My wife and I have been wanting to get back to Bellview Winery in Landisville, especially on a nice day when we could be outside and perhaps enjoy some live music. When I read that John Rossi was going to be performing, we agreed that Friday would be the perfect day for our visit. After we arrived and put up our chairs in an ideal spot (close to the music and to the tasting room), I went to purchase a couple bottles of wine. I was greeted almost immediately by the owner, Jim Quarella. We chatted for a few minutes and then Jim asked if I wanted to try any of the new releases. I can’t turn that down, so I tried a few which helped me decide on my choices. He poured me a taste of the following:
The Wine
2022 Petit Verdot-I don’t recall trying this one in our past few visits. It was very good, with medium+ body and smooth tannins.
2023 Viognier-A tasty version of this white wine, with a hint of peach on the palate and a long, smooth finish.
2022 Cab Franc-Wow! This was superb, with a little more body and flavor than most of the Cab Francs I have had recently.
I already planned to order a bottle of Chardonnay, and when I told Jim this, he shared that it had won a couple of recent awards (reinforcing my decision to grab a bottle). After tasting the Cab Franc, I enthusiastically chose a bottle of it.
“Bottle of Red, Bottle of White…”
2022 Cabernet Franc-By far their best Cab Franc (in my opinion) and one of the best in the state. This one is a little darker in color with a little bolder taste in a medium-bodied version that offers tasty notes of raspberry and ripe peppers.
2022 Chardonnay-Bellview has always made a good Chardonnay, but in my opinion, this vintage is their best yet. Lightly oaked, this estate grown Chardonnay offers ample notes of apple and has lively acidity. It recently won a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle 2025 Competition.
The Food
While they did not have a food truck, they offer a nice variety of charcuterie boards, with our choices pictured below. On the left we have cheeses, meats, olives, marinated mushrooms and peppers, pretzels, and champagne mustard. On the right we have chips and spinach dip.
The Music
John Rossi
I have written about John Rossi before. He is one of the best performers gracing the stage of various wineries and breweries in South Jersey. He is the best acoustic blues guitarist I have seen at venues like this one and rivals some whom I have paid to see in larger, more formal concert venues. John’s bluesy voice complements his guitar playing and his typical playlist. My favorite on this occasion was “Windy and Warm,” a classic written and performed by the legendary Doc Watson. Among my other favorites were “I Know You Rider”, “Moondance,” “From the Beginning,” “Angel from Montgomery,” “One Way Out”, and “Undone.”
John played the first hour solo, but was later joined by his bass player, Jerry D. Mayall, and a third gentleman, who plays percussion and occasionally adds vocals. His name escapes me. I am hopeful that I will get to see John play a couple more times over the summer, as we tend to spend time at similar venues.
We had a great time! A special thanks to Jim Quarella, all of his fine staff, and John Rossi and his group for providing the music.
Coming Attractions
- Saddlehill Vineyards June 2025
- Unionville Vineyards June 2025
- Grill Night at Cape May Winery 2025
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