Old York Cellars, located in the town of Ringoes, has a lot to offer. The vineyards date back to late 1970’s (as Amwell Valley) and were purchased and reopened as Old York Cellars by David Wolin in 2010. The tasting room is a nice blend of stone and wood and is attractively appointed. They also have an inviting patio, the Vista Room (primarily for private parties) and lovely grounds to stroll and picnic. They offer over a dozen different varietals and have won awards and accolades for many of these. In 2016 alone they won a Gold Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition for their 2014 Syrah and Silver Medals for their 2014 Vidal Blanc and NV* Peach. At the same competition they won Bronze Medals for their NV Merlot, 2014 Malbec and 2013 Southpaw White Port. Old York Cellars won a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for their New Jersey Blackberry Wine. This year they also won a Gold Medal for their 2015 Chardonnay, a Silver Medal for their NV Merlot and Bronze Medals for their 2015 Pinot Gris and their 2014 Syrah at the Taster’s Guild International.
Old York produces the following white wines with their Old York Cellar Label: Dry Riesling, Pinot Gris, Vidal Blanc and Chardonnay. Their reds include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah and Merlot. They also make a Sweet Riesling and Blush.
Old York Cellars makes the following Dessert Wines: Southpaw Red (Red Port-Style Wine); Southpaw White (White Port-Style Wine); Blackberry Wine and Peach Wine. They also make a “Blanc de Blanc” (a sparkling wine).
Old York Cellars produces a second label called “What Exit” for which they donate $1 from every bottle of these wines that are sold. These labels can be personalized by you, as well. They raised thousands of dollars to support charities like Dance for the Cure, Hometown Heroes and victims of Hurricane Sandy. They also offer their event facilities at a reduced rate to non-profit organizations who host wine-themed fundraisers. They make a What Exit White (blend of 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Seyval Blanc); What Exit Red (blend of Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) and What Exit Blush (90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon). These wines are then customized by labels which show the various charities these wine sales help to support. They can be purchased as a single bottle or three-bottle set for each charity label.
My personal favorites were their What Exit White, Malbec and Southpaw Red, but there is something here for everyone. Old York Cellars is open daily for tastings Sunday to Friday from Noon until 5 PM and Saturday from Noon until 5 PM. They offer several different options for tastings: $7 for 6 wines; $7 for Chocolate for two; $21 for Wine and Chocolate for two; $12/person for groups of six or larger and includes souvenir glass; $7 per glass of wine; $2.50 for souvenir glass and $10 for a glass of Port Style dessert wine, Cabernet or Sparkling Wine.
* NV denotes Non Vintage (may be a blend of two or more vintages of that varietal).
Check out their website for a list of interesting entertainment options like Music Under the Stars and their Comedy Nights. Help your favorite charity while enjoying your favorite wine and live music or comedy.
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Share your experience here.
Cheers!
My favorite NJ winery! The Saturday hours of 12-7 are only in the summer. Rest of the year it’s 12-5. Don’t want people don’t show up in January at 6pm and be disappointed!
Thanks for catching that,Kathy. I’ll make a note about that. That’s why I encourage everyone to check the winery website. Many wineries have changes in hours seasonally (and even for special events like weddings, etc.).