NJ Wineries News and Events: The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) will once again host its Barrel Trail Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, July 13-14, 2019. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample future award-winning vintages direct from the barrel room, enjoy wine tastings and new wine releases, tour the vineyards, and hear discussions on the winemaking process from winemakers.
“Barrel Trail weekend is a great opportunity to ask questions of the winemakers, sample future vintages and learn about how wine develops from barrel to bottle,” said Tom Cosentino, Executive Director of the Garden State Wine Growers Association.
All New Jersey wineries will be open for tastings and activities on Barrel Trail Weekend. To find a winery in your area, visit www.newjerseywines.com.
Here’s a sampling of the activities planned for Barrel Trail Weekend:
Come in from the heat and enjoy a wine tasting from the barrel at 4JG’s Winery in Colts Neck. Winemaker Craig Donofrio will conduct an informative discussion of the use of oak barrels to enhance flavors. This event will be held on Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Barrel trivia and prizes will round out the fun.
Amalthea Cellars in Atco will be participating on both Saturday and Sunday in Barrel Trail Weekend. Check Amalthea Cellars website for details.
Autumn Lake Winery in Williamstown will offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience and sampling of wines right from the barrel on Saturday, July 13th from 11:00 am-6:00 pm and Sunday, July 14th from 12:00 pm-5:00 pm. Be the first to taste future vintages with the winemakers. Offerings include Sangiovese 2018, Blaufränkisch 2018, Merlot 2017, Cabernet Franc 2017, and Chambourcin 2017. Enjoy your favorite wine by the glass or bottle with live music by Medicine Man on Saturday from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm and Walter Sapsai on Sunday from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.
At Bellview Winery in Landisville, sample one of their upcoming 2018 vintages straight out of the barrel. Along with this young wine, Bellview will be sampling aged vintages as a flight so customers can experience how varietals develop over time. These wines will only be available for tasting during Barrel Tasting Weekend. Along with the exclusive wine preview, Bellview will have the vineyard tour trailer hooked up and rolling through the vineyard for your vine viewing pleasure. Trailer rides are free of charge on a first come first served basis, and will be offered from 12:00 pm-5:00 pm. Bellview will also be pouring samples from their everyday wine list.
Blue Cork Winery in Williamstown will be offering an educational experience with the winemaker in 45-minute intervals from open to close. No reservation needed. Enjoy five French oak barrel tastings and souvenir glass. Tastings include merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and white port. Blue Cork’s barrel trail will run from 12:00 pm-6:00 pm each day.
Cape May Winery in Cape May will hold their Vines to Wine Tour daily at 3:00 pm. Online reservations are required.
Cedar Rose Vineyards in Millville will feature a special tasting consisting of samples of seven oak-aged dry reds slated for release in late 2019 or early 2020. Included with the tastings will be boards of cheese, meats, and fresh fruits perfectly paired with the wines, along with tasting notes and conversations with the winemaker. Tastings last approximately half an hour and will be held on the hour, every hour from 1:00 pm-8:00 pm on Saturday and from 1:00 pm-6:00 pm on Sunday.
Cedarvale Winery will be participating in Barrel Trail Weekend. Visit their website and Facebook page for details.
At Chestnut Run Farms in Pilesgrove, the wine shop will be open for free tastings from 12:00 pm-5:00 pm.
At Hawk Haven Vineyard in Rio Grande, take their daily winery tour. Taste through their wines as your guide leads you through every step of the wine making process from the vineyard to the vast steel tanks and French oak barrels. Discover what makes each wine unique and how Hawk Haven wine makers achieve every flavor and aroma. Learn the history of Hawk Haven while you sip. The tour concludes with a selection of gourmet cheeses to enjoy on the vineyard view crush pad. To make a reservation, visit hawkhavenvineyard.com or call 609-846-7347.
Old York Cellars in Ringoes will hold tours and barrel tastings.
Plagido’s Winery in Hammonton will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am-5:00 pm. Enjoy wine sampling along with a sneak peek of their new vintages.
Villa Milagro Vineyards in Phillipsburg is offering tours and tastings.
For more information about the Garden State Wine Growers Barrel Trail Weekend and NJ wineries news and events, visit newjerseywines.com.
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