Heritage Vineyards is a landmark in Mullica Hill. Their winery has an attractive, open and airy tasting room and plenty of room outside on a covered patio with an awning and umbrellas. Heritage Vineyards has been open for 14 years, but the family has been farming in Mullica Hill for over 150 years. They have been very popular in South Jersey for their fruit wines and sweet wines since opening. They continue to be a big draw. However, Heritage has been on a mission to also produce high quality vinifera grape varietals and their efforts are paying dividends. They have won numerous awards for their wines and were chosen New Jersey Winery of the Year in 2011, 2014 and 2015.
In 2016 Heritage won 12 medals at the New Jersey State Fair First Annual Commercial Wine Competition, including a Gold Medal for the Best White (NV Jersey White) and a Double Gold for Best Fruit Wine (NV Jersey Peach). The same year at the New Jersey Wine Competition they won a Gold Medal for their 2012 Late Harvest Chambourcin and six Silver Medals (2014 Chenin Blanc, NV Cuvee Rouge, 2013 Chambourcin, 2014 Coeur d’Est, NV Jersey Apple and 2013 Heritage Brut). At the same competition they also won nine Bronze Medals (2014 Cab Franc, 2013 Syrah, 2014 Chardonnay Reserve, 2014 BDX, 2013 Malbec, 2013 Merlot, 2013 Dry Rose, NV Sparkling Apple and 2014 Semillon). In 2016 at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition they won four Silver Medals (2013 Malbec, 2014 Semillon, 2013 BDX and 2014 Chenin Blanc) and two Bronze Medals (2014 Estate Reserve Chardonnay and 2013 Cabernet Franc). Finally their Estate Reserve Chardonnay won a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition earlier this year.
In addition to the above awards, several of Heritage’s wines have been independently rated by the Beverage Testing Institute: Chambourcin 2013 – 90 Points; Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 – 88 Points; Coeur d’Est 2014 – 91 Points; Syrah 2014 – 91 Points; BDX 2013 – 93 Points and Penlyn Moscato – 90 Points.
Heritage produces wines with three labels: Heritage Classic, Heritage Reserve and Jersey Wines. All wines with the Heritage Label are estate produced with their grapes. Heritage Jersey Wines are sourced from their farm and other producers in the state.
Jersey Wines include Jersey Apple, Jersey Blue (Blueberry Wine), Jersey Blush, Jersey Peach, Jersey Red (blend of Barbera and Concord), Jersey Shiraz (100% Syrah – another name for Shiraz, made here with a little sweetness), Jersey Sugar Plum and Jersey White (blend of fruits).
Heritage Classic Varietals include 5th Edition Cuvee Blanc (blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Albarino and Pinot Gris); Dry Rose; Cuvee Rouge (blend of Chambourcin, Merlot, Syrah, Cab Franc and Grenache); Merlot and Chambourcin. Heritage Reserve Wines include their Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Coeur d’Est*, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Estate Reserve BDX (a Bordeaux Style Blend). While not on their present tasting menu Heritage makes a Cab Franc; Painted Horse 4th Edition (a blend of Chambourcin and Merlot); Semillon; and Sauvignon Blanc as well as some wines that are only available if you are a club member.
My personal favorites here are the Estate Reserve Chardonnay, the Merlot, the Coeur d’Est, the Syrah, and the velvety, but pricey 2012 BDX. However, the Cuvee Blanc ($14.99) and Cuvee Rouge ($16.99) may be the best buys.
Fruit wine and sweet wine lovers choose the Jersey Wine Tasting. If you are a fan of dry whites and reds, I recommend you do the Heritage Reserve Wine Tasting, though the Classic Wine Tasting also offers a few good choices which are very reasonably priced. The Reserve Tasting offers a few more upscale wines and the only BDX that you can taste before deciding if you want to buy a bottle (2012 Estate Reserve BDX = $50). However, several of their wines with limited production (including some of the higher rated and more expensive wines) cannot be sampled and can only be purchased by the bottle if you become a member. They are in the $60-$70 range. While their membership offers discounts (10% per bottle; 15% per half-case and 20% per case), a couple of these bottles may still require a “Go Fund Me Page” for some folks. It took me three trips to the tasting room and a membership to taste all but the two most expensive bottles. Perhaps I’ll wait for a Christmas present from a great friend or relative to try them…
The tasting room is open daily from 9 AM until 6 PM. You can select the Jersey Wine Tasting ($5), Classic Wine Tasting ($5) or the Reserve Wine Tasting is ($10). The tasting consists of your choice of five wines offered on their tasting sheet.
*Coeur d’Est is a French phrase meaning “Heart of the East” and with regard to NJ wines, signifies that the wine is a blend of the best grapes grown only in the Outer Coastal Plain (OCP). Many of the wineries in this area produce their own version of a Coeur d’Est.
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Share your experiences here.
Cheers!
My book, New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine should be available in March, 2017. It will go into more details about the wines and wineries with my recommendations, more information about ambience, events, and other items that should help you enjoy your wine tastings and wine trails even more.
