It’s been over a year since my last post about Jessie Creek, so today, Revisiting Jessie Creek Winery.
While there were no dramatic changes since my last visit, I’m glad I returned to highlight a couple of the new things, as well as the things that make Jessie Creek one of South Jersey’s unique boutique wineries. One of the important new changes is the addition of their new manager and assistant winemaker, Noelle Quirk. She began as a server, but “got the bug” and went back to school to learn more about wine. This collaboration is literally bearing fruit (sorry couldn’t resist that one). In 2017 Jessie Creek won two Bronze Medals for their 2015 Stratus and 2015 Pinot Grigio. For a list of other recent awards consult their website or the Garden State Wine Growers Website.
Jessie Creek Winery is close to historic Cape May and all the attractions that go with that, minus the traffic and parking hassles. It is a hidden gem in its own right. While one of the smallest wineries, they offer a fairly large selection of varietals. The setting is quiet and pastoral with ample room inside and outside at picnic tables and sufficient shade on their wooded lot to offer protection from our summer New Jersey sun. They also have a banquet hall available for special occasions, and even a restored 1846 Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast for those who are planning to do wine tastings in the area and prefer to stay close to the Victorian attractions nearby, without enduring the crowds and higher prices.
Their dry wines include Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. Depending on present stock, perhaps more than one vintage of Chardonnay may be available. Their offerings at this recent visit included the following dry reds: 2015 Chambourcin; Stratus (full-bodied blend of Merlot, Cab Franc and Chambourcin red blend); Sunset Red Blend (Cab Franc and Cab Sauvignon blend); Coastal Red (a blend of Cab Franc, Merlot and Grenache); Petit Merlot (lighter style); 2015 Merlot; 2015 Merlot Reserve (more time spent in oak). Their off-dry/fruit wines include Cremant (a sparkling blend of whites); Riesling; Villard Blanc (a French hybrid); Concord; Cranberry; Blueberry; and Apple.
They are open six days a week, year-round. You can do your tastings on Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. or Saturday or Sunday from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. They are closed on Mondays.
In warmer weather, if you can make it on a Wednesday, check out their live acoustic music at an Unplugged Wednesday or visit on a Sunday and try their Sunday Sunset in the Vineyard, when they offer food catered by local merchants and a live band. Even your pooch is invited. If you are traveling from afar, consider staying at their inn. They have done much to make your stay a pleasure, not just a convenience. Jessie Creek is great for groups who may be traveling together. So, take in the sights, enjoy your wine and consider extending your stay. If so, plan in advance and make reservations. There is much to do nearby.
My personal favorites:
This time, my favorites were their 2015 Pinot Grigio, their Coastal Red and their 2015 Chambourcin.
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- Tropicana’s Jersey Shore Wine Festival
- A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine – What do I mean by snob-free?
- My 2+Year Wine Odyssey: An update of my soon-to-be-copyrighted book!
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