Laurita Winery Revisited

I previously wrote about Laurita over a year ago (one of my first posts). This is my Laurita Winery Revisited. Since I have already patronized all of New Jersey Wineries (at least once), I have been going back to some of my favorites. My first post about Laurita did not do it justice. A much more recent trip (this week) sparked my desire to not just try to purchase some of their wines, but to describe in more detail the many reasons why you should visit Laurita Winery, if you have not yet done so. My only disappointment on this visit was the weather. It rained so hard that we were stranded at the winery for about an hour and a half. Stranded at a beautiful winery with excellent wines! I know this scenario will not elicit a lot of sympathy from readers, but I was really hoping to enjoy our wines out on their deck, overlooking the vineyards and exquisitely landscaped property. Yet another reason to return to New Egypt, NJ!

As you drive past the lovely Inn at Laurita Winery and pull into the long circular driveway to the winery, you will immediately be impressed with the size and scope of the facilities. This beautiful 20,000-square-foot structure is actually built into a higher slope of the property and artfully combines two barns (each over 150 years old) into a wonderfully unique building, utilizing mostly recycled or reclaimed materials They also utilize solar energy to power their heat, hot water and cooling. Laurita places a high value on the environment, as they do in their winemaking and production.

Their Special Events room, which has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, offers views of the second-floor deck and a gently sloped walk that winds around to a patio below. Both areas can be covered with a tarp in bad weather or if the sun gets too hot. The tasting room/area has a high ceiling, rich woods, and upscale furnishings and décor.

When you are ready to taste, Laurita’s wines are well-made and as bold and complex as they are diverse, with a wide range of varietals that are also unique. The whites include Barcelona White (an Albarino-style wine); Chardonnay Naked (unoaked); Chardonnay Reserve (oaked and full-bodied); Tailgate White (a white table wine with a hint of sweetness); Pinot Gris (a medium-bodied white made completely in stainless steel); and Windswept White (a light white with fresh acidity).

Their reds include Barcelona Red (a Grenache style); Bistro (a fruit-forward, medium-bodied red); Cabernet Franc (smooth and full-bodied); Cabernet Sauvignon; Chambourcin; Lemberger (a spicy full-bodied varietal grown primarily in Germany); Norton (a rich, dark red varietal); Merlot; Tailgate Red (a sweeter red); and Relaxing Red (a sweet red with black raspberry and cherry notes). Laurita also makes a Sangria and a chocolate dessert wine they call Chocolate Therapy.

Laurita recently won Silver Medals  at the 2017 New Jersey Wine Competition for their 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon and New Egypt NV R2. They also took a Bronze Medal for their 2014 Merlot.

My favorite dry red is definitely their Cabernet Sauvignon, while my favorite dry white is more complicated. Both of their Chardonnays are good, but their Pinot Gris is also very good. It has a little more body than many Pinots, but is still crisp and refreshing.

Winery hours vary by season and by week, as they have many events and activities (some open to the public and some private events, such as weddings). Be sure to check out their many entertainment options and activities on their website. Tastings are $7 for six wine selections. They offer a 10% discount on wine purchases for active military personnel and for case purchases. They are open all year-round. While outside food may not be brought in, Laurita has a deli that offers a wide variety of snacks, salads, sandwiches and sweets. If you are traveling in the area and interested in staying overnight, consider the Inn at Laurita, located adjacent to the winery.

Next week: My review of the Washington Lake Park Wine Festival in Sewell, NJ. 

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