Friday was a beautiful day for a visit to Willow Creek Winery in Cape May. I know, I write about Cape May frequently. I believe it is justified because the whole town is a historic district, due to its predominantly Victorian architecture (most of it constructed during the Victorian era). Four of our presidents stayed at Congress Hall (a wonderfully restored hotel that was founded in 1818). Auto races were conducted on the beach in Cape May over 100 years ago. Today there are at least a dozen top restaurants in Cape May and a majority of them are BYOB restaurants! There are three top notch wineries in Cape May (Turdo Vineyards, Cape May Winery, and Willow Creek Winery). There are also three others nearby (Hawk Haven, Natali, and Jessie Creek). This area is truly a wine lover’s paradise.
Speaking of wineries…
Willow Creek is located in West Cape May. It opened its doors ten years ago and it has much to be proud of, with beautiful grounds, some very good wines, and an excellent selection of foods to accompany your wine. In the past we have spent most of our time in the large and beautiful tasting room. But the convergence of COVID and a beautiful sunny day, made the choice easy-sit on the expanded patio area with a nice red umbrella and a view of the vineyards that seemed to go on forever. See photos below (note the beautiful flowers and my beautiful wife near the entrance to the tasting room).
The Wine
Tastings are done via flights. I chose the dry red flight (and added a fourth, in order to try their Merlot):
- Wilde Cock Prestige Gold-a dry full-bodied red blend of their 2018 Estate Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (from Lodi, CA).
- 2019 Chambourcin-Estate-grown and aged over two years in French oak; medium bodied with hints of cherry and chocolate.
- Bacchus Red-A full-bodied blend of their 2019 Cab Franc and 2019 Petite Verdot; fermented and aged in French oak.
- 2018 Merlot-Estate-grown grapes and a very smooth and delicious wine
My wife chose the dry white flight:
- 2020 Malvasia Bianca-A delicious wine with citrus notes of lemon, a crisp, but surprisingly rich mouthfeel. It is made from their estate grown grapes and fermented in stainless steel. They are one of only three wineries on the East Coast who grow these grapes and produce this wine. This was our favorite white in the tasting.
- Wilde Cock Prestige Silver-Tasty blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Malvasia Bianca with notes of lemon and grapefruit on the palate.
- Wilde Cock Prestige White-a blend of White Grenache Blanc and Pinot Gris, with tart citrus notes.
The Food
My wife and I both chose the fish sandwich, which came with coleslaw and fries. Our classic fish sandwiches were huge pieces of haddock on brioche rolls with tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato with sides of fries and Cole slaw. More than either of us could eat, but a delicious lunch. Our bottle of Malvasia Bianca was a perfect pairing. Please note that the pink shading was caused by the red umbrella above us and my sandwich had a large bite in it before I remembered to take a photo.
Our Takeaways
We brought home a bottle of their Merlot and a bottle of their Malvasia Bianca (pictured below):
There’s A lot you can do here, between live entertainment, Fire Pit Fridays, and much more. We shall return!
Coming Attractions
- Blue Cork Winery and Vineyard
- Cedar Rose Vineyards with wine, women, and song (and food)
- Va La Vineyards
- Stokelan Winery
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Love the title!!
Thanks Patty!