With a nod to the English poet, Shelley, “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” Hopefully, not far behind! It’s been a hell of a winter. So what are you looking forward to this spring? In today’s post I’ll share with you what I am looking forward to this spring and summer at our wineries and vineyards. The biggest unknown continues to be the COVID-19 status and risk level. But, there are finally some positive signs and projections on this front. Vaccinations are going well (including mine) and it was recently reported that we may have herd immunity by summer!
Of course, I look forward to visiting some of my favorite local wineries and doing tastings, without uncooperative weather. I am also eager to revisit some distant wineries, going to a couple of outdoor concerts and other fun events without enduring the cold or needing to rent a heater/fireplace with my seating. Wineries have been remarkably creative and adaptable during these difficult times, but we’re all eager to return to something resembling normal again.
There are many expansions and changes in the appearance and capacity of various tasting rooms of wineries that I look forward to seeing in person (and hopefully being able to see them safely on the inside). Autumn Lake Winery has been waiting for a very long time to open their tasting room, even though it could have opened much earlier if COVID hadn’t so rudely interfered.
Here are a few of the specific items on my wish list:
- Checking out Angelico Vineyards (one of our newest wineries, located in Lambertville). They are open for private tastings now.
- Visiting VolinKelly Winery (their tasting room is scheduled to open this year). The pandemic has slowed the licensing process for new wineries. They are located in Mantua.
- Attending at least one of the fabulous Summer Outdoor Dinners at Cape May Winery (catered by the Washington Inn).
- Enjoying a glass of wine (or two) at Autumn Lake’s Tasting Room, overlooking the lake.
- Revisiting some of our wineries that are a bit farther away from me, such as Fox Hollow Winery, Brook Hollow Winery, Alba Vineyards, Beneduce Vineyards, and Ventimiglia Vineyards.
- Graduating from Takeout & NJ Wine to Al Fresco Dining & NJ Wine
On a more basic level, I look forward to opening a few New Jersey wines in my cellar, once I am not taking a couple of my medications for my pinched nerve. I haven’t been able to have even a glass of wine for over three weeks! Consequently, just drinking a few wines I already own will be savored. Can’t wait!
Among my first few bottles to open (pictured above left to right):
- Sharrott Winery 2018 Merlot (winner of the Governor’s cup in 2020)
- Hawk Haven Vineyards 2018 Signature Series Syrah
- Alba Vineyard 2017 Chardonnay
- William Heritage 2015 BDX
- Turdo Vineyards Turis Etichetta D’Oro 2014 Nebbiolo
- Unionville Vineyards 2019 Pinot Noir Reserve
Cheers!
For New Jersey Wine Lovers
For $9.99 you can still download a copy of my book, New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine. Just go to the Apple iBook app and use the coupon code: Winter2021
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