Uncorking New Jersey
with Amanda Claire Goodwin @theRealHousewine
  In this issue of Uncorking New Jersey we highlight three wineries from the Outer Coastal Plain AVA located in South Eastern New Jersey. Each Jersey winery has its own uniques style.
William Heritage Winery
{480 Mullica Hill Road, Mullica Hill; 856.589.4474; www.heritagewinenj.com}
William Heritage Winery is owned and operated by Bill & Penni Heritage with the help from their sons, Richard, Bryan & Erik. This family owned and operated winery is new to winemaking but is certainly making a splash. The Heritage family has been farming in Mullica Hill, NJ for six generations since 1853. Starting in 1999, the Heritage family began transitioning their 150 acre estate from apple and peach orchards to vineyard sites.
Tasting Notes
William Heritage Winery is honored to have recently received 90-point ratings from such publications as Wine & Spirits Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, and James Suckling. Top ratings have been awarded to their Estate Reserve BDX (Merlot dominant Bordeaux blend), Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, and Estate Reserve Chardonnay. A personal favorite of mine is the Skin Contact Pinot Gris (orange wine). This is unlike a usual pinot gris in that it offers a fuller mouth feel with more pronounced aromas and flavors. Tasting notes that I find the most prominent are aromas & flavors of honeysuckle, apricot, and candied orange peel.
Truly Top Tier
William Heritage Winery wines stand out in terms of quality and are also sustainably grown. In addition to their fantastic wines, throughout the year, the winery offers various activities such as wine dinners, a 5K, wine release parties, live music, and assorted food offerings both in-house and via food trucks. You can even bring your well-behaved, leashed dog to outdoor areas of the tasting room. This winery is truly top-tier, offering an elevated experience not only from the quality of wines but also from the well-designed, stylish interior of the tasting room. Consider William Heritage a must-visit in the Garden State, no matter what time of year!
Since 1853
A Hidden Away Winery…..
Auburn Road Vineyard, Winery, & Enoteca
{117 Sharptown Auburn Road, Pilesgrove; 856.769.9463; www.auburnroadvineyards.com}
Hidden away in some of the most rural countryside New Jersey has to offer lies Auburn Road Vineyard. With not a bad seat in the house, their tasting room overlooks the idyllic vineyards where the sunsets are truly magical. The exterior has a beautiful, picture-worthy pergola of intertwined vines. Auburn Road Vineyard is modeled after an Italian Enoteca, where they serve an assortment of pizza, flatbreads, gelato, coffee beverages, and, of course, wine. When I first entered, I was hit with the enticing aroma of truffles which is served with their tartufo pizza.
Spring & Summer Sipping
In terms of Auburn Road Vineyard wines, I really enjoyed their Cabernet Franc which has characteristic notes of bell pepper, cracked black pepper, and tart red cherry. The dry Rosée is also great for low-key spring & summer sipping, and their unoaked Chardonnay has some interesting tropical fruit notes. In terms of activities, this winery offers farm-to-table dinners, property tours, and live music. It’s certainly worth the drive if you’re in the mood for something unique.
Jersey in Italy
What I find most fascinating about Auburn Road Vineyard is that owners Scott and Jules Donnini had their wines sent to Italy. They were part of a group of New Jersey wine growers who brought their wines before about 3500 people at the US embassy in Rome. This experience was spearheaded by Sally Semeria, an Italian sommelier specializing in finding up-and-coming American wine-growing regions. She does this with the objective of introducing them to Italy. How amazing would it be if New Jersey wines were actually sold in Italy someday?
…a vineyard modeled after an Italian Enoteca…
A Tried & True Favorite…..
Laurita Winery
{85 Archertown Road, New Egypt; 1.800. LAURITA; www.lauritawinery.com}
Laurita Winery is a tried and true favorite among local wine lovers in Central Jersey. This sustainable winery is an eco-tourism destination and makes every effort to reduce its impact on the environment. Even the tasting room is made from reclaimed and recycled materials with solar energy used. Laurita Winery offers a tremendous assortment of entertainment and activities! From Yoga & Goats, Wine & Paint, Dance Parties, line dancing, food truck festivals, live music, and stand-up comedy, rest assured Laurita has something for everyone.
Down the Shore
In terms of wine, Laurita Winery offers mono-varietal wines such as Lemberger, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more. They also offer fun blends, which are popular with patrons, such as Down The Shore and Tailgate. Of course, if you’re going to be drinking, you’ll need some food, and Laurita Winery has that covered. Their food options are great, from salads to sandwiches, steaks, and even cheese boards.
One Stop Shop
Laurita Winery is your one-stop shop for family fun, entertainment, and New Jersey wine. Laurita Winery has its own Inn, Spa, and Equestrian Center which serve as the perfect getaway. The Inn is a restored yet rustic farmhouse with modern amenities. The spa is offered to guests of the Inn. The Equestrian Center offers horse trails and riding lessons for patrons to enjoy.
About the Author:
Amanda Claire Goodwin is a New Jersey native who has been blogging about wine since 2017 under her handle The Real Housewine. She was educated at the International Wine Center in New York, NY, and is a professional wine concierge and consultant. Amanda has a special interest in Italian wines and wines from emerging regions. She also founded National Orange Wine Day. For more information about Amanda, see her website, www.therealhousewine.com, or IG account @TheRealHousewine.