).
Willow Creek makes the following red wines: Pinot Noir; Cabernet Sauvignon; Bacchus Red (Meritage red blend); Wilde Cock Red (a dry blend of Merlot and Petite Syrah); Merlot; Wilde Cock Prestige Gold (a dry blend of their 2013 and 2014 Merlot). Their sweeter wines include Blackberry Merlot (semi-sweet); Wilde Cock Apple (semi-sweet and 100% New Jersey Apples); Wilde Cock Sweet White (semi-sweet); and Wilde Cock Sangria (semi-sweet to sweet).
Their Wilde Cock Red and the Wilde Cock White were my best buys here, though I have not yet tasted their Pinot Noir. I look forward to doing so soon.
Willow Creek Winery is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tastings are offered in various options: Quick Flight ($10 per person for your choice of three 2 oz. samples); Gold Flight ($15 per person for five 2 oz. samples); and Prestige Flight ($20 per person for seven 2 oz. samples). Check out their website for additional information.
For those on a tighter budget or who approach life in a more frugal manner, Willow Creek’s tastings and some of their wines are a little pricey. If you are nodding your head, I still recommend you pay them a visit. It is one of the most charming areas in the state and Willow Creek is definitely one of the most luxurious winery environs in New Jersey. Consider doing a Friday Fire Pit event. Sit in their plush overstuffed chairs, listen to live music near a roaring fireplace inside or enjoy their fire pits on the huge, attractive patio, keeping the hardier patrons warm outside. Either way, try their tapas ($10 per person) and pair them with Willow Creek’s Sangria. You may feel like you’re partying in the Hamptons for the weekend.
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Share your experience here.
Cheers!
