Note: This post was meant to be published last Sunday-the last day of Turdo Vineyards (as it has been known and loved for 25 years). A very dear friend of mine passed a little over a week ago and I have been in a daze since then. I did not want to wait any longer to complete and publish my homage to Turdo Vineyards and the family that made it great.
Turdo Vineyards recently celebrated their 25th year of their winery. It was the second oldest winery in Cape May and they have long been a favorite of mine (and my wife’s). Last Sunday (10/15) was their last official day at the winery. Sal Turdo decided it was time to retire, after 25 years. He and Sara, his wife, are looking forward to spending more time together, without working. Running a winery business can be back breaking work, especially if you are doing all of the components (growing and tending the vines, harvesting the grapes, de-stemming and crushing the grapes, fermenting the grapes, aging the reds in oak barrels, bottling the wine, running the tasting room, and selling the wine, etc.).
Luca (Sal and Sara’s son, and a very gifted winemaker in his own right) shared how much he and his family sacrificed running this business (no summers off, no sick days or vacation days-basically the grapes dictate your schedule). The pandemic made it even harder to find and keep even part time employees to help.
The winery and vineyards and all of the property were sold to an investment group, so the long term future of the vineyards is uncertain. For now, Luca will stay on for a while during the transition period-continuing to make the wine from the grapes that they harvested and are presently fermenting or aging in barrels and tanks. The Vineyards will no longer be called Turdo Vineyards. I am sad and we will miss the family, as we have gotten to know them and looked forward to visiting them, as well as buying and drinking their fabulous wines.
Our Last Visit
The Turdos have always been very kind and generous with their time. They all have a gift that makes you feel special whenever you visited. On our last visit, my wife and I were so happy that they asked us to pull up a chair at one of their tables on their beautiful patio. Luca was holding down the fort in the tasting room, as patrons stopped by to say goodbye and/or make a final purchase. Luca poured my wife and I a glass of their famous Nero d’Avola. Sal and Sara chatted with us, nostalgically about their years at the winery. We felt so moved that they spent almost an hour sitting and talking with us, when their move was imminent and there was so much packing, etc. to do.
I must say that despite my selfish sadness that this winery will be coming to an end, we are so happy that Sal and Sara will be able to enjoy their retirement in their home in North Jersey. They both look forward to traveling and some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Sal is also looking forward to doing some fishing and hunting. Sara will continue to grow and nurture her beautiful flowers. Her skills in this area were always on display at their vineyard. Anyone who has ever visited the winery and spent any time on their beautiful patio has marveled at how gorgeous the flowers were, seemingly always in bloom.
As for Luca, as noted above, he will stay for a little while during the transition period. After that, he is not sure what lies ahead, but we are sure that he will succeed at whatever path he chooses.
We wish Sal and Sara a happy retirement and to their entire family, we wish all the best. Cin! Cin! Salute!
Links to a couple of my previous posts over the years
I have written often about Turdo Vineyards and you can read a couple of those posts at the following links.
My NJ Wine(s) of the Week
This week: All of the Turdo wines made by Sal and his son, Luca. I can’t single one out. My favorite tended to change from one year to the next. As a group, I generally preferred the fabulous reds, some of which are pictured below, but the whites have always been excellent, as well. Unfortunately, I only have two of their white wines left in my cellar (and one Rose).
Coming Attractions
- Va La Vineyards
- Cedar Rose Vineyards
- Natali Vineyards
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A lovely tribute to the family and their wines.
Thanks Carolyn. I appreciate that and I know you got to try some of their wines. I only wish you could have met the family. Great family. Great wines.
This was a beautiful piece for a beautiful family!
Sorry for the loss of your friend.
Kenna & Todd
Kenna, Thanks for your kind words. I should add that Sal mentioned Todd and your winery as being helpful when Sal and his family were getting started with their winery (borrowing equipment and other positive, helpful interactions). I think those sorts of things can really help build a wine region, when cooperation supersedes competition. Cheers!