The second day of our road trip to central and northern New Jersey included visits to three wineries. We did a tasting at Beneduce Vineyards, followed by stops at Unionville Vineyards and Old York Cellars. I had done a recent tasting at Unionville Vineyards and written about that visit here: https://wp.me/p74VSa-dfO.
I am planning on doing a visit to Old York Cellars in late summer or early fall. As for Beneduce Vineyards, it had been awhile since I did a tasting, so our first visit on day two was Beneduce.
Beneduce Vineyards
Beneduce Vineyards is located in Pittstown, a short drive from our stay in Flemington. They are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. It blows my mind that in 10 short years, these vineyards have yielded (with Mike Beneduce’s talents as both owner and winemaker) so many awards and accolades.
My wife and I did a traditional tasting of five wines. We arrived a few minutes before opening and things were just being set up for visitors when we arrived.
The Wines
- 2021 Dry Riesling-This was not on the menu. Our server, Anthony, substituted this gem for the Gewurtztraminer, which was still chilling. We were not disappointed. It was bone dry with minerality and a fresh, crisp finish.
- 2021 Riesling (formerly known as 3 Windows White)- This was a fruit-forward version with a hint of sweetness and a bit of lime on the palate.
- 2021 Dry Rose-Made from their wonderful Blaufrankisch, it is a bone dry Rose with bright acidity and a crisp finish.
- 2018 Cabernet Franc-A medium-bodied, somewhat smoky red with a lush mouthfeel and a very smooth finish.
- 2018 Blaufrankisch (formerly known as Blue2). It is their signature red wine-both savory and spicy. I can’t wait to pair this with a worthy barbecued meat.
Since it was around 12:30 and we were getting hungry, but wanted to enjoy a bit more wine, we ordered some charcuterie and a bottle of their Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec blend. I remembered how much we have enjoyed this wine on previous visits. This is a delicious, full-bodied blend that has silky smooth tannins.
Our Takeaways
We brought home four bottles to enjoy at home: 2021 Dry Riesling, 2018 Blaufrankisch, 2018 Cab Franc, and Mangione (a terrific Super Tuscan-style blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot). I was sorry to hear there will only be one more edition of this great wine. Beneduce is in the process of converting their inventory to 100% Estate grown grapes for their wines.
A bigger disappointment was that their Pinot Noir, Tuxedo, (their white Pinot Noir) and Chardonnay were sold out. We’ll just have to return again, sooner than expected, as these wines are spectacular. The great wines, lovely elegance and ambience, and superb service will definitely spur us to return. This was an awesome first leg of our return journey south.
Unionville Vineyards
Since we still had an hour and a half drive ahead of us, we decided to make it a quick stop. This winery was one of the first New Jersey wineries that assured me that our state’s wineries had arrived. Their offerings are unique and delicious. I knew exactly the wines I wanted to take home: all three of their Mistral Series-a touch of France in nearby Ringoes.
- 2020 Hunterdon Mistral Blanc-A long-time favorite. It is a full-bodied blend of Viognier, Marsanne, and Rousanne.
- 2021 Hunterdon Mistral Rose-Fantastic blend of Syrah, Petite Syrah, and Counoise.
- 2019 Hunterdon Mistral Rouge-A unique and wonderful blend of primarily Counoise. Ripe red berries on the palate.
Old York Cellars
Old York Cellars is located in Ringoes, a few short miles away from Unionville Vineyards. I love this winery. It is beautiful and there is always something happening here, including some wonderful food being cooked and served on the premises. We were tired, but couldn’t resist picking up a couple bottles of my favorite New Jersey Pinot Gris and a bottle of their What Exit Red (which is a nice, easy drinking red blend). A portion of the proceeds goes to a local charity.
I couldn’t resist taking a couple of pictures and making a mental note to return for a longer visit.
Our Takeaways
Two bottles of 2021 Pinot Gris and a bottle of What Exit Red are shown below. The Pinot Gris is a French-style Pinot Grigio, with a hint of pineapple and a bit less acidity than many versions. The What Exit Red is a very smooth red with light acidity.
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Like what you read and see here? It couldn’t be easier to scroll down, hit the “Subscribe” button, and get your weekly pour of New Jersey wine right in your inbox. No spills. No mess.
