Autumn Lake Winery June ’26

My wife and I have been wanting to visit Autumn Lake Winery for a while. They are located so close to us, in nearby Williamstown, but the setting, overlooking the lake, seems like miles away…and so relaxing! We timed it perfectly as our allotment was ready to be picked up and we wanted to enjoy a little wine while observing mother nature (the dozen or so ducks leisurely swimming, a couple of Baltimore Orioles, the beautiful reflections in the lake, and of course, the many rows of wonderful grape vines. While there did not appear to be any significant damage from our late frost, our server shared that there was a little damage, but perhaps not as bad as others nearby.

We decided we did not need to do a full tasting, but instead took advantage of our free glass of wine. My wife chose our favorite white wine (Albarino), while I was eager to try their new Bordeaux style red they call Eagle.

The Wines

2025 Albarino– This remains our favorite Albarino in the state, and one of our favorite versions anywhere. This vintage may even be more fragrant than usual and the citrus notes definitely dominate the taste. The result is a perfect, refreshing wine to enjoy in the summer months and beyond. But stock up because this one will sell out. They also make an oaked version which is also quite good, but the stainless steel allows the fragrance and citrusy fruit to shine. It wasn’t on the allotment list so we swapped out the off-dry Traminette with this Albarino and enjoyed a glass, while just relaxing with the view.

Eagle-A wonderful Bordeaux-style red with medium plus body, a deep ruby red color, and cherries on the palate. This is a new offering for Autumn Lake and hopefully it will stay on their rotation. We also noted that they offer it on their draft series, along with a White Eagle. I neglected to ask about that one. Next time I’ll have to try the draft version and maybe the White Eagle, though I’m not sure if that one is dry. Most of the draft wines are sweet, like Sangria and a few others.

Our Takeaways

Our extended allotment consisted of the following: 2025 Chardonnay; 2025 Albarino (2); 2022 Blaufrankisch; Eagle; and 2022 Squankum (a great Chambourcin that was fermented in bourbon barrels).

We can’t wait to go back soon and listen to some live music while enjoying the ambiance

Screw Off Caps vs Corks

Before closing here, I wanted to share an observation and information about the increasingly popular use of screw off enclosures on wine bottles, instead of the good old corks.

I have been noticing the increased use of screw off caps instead of corks-not just in New Jersey, but on wine bottles from all over the world. Even some bottles from the Old World countries like France and Italy. Of course, this is much more common with white wines than red wines, but even red wines (especially lighter wines that are more likely to be consumed when they are young (e.g. Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, etc.).

Here are just a few reasons for these changes:

• Corks have become more expensive.
• Corks are more susceptible to mold and mildew, resulting in a wine being “corked.”
• If the wine is not meant for cellaring for long periods of time, there is no need for the additional benefit of cork (breathability). If they do need this (like the great reds and whites in Burgundy and Bordeaux) it is highly unlikely that they will be joining the screw off trend!
• Screw caps have improved with modern advancements focused on consistency, preservation, and controlled and micro-oxidation.

Finally, just because a wine is capped and not corked does not mean it is a “cheap wine” (or an inferior wine). There are terrific, highly rated wines that are capped.

Coming Attractions

• Carol’s Birthday Dinner & Celebration
• Fourth of July & NJ Wine
• Beneduce Vineyards Summer ’26
• Auburn Road Vineyards Summer ’26
• Vino &Vibes Summer ’26
• Cedar Rose Vineyards Summer ’26

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