It had been about a year since our last visit to Beneduce Vineyards. Beneduce Vineyards is located in Pittstown. It is a hike for us-about an hour and a half from our home. But is was a beautiful day on Wednesday. Besides, we knew we would not be able to attend the Winemakers Co-Op event in November (more about that below). So if we didn’t visit in the fall, we might not be able to visit again until spring. Beneduce has been one of our favorites over the past several years, so my wife and I decided to make the trip.
The Winery
Beneduce opened their doors to the public in 2012. It’s hard to believe they have only been around for 12 years. They have won many awards for their wines and were named #24 in the “Top 25 Vineyards All Around the U.S.” by Travel+Leisure Magazine in 2017. Not bad for their fifth year in operation! Mike Beneduce, owner and winemaker, was named New Jersey’s Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year in 2022. The winery has a beautiful tasting room as well as a spacious outdoor seating area, where there is also a stage offering live music on many weekends.
The Tasting Room
The tasting room has a beautiful bar area, where swivel chairs line the bar. The beautiful lighting is provided by the unique windows. See photo below. There are also tables and chairs and High Tops, as well. There are barrels all around, adding to the ambiance. They are not just for show, as the barrels closest to us were all fermenting, as witnessed by the occasional sound of water gurgling in the gauges at the top.
The Wines & Charcuterie
We decided to go with the “Local Tasting”, which included several wines, a nice assortment of local goodies to snack on, and two of their signature wine glasses to keep. We got to try the following wines:
- Aqua Pazza (aka “Crazy Water”)-A low alcohol, Italian-style wine spritzer, utilizing their Shogun Red (slightly off-dry) as the base.
- 2022 Chardonnay-A very nice, gently oaked version
- Intermezzo– Gewurtztraminer, with the grapes fermented with skin contact. Very unique.
- 2021 Pinot Noir-Definitely one of the best Pinot Noirs in the state, with classic earthy notes and smooth, silky finish.
- 2020 Blaufrankisch-Their signature red wine; medium to full-bodied with bold dark fruit and a little spice. My favorite version in the state.
The charcuterie board (see above) was very good, consisting of locally sourced meats, cheeses, and fruits.
Our Take Aways
I would have added a bottle of Blaufrankisch to the wonderful pair pictured below, but I knew I still had two bottles of that great wine in our cellar.
My wife and I enjoyed our visit and hope to be back soon. I was missing the Dry Riesling on this trip. Hopefully next time.
A Quick Stop at Unionville
Since it was on our way home and I really wanted to pick up a few bottles of some of the best Chardonnay in the state, I contacted John Cifelli to see if I could pick up a few bottles since we’d be in the area. He was good to his word, as there were two bottles each of the Home Chardonnay and Pheasant Hill Chardonnay.
2022 Home Chardonnay-This fantastic, lightly oaked version was sourced from their original vineyard, where the tasting room is located. It is very well balanced with apple notes and just a little creaminess.
2022 Pheasant Hill Chardonnay-A wonderful version, also lightly oaked; more citrus forward, with subtle notes of lemon and lime. It was sourced from their vineyard in Hopewell.
Winemaker’s Co-Op
Unionville Vineyards and Beneduce Vineyards are two of the original members of the Winemakers Co-Op. The other members are Working Dog Winery, William Heritage Winery, Hawk Haven Vineyards, and Auburn Road Vineyards. They are holding their annual Winemakers Co-Op Fall Portfolio Tasting at Hawk Haven Vineyards on Sunday, November 3rd. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend, but if you are able to, they still have tickets available.
Inaugural New Jersey Wine Expo
On November 9, 2024, there will be the largest gathering of New Jersey wineries and vineyards in history. It will be the kickoff of New Jersey Wine Month. It will be held at Bell Works in Holmdel. More than 20 wineries and vineyards will be represented all under one roof. For more information about this event, check out the Garden State Wine Grower’s Association (GSWGS) website here:
Coming Attractions
- Working Dog Winery Fall 2024
- Laurita Winery Fall 2024
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