Isn’t it amazing how wine and music go together! The wine makes the music sound even better and the music enhances the flavor of the wine-just like wine can enhance the flavors of food. In the summertime, there are few things that I enjoy more than listening to live music outdoors and enjoying some good wine. Luckily, I live in the epicenter of where these events take place-at our numerous and terrific wineries here in South Jersey. Within a 60-75 minute drive, I can enjoy live music and great wine in the fresh air at about 20 of our wineries.
In today’s post, I will share two of these events that I have enjoyed just in the past two weeks: Rootstock at Hawk Haven in Rio Grande and Vino & Vibes at William Heritage Winery in Mullica Hill.
Rootstock Series at Hawk Haven Vineyards
Hawk Haven has been putting on some great music every summer for nine years. I love that they showcase many different genres of music-from Rock and country to folk and jazz. They have even been one of the venues for the popular Cape May Exit Zero Jazz Festivals. Hawk Haven usually has at least one “headliner,” but they have consistently offered some great live music every year on Friday nights in July and August. Unfortunately we are unable to make it this year to see Jeffrey Gaines there, but decided to sample a couple of groups that we were not familiar with-the first was Kaleta & Super Yamba Band.
The Music
Kaleta & Super Yamba Band (a seven man band)
This group, based in New York, plays a rhythm-heavy sound with a fusion of rock and jazz. They have a somewhat similar sound to Carlos Santana and his Band, with a lot of great guitar riffs and brass solos.
The Wine
Hawk Haven 2023 Naked Chardonnay-A very reasonably priced unoaked Chard, with just a touch of Pinot Grigio (14%) with tropical and citrus notes. Delicious and very versatile with food.
Hawk Haven Flying Press Red-a great every day red, with strawberry, cherry, and vanilla notes. It pairs nicely with barbecued meats of all sorts and is a natural with most BBQ sauces.
The Food
Fish Tacos and pulled pork empanadas with a side of parmesan fries. They were messy, but wonderful! Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the food truck.
We enjoyed going back and forth between our Chardonnay and our Flying Press Red. Another very enjoyable evening. My kind of night!
Vino & Vibes at William Heritage Winery (Mullica Hill)
Like Hawk Haven’s Rootstock Concerts, Vino & Vibes has been a summer tradition for several years at William Heritage Winery. We’ve been busy this summer, so we attended our first one this past Wednesday.
The Music
The music was provided by Anker, an acoustic guitarist, who performs a wide range of popular covers, like Bruce Springsteen, John Melancamp, and even ZZ Top. We sat close enough to hear his music, yet far enough to be able to talk in conversational tones. Very enjoyable.
The Wine
We elected to use our free glass of wine cards (courtesy of our membership). I chose a glass of their 2022 Cab Franc, while my wife chose a glass of their Proprietor’s White Blend. Both were very good, but ultimately we chose to get a bottle of the Proprietor’s White Blend to go with our food.
2023 Proprietor’s White Blend- This is a very good dry white blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng, and Semillon. It offered tasty notes of apple and pineapple. It was aged in stainless steel.
The Food
There were two food trucks available at the front of the property. Buon Viaggio and Julio’s on Main. We chose a white pizza from the Buon Viaggio truck. We also munched on some aged Asiago cheese, I picked up from the tasting room. A simple, but delicious dinner that paired beautifully with the Proprietor’s White Blend wine.
A nice relaxing night, with no rain and a comfortable temperature!
Coming Attractions
- Annata Wine Bar in Hammonton
- Beneduce Vineyards September 2024
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Just scroll down, press the “Comment” button, and add your comment(s). Like what you read and see on these pages? It could’t be easier to scroll down, hit the “Subscribe” button and get your weekly pour of NJ wine right in your inbox. No spills. No mess. The subscription is Totally Free. I will not share your email info with anyone.
