Since my last visit, DiBella built a small tasting room where the tented tasting area used to be. The new tasting room provides enough space and seating for a typical day. Julie and her husband, Will, continue to grow their business and still plan to build a larger tasting room across the street, despite the greater than expected cost and red tape.
DiBella is a small, fairly new winery in the rural town of Woolwich on land that the DiBella family has farmed since 1925. The DiBellas are fourth-generation farmers. They grow many other crops besides grapes. This has not stopped them from attracting visitors with their wine, hospitality and warmth. Will takes care of the grapes and winemaking but continues to work part-time as a lab analyst. Julie takes care of the tastings, paperwork and inventory. Julie and Will have two daughters who help fill up their “spare time.”
DiBella makes three dry white wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Traminette. Unfortunately I did not get to sample the Chardonnay or Traminette this time, as they were sold out. Their dry reds include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. DiBella also produces two sweeter wines: Lemon Pomegranate and Raspberry Merlot (an interesting and enjoyable blend), as well as a Sangria made from their Cabernet Sauvignon. Julie also shared that they will have some Blaufrankisch (a dry red wine, not as commonly found in New Jersey) in the near future.
Julie is a warm, friendly young woman who exudes charm and hospitality. She and Will, have been working hard to make their dream come true. Their patience and hard work is starting to pay off for them.
Wine tastings are available on most Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m.–5 p.m. A tasting of five wines (and Sangria when available) is free if you choose the plastic cup or $3 if you want to sample their wine in their souvenir wine glasses. DiBella Winery is typically closed from January until April. Check their website for more information before you leave home.
My Suggestions:
- My favorite wine on this visit was their Pinot Grigio. It is light and refreshing.
- If you favor sweet wines, try their Raspberry Merlot or purchase a bottle of their Cabernet Sauvignon and try the recipe for Sangria that Julie includes with each bottle of the Cab. The Sangria is pretty good and not as super-sweet as many of them can be.
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Cheers!
