New Jersey Wine Bargains

Welcome to 2023. Many of you have made resolutions (perhaps even broken them by now). In these inflationary times, perhaps you are hoping to find ways to save some money (or at least pay off some debt). Being a wine lover may make it harder to save money. Good wine is not cheap and the costs to the growers, winemakers, and owners continue to grow. Bottles, corks, labels, and so many other costs have increased. Consequently, the cost of purchasing a bottle of wine has also increased. On this post I will share my suggestions for saving money, while visiting wineries (and liquor stores).

First, I will share my favorite New Jersey wine bargains. My criteria are wines made in New Jersey, that I have enjoyed in the past year, that cost under $20. Since the list of these wines gets shorter and shorter (especially if you prefer dry wines), I will make a few other suggestions in my post next week regarding how you can save a little more money.

Here are a few of my favorite NJ wines under $20 (some may be sold out and some may have even gone up in price since I bought them in the past year.

Bargain White Wines

• Bellview Winery Gruner Veltliner-A bone dry white with lime and apple notes and brisk acidity. Pairs with lots of foods.
• Bellview Winery Traminette-A lovely floral bouquet with a hint of lime and melon on the palate. Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
• Autumn Lake Winery Albarino-Still one of may favorite Albarinos and still under $20. Unfortunately, sold out.
• Autumn Lake Winery Traminette-Dry, with floral and grapefruit aromas, and a refreshing finish.
• Cedar Rose Vineyard Quartz Edition #2-a delicious medium+ body white blend with a rich mouthfeel.
• Auburn Road Vineyard Blanc NU-A refreshing, dry, unoaked Chardonnay.

Bargain Rose Wines

• Working Dog Winery 2021 Equinox-A dry, but very refreshing Rose made from their Chambourcin (90%) and Cab Franc (10%).
• Amalthea Cellars Lede-A very good Tavel-style Rose with delicious strawberry notes.

Bargain Red Wines

• Hawk Haven Vineyards Flying Press Red-A very good red blend with ripe fruit and just a touch of sweetness.
• Auburn Road Good Karma-An easy drinking light, dry red blend with subtle raspberry and cherry notes.
• William Heritage Red Sled-One of the best Cabs in the state for under $20. Unfortunately, they are already sold out.
• Cedar Rose Vineyard Old Hickory-100% Chambourcin with smoke, cherry, and oak on the palate. Smooth and tasty.
• Cedar Rose Vineyard Kindling Edition #3-A full-bodied blend of Chambourcin, Regent, Norton, and Cabernet Sauvignon. All grapes utilized bring deep color and rich flavors to the blend.
• Bellview Winery Solavita-A very good dry red blend of Blaufrankisch, Merlot, Syrah, Cab Franc, Chambourcin, and Jersey Devil Red Blend. It is oaked with cherry and a hint of vanilla on the palate.
• Bellview Winery Chambourcin-Still a good Chambourcin, with the classic cherry notes, and still under $20.

My Featured NJ Wine of the Week

I pulled this bottle out of my cellar, noting that it was from the 2015 vintage. Unfortunately, all vintages of this great wine are sold out (and I always look forward to them). It is the wonderful Turdo Vineyard Turis Persara (made by Sal Turdo and named for his wife, Sara). The wine is a red blend in the style of a Super Tuscan, with Merlot, Cab, and Sangiovese. It is a perennial favorite of mine. I was pleased that it was even more amazing than when I first tasted it at the winery-delicious ripe fruit with well integrated tannins and a long smooth finish.

Coming Attractions

• Saving Money on Your NJ Wines
• Striped Lion Distillery (in Woodbury)
• Another Featured NJ Wine of the Week

Tried a New Jersey wine recently? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Like what you read and see on the posts? It couldn’t be easier to scroll down, hit the “Subscribe” button below, and get your weekly pour of New Jersey wine right in your inbox. No spills. No mess.