Love & Wine in the Time of Corona

Slainte! Happy belated St. Patrick’s Day! Welcome to the new normal! Since my last post so much has changed. All wineries in New Jersey are now closed for tastings, though most are still open for bottle sales and deliveries. Many wineries are being creative in helping you comply with the social distance guidelines. In addition, many are offering special discounts during these difficult times. I will highlight a few of my favorites that I am aware of, but please check your favorite winery websites and the GSWGA website for more. In addition, I want to share some other websites where you can order wines to be delivered to your home.

Here are a few of the great deals I have found. I believe all New Jersey wineries (or the great majority) will ship to anywhere in the state (for a fee). Many will ship outside the state. Some are running free shipping deals and/or significant discounts for their wines. Among my favorite deals:

• Hawk Haven Vineyards is running their March Madness sale. Get up to 30% off on case purchases! They will ship (check on their cost). However, they are also offering curbside pickups. Just call and charge and tell them when you will be there. No need to leave your car.
• White Horse Winery is also offering a curbside pickup, with substantial discounts. They are doubling their discounts on wine for members.
• Sharrott Winery is offering free shipping on THREE or more bottles!

Note: Please check hours and details and call first if you desire curbside pick-up.

I already miss my visits to our state’s wineries and my chance to interact with winemakers, owners and their staff. I will miss their musical performances and other creative offerings. Let’s hope this madness ends sooner than predicted!

You can still visit brick and mortar liquor stores. But if you are unable or unwilling to visit a liquor store (they are still considered essential businesses, at least for now) try one of these online services for wines from anywhere:

• wine.com-They offer a StewardShip program for $49 for a year. During the course of the year, you can order as often as you want and as few a number of bottles as you like for no additional shipping charges. A great delivery system, but only worthwhile if you order frequently and/or in large quantities.
• Wine Library-Located in New Jersey. They have an in-store presence, but offer daily specials, most often offering free shipping for purchases of a case or more. Their prices are also very competitive!
• Total Wine-My favorite brick and mortar liquor store (though Binny’s in Champaign, Illinois is a close second). Total Wine will ship for free if within 15 miles of one of their stores. However, this deal only applies to their Winery Direct wines (not to those whose price ends in “7”).

A reminder: You can still download my virus-free ebook, New Jersey Uncorked for $10.99 at Apple’s iBook app. Use the coupon code March20.

Coming Attractions

• My favorite wine gadgets and tools
• An updated list of wine resources (books, websites, blogs, magazines, etc.)
• What I’m doing to keep my sanity during the COVID-19 Crisis (I’d love to hear what you’re doing and I’ll publish my favorites here)
• Another pairing of my favorite binge-worthy TV Shows with NJ Wines

Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Please share your experience here. I’d love to share your experience and your observations on this site. Like what you read and see here? Subscribe below and get your weekly pour right in your inbox (while keeping your social distance). No spills, no mess.