Autumn Lake Winery Fall ’25

We recently took advantage of a nice day to take a short drive to Autumn Lake Winery in Williamstown. We are members, so it was a good time to stop by, pick up our allotment, and enjoy our free glass of wine (available during allotment pick-up week for members). Their membership is a very flexible one. While they pick out four wines three times a year for the allotment, you can trade in any (or all) of the featured wines and receive 15% off the four wines chosen. We were fortunate to run into Mark Hernandez and his wife, Donna (owners) when we arrived. Mark shared that they were offering two new wines in the current allotment: San Marco and Mitico.

I love the ambience, from the beautiful tasting room overlooking the lake, and seating options (inside, the screened in and enclosed porch, to the seating outside surrounding the tasting room. But we wouldn’t keep coming back if the wine wasn’t so good! Speaking of the wine…

The Wine

For my complimentary glass I chose their new wine, called Mitico. Mark Hernandez shared that the name means “mythical.” Mitico is a very good, smooth, medium plus red blend of Barbera (65%); Nebbiolo (25%); Marzemino (4%); Lagrein (3%); and San Marco (3%). The grapes were all sourced from Coia Vineyards in Vineland.

My wife chose her favorite wine here (and mine, as well)-Autumn Lake’s Albarino. They make two versions: this one- unoaked, and an oaked Barrel fermented version. They are currently out of stock of that one. The 2024 Albarino continues to please, with its refreshing citrusy notes of orange and lime. It is definitely one of the best Albarinos in the state. The Mitico blend and Albarino are pictured below.

I love that they continue to experiment with growing new varietals and making new blends here.

We selected both of the above wines to be in our allotment. The others (San Marco, Traminette, Tortuga and Chardonnay) are described below and completed our expanded takeaways (described and pictured below).

San Marco-This was their first vintage of the Italian varietal brought to New Jersey by Larry Coia, who owns a large vineyard in Vineland and supplies several wineries with one or more of the grape varietals that he grows on his Vineland vineyard. This version is a deep colored, full-bodied and robust wine with cherry notes and smooth tannins.

2023 Traminette-This fragrant, fruit forward white wine, is based on a hybrid grape developed at Cornell University in New York. It boasts floral and spicy aromas and tropical and citrus flavors.

2022 Tortuga-A tasty dry red blend of Cab Franc and Merlot, with raspberry notes on the palate and very smooth tannins. I love the label featuring a box turtle.

2022 Chardonnay-A very good unoaked version with medium body and notes of green apple. Very reasonably priced at $22.

Our Takeaways

Coming Attractions

• Unionville Vineyards Fall ’25
• Beneduce Vineyards Fall ’25
• White Horse Winery Fall ’25
• Cedar Rose Vineyards Fall ’25
• Terra Nonno Winery Fall ’25
• Old York Cellars Fall ’25
• Hopewell Valley Vineyards Fall ’25

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