On Tuesday, my wife and I had had the opportunity to enjoy two spots we’ve been meaning to visit for some time. The first was Salem Oak Vineyards in Pedricktown. The second is a brewery in nearby Woodstown, called Farmers & Bankers Brewing. This brewery is only about a year old, while Salem Oak is celebrating seven years since theopening of their winery. Their first vines were planted 10 years ago. While we have visited several times over the past six or seven years, it has been too long since our last visit. I’ll begin this post with our experience at Salem Oak Winery.
Salem Oak Vineyards
My wife and I have always enjoyed the artwork displayed around the tasting room (like the large piece above the bar in my photograph above). Some of the artwork reflects the influence of the Native American culture that is part of the history in Pedricktown (as it is all around our country). Salem Oak has a nice homey, covered porch in front of their tasting room and beyond that, there are numerous picnic tables with umbrellas to further enhance that homey feeling when the weather is cooperating.
Salem Oak wines are generally named after family members as noted in the tastings below. As usual, my wife and I both did a tasting to maximize the number of wines we could try. We both enjoyed all of the wines we tasted and they are fairly inexpensive. Several have won medals in recent New Jersey Wine Competitions.
My Tasting
- Jake (Cabernet Sauvignon)-Surprisingly less body than the Chambourcin, but enjoyable.
- Christopher Andrew (Chambourcin)-My favorite in the tasting; full-bodied, lots of fruit, and a hint of pepper.
- Mathis (Merlot/Cab Blend)-A very nice medium-bodied blend.
- Merlot’s Merlot* (Merlot)-Fruit forward and medium to full-bodied.
*Note: Not meant to be redundant-they named their Merlot for a dog they loved, named Merlot.
My Wife’s Tasting
- Jessica Rose (Vidal Blanc)-A good version of this dry white hybrid.
- Aida Louise (Unoaked Chardonnay)-a fairly light, but enjoyable Chard, with a hint of butter.
- Jake (Cab)-See above.
- TripleTwin (Strawberry)-Though sweeter than I generally like, it would be a nice after dinner wine.
We also shared a delicious spinach and artichoke dip with chips. Next time we’d like to try a few other items from their extensive food menu. Salem Oak has a nice little menu that includes some sweet goodies from a nearby bakery. They also have a fairly active social calendar with live music and other entertainment. This is a very attractive and welcoming venue. If you’re in the area, I encourage you to visit. You can check out more about this winery on their website: salemoakvineyards.com
Farmers & Bankers Brewing
This excellent craft brewery is located in Woodstown, next to what used to be an old bank on the Main Street. The owners (Michael and Rebecca Melniczuk) bought the vacant building and the connected adjacent structure. Both have obviously undergone extensive renovation and refurbishing. The original bank was completed in 1892. For those readers not familiar with Woodstown, it dates back to 1882. The photo below shows the bank vault area, at the rear of the bar and tasting room.
My Samples
- Never Drink a Loan (West Coast IPA)– My favorite name for a brew in our tasting and a very nice IPA. ABV=7.2%.
- Woo Tang (Double IPA)-An excellent DIPA, with less bitterness and smoother than most. ABV=7.4%.
- Strong Like a Bull (Belgian Dark Strong Ale)– I added this one to my tasting and was glad I did. A super Belgian! ABV=10.6%!
- Cow Tippin (Milk Stout on Nitro)-A tasty Stout with chocolate notes and a 5.6% ABV.
- Night Deposit (American Vanilla Porter on Nitro)-A very good Porter with vanilla notes and a 6.2% ABV.
My Wife’s Sampling
- Cow Tippin (see above)
- Night Deposit (see above)
- Angry Pig (American Pale Ale)– A good easy drinking Pale Ale that has been double dry hopped and would be great with almost any sandwich you could imagine. ABV=5.5%.
- Decemberfest-A Marzden done in Octoberfest style., but brewed in December (by popular demand) after the Octoberfest “kicked.” This was an excellent Marzen. I can see why the original was drained so quickly! ABV=6.3%.
As we were getting ready to leave, I took the photo below of the motorcycle that Michael’s father built. Pretty cool!
We truly enjoyed our visit to this super new brewery and our chat with Michael, co-owner (and our server). We shall return. Want more info about this brewery? Here’s their website: farmersandbankersbrewing.com
My New Jersey Wine of the Week
This week I want to spotlight Terra Nonno Winery’s 2017 Cabernet Franc. It is a tasty, medium-bodied version with very smooth tannins and gentle oaking. It is great with grilled foods, pasta, or on its own. Terra Nonno Winery is located in Millville.
Coming Attractions
- Amalthea Cellars Spring 2023
- Balic Winery
- My NJ Wine of the Week
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