Fifth generation family-owned and operated land, award winning products, beer, food, people and music, all variables adding to the wonderfulness Heritage Vineyards offered during their Grand Finale Concert Saturday Sept. 24.
“We are trying to overcome that stigma that New Jersey doesn’t make good wine. But when people come to an event like this they’re convinced.” said event coordinator Rich Heritage.
I was certainly convinced and welcomed upon arrival with a wine glass, beer cup and program. The beer cup contained 5 tickets to taste the craft beers, which were limited per customer, unlike the wine which was flowing freely.
The area behind Heritage’s main building was set up with tents, a stage and a great, large crowd. The tents consisted of beer tasting/for purchase provided by Flying Fish Brewing Co., the Barnsboro Inn which had food for purchase, and Heritage’s plethora of wine. Heritage debuted their Moscato wine which went to shelf Sept. 22nd, the Thursday before the event.
The wines were, as always, exquisite. I spoke with wine maker Sean Comninos, who gave me a wonderful and insightful tour, which will be a full length feature coming soon. (I learned so much that I need to share it in an article all its own.)
When asked about how he felt about his wines being award winning, “Well it’s nice to gain recognition, we’ve been awarded Winery of the Year from the state for 2011, which is quite an honor” he said.
“The awards that really matter to me more are the general public liking our products. We’ve gotten a few really positive reviews from the Wall Street Journal.” Sean said.
I tried three wines that I particularly loved, Painted Horse Cuvee, Chambourcin and a 2006 Chardonnay. The Cuvee is a mixture of Heritage’s Syrah, Merlot and Chambourcin. It was slightly dry with a bit of sweet that finished with a mild bite. It is the perfect red to use for hosting dinner or pasta parties. Not everyone appreciates red wine due to the heaviness it may have, however, the use of Painted Horse for those pickier dinner guests is perfect. It was deep in flavor, and a good fit for ‘new’ red wine drinkers.
The Chambourcin was sweet and dry. It was made in a French/American Oak blend cask and the deep flavor of the oak is easily tasted with each sip that the wine offers. The 2006 Chardonnay was the only white I really tried and in the nature of a true white wine it was light and sweet. I recommend it to any white wine enthusiast.
Thankfully the rain held off and guests brought personal tents and chairs set up creating an inviting atmosphere. There were farm animals roaming around their pens for all ages to enjoy. Parents were walking around with their children tasting the food, drinking the wine and venturing to pick apples. I say the event was ten dollars well spent for guests, there was so much to savor.
“We love doing it, everyone is having a great time” Rich Heritage explained, summing up the overall feeling of the event.
Heritage Vineyards final Happy Hour will be held this Thursday Sept. 29th. Their next big event is the Holiday Wine Trail Weekend November 25, 26 & 27 from 12pm – 5pm. To learn more visit http://bit.ly/dBsmhk
Sassy Vine 