Spirits of N.J.: Robbinsville wine tasting celebrates honors for local wineries
The Winemakers Co-Op will hold its semi-annual portfolio tasting on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Working Dog Winery in Robbinsville.
For the first time, a New Jersey winery, William Heritage Winery, formerly known as Heritage Vineyards in Mullica Hill, received a 90-point rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, one of the world’s most respected wine publications.
The winery's vintage brut brought home the the highest honors, alongside several other wineries which are a part of the Winemakers Co-Op, which includes Unionville Vineyards, Working Dog Winery, Beneduce Vineyards and William Heritage Winery.
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This is a huge step forward for the Garden State wine program. To celebrate the achievement, the Co-Op will conduct its semi-annual portfolio tasting on Sunday, Oct. 29 ,from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Working Dog Winery in Robbinsville.
The fall tasting will feature 32 different wines from some of New Jersey's top wine producers, all of which adhere to the Co-Op's standards for Jersey fine wine — that they are classic vitis vinifera varieties, dry or clasically off-dry and from 100 percent New Jersey grown grapes.
With a $29 admission fee, attendees will be able to speak with the producers of the wines and learn how they were crafted. On top of tasting and mingling, there alsowill be live music and food from Princeton eateries Agricola, which serves creative farm-to-table fare, and Cargot Brasserie, inspired by the French brasserie.
Food is not included with the ticket price but outside food is allowed along with non-alcoholic beverages. Plus, Bianca Bosker, special guest and author of “Cork Dork,” will sign copies of her book and give inside information on the life of sommeliers in the city.
Three levels of tickets can be purchased for the fall portfolio tasting: a $10 ticket for designated drivers, those ages 13-20 and others who want to attend and but won't be partaking in the tastings; early bird ticket for $29 (available through Oct. 9, when the price will increase by $5); and $59 VIP admission.
The VIP ticket includes a 12:30 p.m. Winemakers’ Round Table panel discussion and tasting, which will focus on a specific element of New Jersey wine making or grape growing and include a tasting of wines relevant to the discussion. VIP entrants also will have a chance to taste a selection of reserve wines and a complimentary cheese and charcuterie platter.
If you love trying wines in your own backyard, the fall portfolio tasting will be a great way to taste what the Garden State has to offer and to see why our local wines are becoming extremely popular.
The Winemakers Co-Op Fall Portfolio Tasting
Where: Working Dog Winery, 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, Robbinsville
When: 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Cost: $10 youth/DD ticket, $29 general admission, $34 VIP admission
Contact: thewinemakersco-op.com/events
Purchase tickets: brownpapertickets.com/event/2990906
Got a beer, wine or spirit tidbit to share? Email me at mpolitz123@gmail.com.
Michael Politz, a lifelong New Jersey resident, has worked in the restaurant and bar industry for 20 years. He currently bartends at Water and Wine Ristorante, an upscale Italian eatery and bar in Watchung. His beer, wine and liquor column, Spirits of NJ, appears Wednesdays.