My New Top 12 NJ Wine Bargains

Inflation continues to cut into the family budget for folks. That includes our wine budgets. That said, I thought this was a good time to take another look at some good buys, including some hints about where and when to buy. With the current inflationary issue I thought I might need to raise the cut off price a few dollars (otherwise there would not be many dry wines in the bunch). But there are still some bargains to be found for $20 and under. My list was based upon those I have enjoyed in the past year and the prices reflect current prices. Unfortunately, I presently only have the three bargains pictured above. Many of the bargains are blends or less well known single varietals, but they are all worth checking out. I should also point out that lower prices can be obtained on most wines, by becoming a member and using your discount; buying in quantity (generally at least 6-12 bottles); and of course, checking out all of the sales. While I prefer to purchase these wines at the wineries, you can sometimes find a few that are a little cheaper at a local discount liquor store.

Red Wine Bargains

1. Hawk Haven Vineyards Flying Press Red-($18.99)-A terrific every day red; great for barbecues and pizza. I recently was able to get a case during a Buy One, Get One sale.
2. White Horse Winery 2018 Chambourcin-$19 now, but still wonderful and still a bargain.
3. Alba Vineyards Old Mill Red (around $15 at a local liquor store)-Delicious red blend of Chambourcin, Pinot Noir, and a small amount of Cab Franc.
4. Bellview Winery Solavita ($15)-a very good, smooth red blend at a pre-inflationary price.
5. Cedar Rose Vineyards 2017 Chambourcin Reserve ($20)-Another terrific Chambourcin right at my arbitrary price cutoff.
6. Auburn Road Winery Good Karma ($18)-A very smooth, light, dry, but fruity blend with cherry and raspberry notes.
7. Valenzano Old Indian Mills Blend ($18)- a very good blend of Merlot and Chambourcin; smooth and fruity.

White Wine Bargains

1. Autumn Lake 2020 Albarino ($17)-One of my favorite Albarinos (in NJ and beyond)
2. White Horse Winery 2021 Estate Chardonnay ($19)- Delicious unoaked version, allowing the fruit and acidity to shine.
3. Bellview Winery 2019 Gruner Veltliner ($17)- Notes of apple, lime, and pear, with lots of acidity.
4. Sharrott Winery Pinot Grigio ($18.99)-Still a nice, dry Pinot Grigio at a pretty good price.

Sweet Wine Bargains

1. Sharrott Winery Just Peachy Sangria ($14.99)-A perennial summer favorite. A terrific Sangria.

New Jersey Cocktail of the Week

Every once in a while, I like to enjoy a cocktail. Recently, I made my first-ever Negroni (equal parts Gin, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth). I made mine with a New Jersey Gin from Blue Rascal Distillery in Hammonton. See the photo below. It was very good and potent. I think it might even be better with a little experimentation with the relative quantities of the Campari and the Sweet Vermouth, which balance the sweet and bitter qualities of the drink to each individual’s liking. I might even try substituting Bourbon for the Gin (making it a Boulevardier).

Speaking of Bargains…

You can still order your ebook version of my book about New Jersey wines and wineries on the Apple iBook app. If you use the coupon code Winter21 you can get the ebook for $4 off (NOW ONLY $8.99).

Coming Attractions

• What’s New at Auburn Road Winery?
• Train Wreck Distillery

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