Wine clubs are generally a win-win for consumers and wineries. Wineries get a quantifiable number of bottles sold every year (in addition to the walk-up trade). Typically the consumer gets discounts, access to wines with limited supply, often discounted (or free) admission to some winery attraction(s) or event(s), etc. Most wineries will even ship your allotment (usually 3-4 bottles available 3-4 times a year) for free in New Jersey. You will find that wineries often change their policies from year to year (and sometimes more often-like during COVID).
I have been a member of several wineries over the years, but I have had to limit these lately for three reasons: I am not independently wealthy; I have a finite space to store wine (and a finite lifespan to consume it); and I do enjoy drinking wines from other areas in the U.S. and around the world. All the more reason to choose where to join to get the biggest bang for your buck. With these things in mind I will share some of my suggestions for memberships.
William Heritage Winery
The photo above is their March Quarterly allotment for my Estate Membership (Painted Horse, Syrah, and Chambourcin). The cards are for our quarterly free glass of wine and free tasting for my wife and me. I have been a member here for several years and have found they offer a lot:
- Very good wine, with a diversity of styles (there’s a wine here for everyone)
- Many live musical events (and not just on the weekend).
- Attractive tasting room and grounds (with an attractive satellite tasting room in Haddonfield).
- Large enough to be socially distant during the pandemic.
- Close to home, allowing me to pick up wine, easily do tastings, and take advantage of winery happenings.
- Exclusive chance to purchase limited production wines.
For more information, check out their website here: www.heritagewinenj.com
Hawk Haven Vineyards
I believe I have been a member at Hawk Haven about the same amount of time, despite being a bit farther away from home. However, since we love Cape May and visit several times a year-it’s on the way! What do I like?
- The wine is very good, with an emphasis on dry wines.
- Rootstock Concerts (terrific)! There is often live music in the air here.
- Lots of special events (Sangria Sundays, events coordinated with Cape May Jazz Festival and The Cape May Ferry, among many others).
- A stone’s throw from historic Cape May.
- Invitations to barrel tastings and Futures Events.
- First crack at (and sometimes exclusive chances to purchase limited production wines).
Read more on their website here: hawkhavenvineyard.com
My March Quarterly allotment (pictured above) from left to right: 2017 Syrah, 2017 Gewürztraminer, 2015 Talon, and 2019 Viognier (limited production option that I opted to add to my allotment).
Amalthea Cellars
While not a typical membership, the offer is a one time purchase (not yearly) for a VIP membership for ONLY $25! This is a no brainer. It offers you and three specified companions, discounts on most wines produced at the vineyard whenever you visit. No minimum purchases, no quarterly allotment. If you love dry (especially red) wines, you can’t beat this deal.
Read more on their website here: amaltheacellars.com
A Few Others I’m Familiar With
South Jersey
- White Horse Winery-Until recently, I’d been a member since they opened. I will doubtless rejoin at some point.
- Sharrott Winery-I was also a member here for most of the past 5-6 years. Many points in its favor.
- Bellview Winery-In addition to very good wines and a diverse portfolio, they have incredible Festivals (Seafood Festival; Irish Festival; Italian Festival; etc.).
Central Jersey
If I lived closer I would be a member here:
- Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes– The quality and uniqueness of their wines alone make the case.
- Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown-Great, unique wines, plus excellent musical venue
- Old York Cellars in Ringoes-Very good wines and a great membership program. They dedicate two full days to member appreciation-Members only events with live music and food trucks.
Keep in mind, though I have visited all of our wineries in the state, I’m a South Jersey resident. There are many others that are definitely worthy of your consideration, but if you’re like me you have to draw the line somewhere. The line is usually the intersection of four points: 1. Enjoying their wines; 2. Fairly close proximity; 3. Special Events; and 4. Value for the cost.
NJ Wine in Liquor Stores
On a separate note, I have been noticing an increase in the number and diversity of New Jersey Wines in a growing number of liquor stores near me. Total Wine in Cherry Hill, Wegman’s, and ShopRite Liquors in Sewell, to name a few. Even more encouraging, they are not just the sweet wines and fruit wines. I have seen Amalthea Legends Series at Total Wine. I snagged a few recently at Wegman’s and ShopRite Liquors, pictured below.
From left to right above: Bellview Winery 2018 Traminette, Bellview Winery Jersey Devil Red, Bellview Winery Solavita, Auburn Road Vineyards 2017 Gaia, Auburn Road Vineyards 2015 Eidolon, Cedar Rose Vineyards 2016 Blaufrankisch, Cedar Rose Vineyards 2015 Samara, Alba Vineyards 2018 Red Blend, and Alba Vineyards 2019 Estate Riesling. Not a bad roundup.
While I always prefer to buy my New Jersey wines at the wineries, it’s hard to pass up a few wines you love from wineries that are a distance from your home.
Cheers!
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