I had the pleasure of attending the Bellview Winery Italian Festival again this year. I must say, my level of participation was a bit different this year, however. This year, I was a vendor, selling my book, New Jersey Uncorked. Instead of one day, my wife and I were there both days. Like most of the festivals I attended this year, the weather has been, shall we say, “challenging.” Though it was unseasonably cold both days, Saturday was not that bad as the day progressed, but Sunday added a 30 mph wind to the mix. But enough about the weather. This is an awesome festival, with some of the best food trucks (most offering Italian-style favorites).There was live music provided by John Clark Music (offering a Big Band Sound with Sinatra tunes, among others) and Bellview Winery’s deep bench of wines to taste and pair with your food choice. I might add, you are still allowed to bring your own food here (anytime, including this festival).
The other attractions at these festivals are the vendors. While I sold some books, I had ample time to peruse the other tables that included everything from candles, pretzels, arts and crafts to cigars and crossbows. I particularly liked the crafts made from wood, with a wine and beer theme (“Beer, because your friends are just not that interesting”) and I would have enjoyed a cigar with a glass of the Bellview Winery Port (but didn’t want to scare off folks from buying one of my books-and I haven’t smoked anything, well almost anything, in years). These vendors won my respect, after spending two whole days, from morning until almost sundown (from set-up until cleanup and pack up). My set up was simple and primitive, as I was only selling some books, but the winds wreaked havoc upon many booths and several gave up on their assembled canopies after a few furious gusts.
Having two days to do tastings, I was able to sample all of the dry whites one day and all of the dry reds the next day. The dry whites included:
- Ara – A dry white utilizing Cayuga grapes
- Gruner Veltliner – A very good example of this Austrian grape; won a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
- Traminette – Floral, with a hint of tea and a little sweeter than some I have had, but my favorite in this tasting of their white wines (it also won a Silver Medal at the Atlantic Seaboard Competition).
- Vidal Blanc – A dry, popular hybrid
- Jersey Devil White – An off-dry white, blending Cayuga and Traminette
On Sunday my red tastings included:
- Jersey Devil Red – A dry unoaked red blend
- Chambourcin – Consistently good here (winning the Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition)
- Solavita – This is one I don’t remember trying before…a delicious red blend and a very nice surprise (at $15, also a very good buy)
- Coeur d’Est – A medium-bodied Silver Medal winner at the Beverage Tasting Institute
- Blaufrankisch – A dry and smoky red that was also a Silver Medal winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
- Cabernet Franc – The classic medium-bodied red
While I enjoyed all of these reds, I must say that for $15, the Solavita was not only a surprise, but a treat. Their Chambourcin is usually my “go to” red here, but I have one or two bottles in my cellar, so I went with the Solavita.
Overall, I thought this two-day event was another terrific festival, despite the uncooperative weather. Kudos to the Quarella family and everyone there who worked hard to make this event a winner!
Cheers!
Still need a copy of my handy, portable guidebook of all of New Jersey’s wineries? Better hurry if you want it for a Christmas present. Here are some great options:
Buy it through Book Baby (no wait, like elsewhere). The link is here: store.bookbaby.com/book/New-Jersey
Don’t forget to use the $2 coupon with the code Fall18. The coupon expires on 10/31/18! The coupon is only good at Bookbaby.
or …
If you’re a member at Old York Cellars, I will be doing a 2-day signing event there (in Ringoes, NJ) on Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 11th from 12-5. You must be a member there to attend.
I will also be doing a brief talk at the Margaret E. Heggan Free Library (606 Delsea Drive, Sewell) and selling and signing my book there after the presentation – Wednesday, November 28 at 7 PM.
Finally, don’t forget, if you want the book, but would prefer a less expensive (or more portable) copy, you can also purchase the E-Book via Apple’s iBook App. It is for iOS systems (Mac, iPad or iPhone) and is only $12.99.
Coming Attractions
- Cedarvale Winery Revisit
- My Interview with Seferino Cotzojay, winemaker at White Horse Winery
- Thankful in New Jersey
- A Few More of My Favorite Things
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