Twice a year I eagerly await the Winemakers Co-Op Portfolio Tasting events. The fall event this year was at Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown. The five winery members are Unionville Vineyards, William Heritage Winery, Working Dog Winery, Hawk Haven Vineyards and Beneduce Vineyards. They rotate hosting this event every spring and fall. The wineries bring eight of their favorite wines available. The result is always an amazing assortment of wines and this event did not disappoint.
Beneduce Vineyards is a beautiful venue for tasting their fabulous wines, listening to live music, or even getting married. If you have not yet visited, you owe it to yourself to come and enjoy nature and taste Beneduce’s liquid sunshine. Beneduce Vineyards was named one of the Top 25 Vineyards in the country by Travel & Leisure.
To kick off the day’s event, there was an hour discussion led by the winemakers and John Cifelli from Unionville. They shared their feedback of the challenges and successes of the past year, as well as their hopes and expectations for this year’s harvest. Everyone left with the excitement of what was to come. In addition to tasting fine wine, there was the opportunity to interact with the winemakers from each winery. Pictured below are the participants of this panel discussion.
From left to right above: Connor Quilty, Unionville winemaker. Next to him is Mark Carduner, Working Dog winemaker and one of the owners there. Standing in the center, hydrating, is Mike Beneduce, winemaker and owner at Beneduce Vineyards. Next to him is Todd Wuerker, winemaker and owner at Hawk Haven Vineyards and Sean Comninos, winemaker at William Heritage Winery. Standing behind this group is John Cifelli, Unionville General Manager and Executive Director of the Winemakers Co-Op.
One of the highlights for me was the talk by Jason Wilson, pictured below. He is the author of Godforsaken Grapes.
Having recently read and enjoyed his book, I was eager to hear Wilson’s talk. His book talks about some of the more exotic grape varietals around the world. Unfortunately, thousands of species of grapes have disappeared around the world. Fortunately, some of the rare grapes remaining are making a comeback. Thankfully, some farmers and viticulturists have made it their mission to save them. Wilson’s book was described by the New York Times as one of best wine books of 2018. It should also help by highlighting the importance of the diversity of grapes. Wilson was complimentary about what New Jersey has been accomplishing in the world of wine. I would definitely recommend his book. He writes with knowledge and wit about the lesser known grapes around the globe.
Speaking of wines…
The highlight of this event is always the wine. Here are a few of my favorites tasted:
- Beneduce Vineyards Centerfold Pinot Noir (now made with their estate grown grapes and even more awesome than previous versions)
- Beneduce Chardonnay (a terrific Chard with great balance of acidity and fruit)
- Unionville Vineyards 2015 Home Vineyards Chardonnay
- Unionville Vineyards Pet Nat Riesling (dry, subtle brioche and very refreshing)
- Working Dog Winery Retriever (their wonderful Bordeaux-Style red)
- Working Dog 2016 Cab Franc (definitely one of the best Cab Francs around)
- Hawk Haven Vineyard Signature Series Pinot Grigio (my favorite Pinot Grigio in NJ)
- William Heritage Winery Pet Nat (made from Chenin Blanc; slightly less dry than Unionville’s Pet Nat with more prominent brioche)
I must note that I tasted more of the wines from the three wineries farthest from home for me (Beneduce, Unionville, and Working Dog).
Below are a few of my souvenirs from this event:
I should also mention the live music provided by The John Beacher Trio. They provided acoustic funk rock for those enjoying their wine in this beautiful setting. I regret that my photos were not worthy of displaying here. You will have to take my word that the red umbrellas dotting the green lawn provided the perfect place to listen to the music and enjoy the spacious outdoor venue.
Congrats to All Involved!
The Fall Winemakers Co-Op Portfolio Tasting was highly enjoyable and a tremendous success. I’m sure the record 440 paid attendees would agree. Hats off to Mike Beneduce, John Cifelli and all five Co-Op members, and everyone who helped to put on this wonderful event.
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- My take on the Finger Lakes
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