Besides selecting bargain wines (like those I discussed last week), there are several other ways to save money, while enjoying your wine. Most wineries will give you a discount if you buy a case or more (sometimes even fewer bottles), but the best way to save money at our New Jersey wineries is by becoming a member. Most, but not all of our wineries offer memberships. However, not all memberships are created equally or offer equally great benefits. In return for your patronage (and generally an agreement to purchase allotments of three or four wines, three or four times a year), you will get a discount on those wines and often many other perks. If you are a dry wine lover (like me), I hope these suggestions help.
Two of my favorite winery membership deals are found at William Heritage Winery and Hawk Haven Vineyards.
William Heritage Winery
The photo above depicts our free flight of wine for my wife and me on Thursday. We then got to use our other quarterly bonus: a glass of wine of our choice from those available. These two benefits saved us around $75. Multiply that amount times four (the quarterly allotments each come with two free flights and two free glasses). That’s a $300 savings per year! You also get 20% off on the wines in your allotment and there are other perks, too-like member only access to limited production wines and discounts on some of their special events. An example of their member only wine offerings is my New Jersey Wine of the Week selection for this week, featured below. Their website is here: heritagewinenj.com
Hawk Haven Vineyards
Hawk Haven Vineyards offers very generous membership perks. The biggest one is the huge sales they offer at least a couple of times a year-up to 35% off for members (when purchasing a case of wine or more). They also offer free barrel tastings and Futures tastings, as well as discounts on many of their special events. Their Root Stock Concerts are perennial favorites for music fans. I have posted about many of these events in the past. I can’t begin to tell you how much money I have saved over the years thanks to their amazing sales. Their website is here: hawkhavenvineyard.com Besides allowing you to stock up on your favorites at a great price, it may allow you try try that premium wine that you’ve been wanting to try, but did not want to pay $40 or more. $26 (35% off of $40) is a lot easier on the wallet.
Other Money-Saving Ideas
Amalthea Cellars
Amalthea Cellars is located in Atco. They offer V.I.P. memberships. The cost is only $25 and it is a one-time cost. They offer sales on featured wines each month, strictly for VIP members. The membership benefits can be shared by four people. So grab a couple of friends and check it out. While you’re there, ask about their Cantina Mas. It is a plastic jug that they will fill up with the equivalent of six 750 ml bottles. These are seasonal dry red blends that are changed four times a year. Once you pay for the plastic growler, you can re-use it (if cared for as recommended) for your seasonal refill (paying just for the wine). The refill is just $36! Their website is amaltheacellars.com
Happy Hours
Several wineries offer discounted prices on a glass or bottle of wine during their happy hours. A few wineries where I have taken advantage of these specials are: White Horse Winery in Hammonton; Bellview Winery in Landisville; and Cedar Rose Vineyards in Millville. Many other wineries in the state offer happy hours or other specials. Days and times may vary, so check before you go.
How can you stay up on sales and special events? If you are a member, you probably already receive newsletters or email with relevant information. If not, besides going to the winery websites, you can also go to the Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) website here: newjerseywines.com. Of course, you can also return to newjerseyuncorked.com every week and get my take on New Jersey wines and wineries. Want to share your suggestions? Submit a comment below.
My New Jersey Wine of the Week
What an interesting find! My wife and I were so glad that our server at William Heritage Winery offered us a complimentary taste of a new limited production wine, only offered to members-their Skin Contact Pinot Gris (an Orange wine). I have to state upfront that I am not generally a fan of Orange wines. Those that I have tasted were either bitter or just not my thing. This one was neither bitter nor sweet and had a bit more body and a lush mouthfeel.
Coming Attractions
- Awesome Takeout & NJ Wine
- Striped Lion Distillery
- Train Wreck Distillery
- My Featured NJ Wine of the Week
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