Sunny…at Hopewell Valley Vineyards
A sunny drive to Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington brought home two truths: 1. The sun plays such a key role in our mood and overall state of mind; and 2. Everything we truly enjoy in life (like wine) is so much better when shared.
While still chilly outside, the sun was bright and strong, It warmed my heart with its beauty and warmth. On one of the few times over the years when I did a wine tasting without my wife, I was reminded that I have shared so many beautiful sunsets, wonderful wines, great meals, and music with my wife. She is recovering from surgery and is now on the mend, but still not up for a road trip (even to a winery). She insisted she would be fine and all but pushed me (lovingly) to go.
So I will share the experience with you, but I will share the wine with my wife. Sharing is caring…
Two people who share that point of view are the owners (and wine makers) at Hopewell Valley Vineyards (Sergio and Violetta Neri). They share a passion not just for drinking wine, or owning a winery, but also making the wine (and all that goes into the process). They have been doing so since they opened in 2003.
If it was crowded in the tasting room, I may have opted for just a takeout order of a few wines. But I was happy to see that I was the only patron when I arrived. It had been awhile since I had done a tasting here. Hopewell Valley presently offers a flight of four wines for $17. I opted to go heavier on the red wines here, as I have enjoyed them the most in the past. I also did not have my wife to taste the whites and share them with me.
My choices:
- Rosso Della Valle-A dry estate-grown red blend of Chambourcin (95%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%).
- Sangiovese-The grapes resourced from Tuscany and Puglia and undergo primary fermentation there. They are shipped in the winter to Hopewell Valley Vineyards. It undergoes secondary fermentation (malolactic fermentation) in their cellar.
- Sangiovese Riserva-This is the more full-bodied version, spending much more time in French Oak. It is complex with lovely cherry notes and a long, smooth finish.
- Barbera-I remembered that I really enjoyed this one the last time I was here. It was my favorite in the tasting, though I thought all the reds were good. The Barbera is estate grown and worth seeking out.
My only regret with my tasting was that their V (a beautiful red blend of Sangiovese, Barbera, and Chambourcin) was sold out. The “V” is for Violetta (the winemaker). It was one of my favorites at previous tastings.
Take Aways
Share…At Bellview Winery
On Friday, my wife felt up to joining me at Bellview Winery in Landisville for their Happy Hour. Though there was no live music, there was plenty of sunshine and plenty of wine. My wife has been cooped up in the house since surgery and was happy just to be outside after a short ride on back roads. It’s amazing how sharing a glass of wine in a beautiful outdoor setting elevates the whole experience of drinking a glass of wine.
I bought a bottle of their 2018 Chardonnay for my wife. She wisely limited her intake to one glass, while I enjoyed a bottle of their 2017 Blaufrankisch. The Chardonnay, once chilled was very refreshing, with apple and vanilla notes and lively acidity. My Blaufrankisch was delicious. It showed cherry notes on the palate and had a long smooth finish.
I had a little more than one glass, but also nursed my wine and just soaked in the ambience, happy that my wife is on the mend and again at my side. “I Got You, Babe.”
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