My 2019 Favorites

Happy New Year to all! This delayed edition of my blog is a result of travel and computer/wifi issues. But, better late than never. So without further ado, the following is a toast to a few of my favorite things in 2019 and a few things I eagerly await in 2020.

My 2019 Favorites are listed below:

1. My favorite unique NJ wine this year was Beneduce Vineyards 2016 Tuxedo White Pinot Noir (pictured above).
2. White Horse Winery had my favorite new red blend of the year with their Solera (pictured above).
3. Unionville Vineyards produced my favorite white blend of the year: 2017 Hunterdon Mistral Blanc.
4. The Hawk Haven Sunset Cruise on the Delaware gets my vote for the best winery-sponsored event and best concert series (their RootStock Concert Series).
5. My favorite Wine Festival(s) was a tie between the two Winemakers Co-Op Festivals-the Spring Festival at Hawk Haven Vineyards and the Fall Festival at Beneduce Vineyards.
6. My favorite Food Event was the Cape May Winery Grill Night (my wife and I actually went to two of these in 2019 and both were great.
7. My most unique tasting in 2019 was Bellview Winery’s Dandelion Wine tasting, highlighted by a special tasting of a wonderfully aged family version (courtesy of Scott Quarella).
8. My favorite wine of the year: Turdo Vineyards Etichetta D’Oro Nebbiolo (their Etichetta D’Oro Sangiovese was a very close second).

2019 brought about a number of changes in the state’s wineries…

2019 was a great year for New Jersey wineries. Increasingly, they are getting more of the press and awards that they deserve. I should also note that 2019 brought about the birth of two new wineries: Terra Nonna in Millville and Federal Twist Vineyard in Stockton. Terra Nonna has been participating in festivals and selling their wines at their winery. Their tasting room is due to open in the spring. Federal Twist Vineyard has offered pop-up tastings at their vineyard and they are selling their wines at the Stockton Market.

A Few Things I’m Excited About and Look Forward to This Year Include:

• The opening of Autumn Lake’s beautiful new tasting room, overlooking the lake (coming soon).
• Cape May Winery’s new Pop Up Dinner Series starting Friday January 17th.
• Taking in another What’s For Dinner Friday Pasta event at Auburn Road. It’s been too long since my last one and they are great.
• Getting my Winter Cantina Mas blend at Amalthea Cellars. Now available.

There are tons of other exciting events coming soon at a New Jersey winery near you. Check out the Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) website for their calendar of events (and a to more). If you haven’t checked out their website, do so here: newjerseywines.com

Coming Attractions

• Working Dog Winery Winter 2020
• Pairing some of my favorite NJ wines with some of my favorite South Jersey Restaurant Dinners.
• A Review of a Pop Up Dinner at Cape May Winery

Cheers!

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