Jessie Creek is located in Cape May Courthouse. They are close to the resort area, without the parking headaches. A quick turn off of Delsea Drive (Route 47). But don’t let that fool you. In only a short distance down their driveway you are transported to a quiet, rural haven.
Since opening their doors in 2012, they have made many improvements to their property. They have renovated their inn, where you can stay and soak up the local ambience, as well as the wine. There are now three rooms to sip your wine, including a large room that also offers entertainment in the colder months. In the warmer months they offer entertainment outdoors, with a nice patio area. Jessie Creek welcomes you to bring your own food, though they do sometimes offer food truck alternatives.
As for wine…
You have several options when doing a tasting. You can taste five wines or seven wines from their menu or you can also opt for their flights. We chose to sample seven for $11 each.
My wife and I chose to taste seven dry wines. My choices:
- 2018 Pinot Gris-A hint of grapefruit from these estate-grown grapes.
- 2017 Naked Chardonnay-Citrusy version, fermented in stainless steel.
- 2018 Chardonnay-Hints of vanilla and pear
- 2017 Monarch Chardonnay*-Limited supply (our server gave us a taste, though it is generally only available via bottle purchases)-Our favorite Chard of the three here.
- Coastal Red Blend-Their most popular red. The grapes are sourced, not estate-grown. My favorite red here.
- 2016 Stratus Red Blend- A nice dry red blend of Merlot, Cab Sauvignon and Chambourcin.
- 2016 Chambourcin – A decent version of this classic hybrid, so popular in NJ.
- 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon-Estate-grown; medium-bodied with black cherry notes.
- 2015 Living Fossil Port* – A lighter bodied, but tasty Port-style wine, that is not cloyingly sweet.
*The Monarch Chardonnay and Living Fossil Port are two of the three wines in a series with exceptional artwork, highlighting the importance and plight of three endangered species: The Monarch butterfly, the Horseshoe Crab and Red Knot (a Rose that I did not get to taste). Kudos to the artist, the tribute to environmental sensitivity and the wines. I’ll have to try the Red Knot Rose next time.
You say you’re not a dry wine fan? No worries. They had 10 off-dry and fruit wines on the menu.
The sweeter offerings included Sauvignon Blanc, Villard Blanc, Apple, Cider-Style Apple, Sunset Rose, Bayberry Blush, Concord, Dyer’s Creek Blanc, Red Know Rose and Living Fossil Port.
Jessie Creek offers lots to do…
These include frequent entertainment options. They have hosted Unplugged Wednesdays and Sunday Sunsets in the Vineyard. We visited on a Saturday and there was live acoustic music indoors. If you haven’t visited before, check their calendar and try to combine some local music with your local wine.
There are also many things you can do before or after your visit to Jessie Creek Winery…
If so inclined you can try one of several other excellent wineries nearby. There are also several very good breweries and even a distillery. Obviously, Cape May itself is a goldmine for local history, beautiful Victorian architecture, and some of the best spots to eat in the state. My wife and I had lunch at Lucky Bones (across the street from The Lobster House-owned by the same folks). On the way home we stopped at the Lobster House Take-Out store and brought home fresh cod and scallops. What a great day.
Interested in an e-book version of my book (New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine)? Get it now at the Apple iBooks app and save $2.00 with the code: FEB20.
Coming Attractions
- Barrel Tasting at Hawk Haven
- Another Wining & Dining in South Jersey
- What’s on Tap at Bellview Winery?
- Unionville Vineyards Winter 2020
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