It’s been awhile since my last visit to Monroeville Vineyard & Winery and definitely time for a re-visit. Monroeville Vineyard & Winery is located in Monroeville, a pleasant drive on the backroads of rural South Jersey. Monroeville is one of the nine wineries that comprise the Two Bridges Wine Trail in five South Jersey towns.
The tasting room is in a warm and rural venue, whose walls are adorned with mounted trophies in a region where hunting has always been very big. There are a number of tables and chairs where you can enjoys your wine, taste some snacks (or bring your own). There is also lots of room outside to do the same (and a large tented area for when Mother Nature is less than cooperative). The vibe is very informal and “down-to-earth.” Despite this humble approach, the owners (John and Debra Basile) both have a scientific background. While their winery has only been open since 2012, they have garnished a number of awards for their wines at the New Jersey Wine Competition.
Tastings are currently $10 for your choice of seven wines and a souvenir tasting glass.
My tasting included:
- Chardonnay (this Estate Vintage was unoaked; the oaked version was out of stock)
- Stillwater White (an interesting and unexpectedly good Gruner Veltliner aged in bourbon barrels, to great effect). I had previously enjoyed their Gruner, but not with the bourbon barrel
- Bella (Pinot Grigio)- a dry, but fruity Pinot (tasted with the generosity of my wife sharing her pour, in case you are counting the tastes)
- Cabernet Franc (presently a customer favorite)
- NJ Richwood Red (Cab Franc, Merlot and Chambourcin blend)
- Stillwater Red (Chambourcin aged in bourbon barrels)
- Warehouse Red (Malbec, with grapes from Chile)
- Elprimero (Syrah, with grapes from Chile; their most full-bodied red)
My personal favorites from this tasting were the Stillwater White and the Chambourcin. In previous visits my favorite was always the Stillwater Red (which was still good, but not as smooth as the Stillwater White). I felt the bourbon barrels weaved their magic more smoothly with the Gruner than the Chambourcin. I enjoyed the Chambourcin a little more without the addition of the bourbon influence. One of these days I’m going to have to try the Basile, red Port-style wine.
What’s new at Monroeville Vineyard & Winery? They are open seven days a week at their Main Vineyard and Tasting Room, but now, you can also taste and buy their wines at their Hammonton Tasting Room Outlet on Bellevue Avenue. They are open there Wednesday thru Sunday for wine tasting and sales. Monroeville Winery offers DiBruno cheese spreads, crackers and candy to enjoy with your wine. Special events are offered at both sites. Check them out.
Cheers!
Upcoming Book Signing Events
- Bellview Winery’s Italian Festival in Landisville (Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21 from 12-5) Come sample the awesome food from a large choice of terrific food trucks, listen to live music, taste great wines and stop and say hi to me. I’ll be selling my book (New Jersey Uncorked) and signing all copies. Unfortunately I can only accept cash or checks ($25, including tax).
- Old York Cellars Members Only Event in Ringoes (you must be a member to attend) on Saturday, November 10 and Sunday, November 11 from 12-5.
- The Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library in Sewell, NJ (606 Delsea Drive, Sewell, NJ 08080) on Wednesday, November 28 at 7:00 PM
Coming Attractions
- The Winemakers Co-Op Portfolio Tasting at Unionville Vineyards
- Cedarvale Winery Revisited
- Bellview Winery’s Italian Festival
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