Autumn Lake Winery Winter ’26 & More

We recently took advantage of a sunny, warmer day to pick up our allotment at Autumn Lake Winery in Williamstown. We got to try a couple of new bottlings (Cab Franc and Chambourcin, both in our current allotment). Autumn Lake was doing a Member’s Only event later that night, offering a guided tasting of the allotment wines, led by Mark Hernandez, owner, and Sean, the winemaker). Unfortunately, we were unable to attend that event. I know I wrote a short piece about this winery on a recent post. But as great as the views were then, they did not compare with the snow and ice-covered grounds. Even the lake was partially ice-covered this time.

The Wine

In addition to our tastes of the new bottlings, we took advantage of our other member benefit: a free glass of the wine of our choice. I chose the 2022 Blaufrankisch and my wife surprised me with her choice: a glass of their Tortuga.

• 2022 Cabernet Franc-A very good, very dry, but very smooth version.
• 2022 Chambourcin-An excellent tasting version with ripe cherries and a hint of vanilla on the palate.
• 2022 Blaufrankisch-Excellent estate grown wine with ripe dark fruit, some peppery notes, and lively acidity.
• 2022 Tortuga-A tasty, smooth blend of Cab Franc and Merlot.

The View (Not the TV Show)

 Our Takeaways

We decided to only swap out one wine. Since my wife doesn’t care for sparkling wines, we substituted the Boujee Bubbles with our favorite white wine here (2024 Albarino, the unoaked version). We also added a fifth bottle, 2022 Squankum. The other bottle in the allotment was: Albarino Barrel Reserve.

We’re definitely looking forward to visiting in warmer weather and enjoying some live music in the great outdoor

My Favorite NJ Sweet Wines of 2025

I am finally getting around to giving some love to some sweet and fortified wines. As readers of this blog know, I am a dry wine lover (red, white, and rose). However, I do enjoy the occasional glass of Port-style wines and a few other sweet wines after dinner. I do not have pictures for all of them, as they were consumed over the past year. There are also some perennial favorites on my list.

Sweet, unfortified wines

• Sharrott Winery Just Peachy Sangria-Perennial Summertime favorite with real peach flavor. Very refreshing!
• Auburn Road Vineyards Give Peach a Chance-Also a great peach flavored sangria.

Creams

• Tomasello Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cream-Fantastic (as are their entire line of “Incredible Creams.” Tastes just like the name! Red wine base, according to our server.
• Laurita Winery Chocolate Therapy-Wonderful and does seem therapeutic. Made with red wine as the base.
• Laurita Winery Chocolate Peanut Butter Therapy-Same as the other, but with the added benefit of Peanut Butter!

Fortified/Port-style Wines

• Saddlehill Winery Vinho de Sobremesa Dessert Wine-Very good, full-bodied, and sweet, but not cloying. Their Port-style wine with deep ruby color and notes of red berries, plums, and cherries.
• William Heritage 2024 Fortified Red-Blended with Chambourcin (60%) and Cab (40%); a wonderful wine that also does not overdo the sweetness.

Coming Attractions

• Bellview Winery Winter ’26
• Blue Cork Winery Winter ’26
• Auburn Road Vineyards Winter ’26
• Sharrott Winery Winter ’26
• Beuna Connection Brewing Company

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). Note: I have been having some issues with these, as I get a lot of spam and attempts at hacking, but I will try to filter the genuine feedback and respond to you (either directly or in future posts. Like what you read and see here? It couldn’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. Subscriptions are FREE and I will not share your email info with anyone.