2022 Makers Profiles: New Jersey's Local Drinks Movement

WINE MAKERS PROFILES

ALBA VINEYARD
269 County Rd. 627, Milford
908.995.7800
albavineyard.com
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-5pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm

Alba Vineyard sits in the heart of the Warren Hills AVA. Everyone on Alba’s team, from vineyard to cellar, is united in the desire to create estate wines that honor their remarkable origins with unique expressions from the winery’s terroir.

Alba Vineyard is committed to and has always embraced sustainable vineyard practices. This allows them to deliver wines that express their natural origin and remain complex and elegant for years to come.

One of life’s greatest pleasures is sharing fine wine and food with like-minded connoisseurs. Throughout the year, Alba will be hosting exciting events at the winery. Visit their event page so you don’t miss out on sharing memorable moments with friends and family.

 RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• 2019 Chardonnay
• 2019 Cabernet Franc
• 2020 Pinot Noir

“We work every day, so we are open every day; as we encourage a visit to our beautiful estate to discover our passion for growing premium grapes and crafting wines of exceptional value.” —Tom Sharko, Owner

BELLVIEW WINERY

150 Atlantic St., Landisville
856.697.7183
bellviewwinery.com
Hours: Sun-Thurs 10am-5pm; Fri-Sat 10am-8pm

In 2001, Jim and Nancy Quarella opened Bellview Winery on land Jim’s ancestors had purchased in Landisville nearly 100 years and four generations earlier. Today, the estate winery grows 20 grape varieties and offers 30 different wines, with something for everyone’s palate. The winery’s knowledgeable and friendly staff are available to guide customers through a vineyard tour and wine tasting; guests can enjoy light fare while they sip. Bellview continues to focus on sustainable grape varieties to produce world-class wines.

 RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Cabernet Franc: Medium bodied with plum and light oak flavors
• Traminette: Bright and fruity, with honeydew flavors
• Dry Rosé: Bright and floral, with hints of nuttiness

“We are excited to see the continued growth of high-quality wines in New Jersey. We find it amazing and very gratifying to see how our winery continues to grow and be truly appreciated by so many.” — Jim and Nancy Quarella, Owners

BENEDUCE VINEYARDS

1 Jeremiah Ln, Pittstown
908.996.3823
beneducevineyards.com
Hours: Wed, Thurs, Sun 12-6pm; Fri-Sat 12-8pm

Beneduce Vineyards offers sustainably grown wines with a sense of place and a simple approach: To bring out the best in every vintage.

Owner and winemaker Mike Beneduce was recently named New Jersey’s 2022 ‘Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year’ by the State Board of Agriculture, and was a national finalist for the 2022 Outstanding Young Farmer of America.

Beneduce wines are handcrafted from 25 acres of estate grown grapes, with a focus on food-friendly, aromatic varieties. Guests can visit the on-farm tasting room to sample quality wines in an inviting atmosphere, with an experience focused on attention to detail and exceptional hospitality.

 RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Dry Riesling
• Gewurz Pet Nat
• Pinot Noir

“Beneduce Vineyards hopes to become leaders in sustainable agriculture and help grow the fine wine industry in the Garden State.” — Mike Beneduce, Owner
 

CAPE MAY WINERY

711 Townbank Rd., Cape May
609.884.1169
capemaywinery.com
Hours: Open daily 12-5pm

Cape May winery owners Toby Craig and Betsy Sole love the excitement of New Jersey’s young wine industry. Craig and Sole have worked since 2003 to create a unique atmosphere that can be felt as soon as visitors arrive. Winemaker Michael Mitchell carries this feeling from the vineyard and into production, making some of New Jersey’s finest wines alongside assistant winemaker Jackson Sole. The team’s attention to detail is visible in every bottle.

Stop by to stroll through the vineyard and pair quality wines with small plates from the on-site kitchen— life is too short to drink bad wine.

 RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• 2021 Stone Series
• 2019 Cape May Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2019 Cape May Red Reserve

“The influence of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay along with our sandy soils create a terroir where our grapes thrive. We constantly look to improve viticulture practices and winemaking techniques with each vintage to make the best wine we can.” —Michael Mitchell, Head Winemaker
 

SHARROTT WINERY

370 S. Egg Harbor Rd., Hammonton
609.567.9463
sharrottwinery.com
Hours: Sun 10am-5pm; Mon-Tues 12-6pm; Wed-Sat 12-9pm

At Sharrott Winery, visitors can indulge in more than just wine—Sharrott’s scratch kitchen offers artisanal cheese plates and plenty of gourmet dishes. Sharrott Winery is one of the few in New Jersey to offer table service; plus, customers can enjoy live entertainment while sipping wine on a patio overlooking the vineyard.

Sharrott looks forward to continuing to grow and build the reputation of the New Jersey wine industry and now offers a full line of sparkling wines. Whether you’re a sommelier searching for the perfect vintage for your menu, or you simply want to enjoy a beautiful day in the countryside, Sharrott Winery offers it all.

 WHEN YOU VISIT: 

• Come hungry–great food in the wine bar
• Live entertainment 5 days a week
• Check sharrottwinery.com/ events for details

“There is nothing better than sharing our hard work with our customers. Awards are great, but nothing is better than someone sharing how our wines played a part in one of their celebrations.” —Larry Sharrott III, Founder
 

SPIRITS & CIDER MAKERS PROFILES

THE CIDERHOUSE AT IRONBOUND FARM

360 County Rd. 579, Asbury
908.940.4115
ironboundfarm.com
Hours: Fri 5-9pm; Sat-Sun 12-9pm

Since 2016, Ironbound Farm has been serving its patrons ciders and cocktails made from only fresh ingredients from its regenerative farm and a tight network of regional family farms. Master cidermaker Cameron Stark makes wonderfully balanced ciders, seltzers, and wines, while beverage director Danielle Nguyen crafts quality cocktails using Cam’s 18.5% ABV fortified ciders as the base and Ironbound farm-fresh botanicals.

Customers can visit the tasting room to experience limited-edition ciders, seltzers, wines, and cocktails, along with a full, seasonal food menu featuring locally farmed and sustainably raised livestock and produce.

 RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Cape May Rosé – Hard cider
• Campalec Spritz – Cider cocktail
• Berry Beet Sangria – Red wine sangria

“We see the Ciderhouse at Ironbound Farm as the heart of an alternative local food system that creates resiliency and viability for a closed network of farmers, food producers, chefs, and local citizens.” —Charles Rosen, Founder
 

NAUTI SPIRITS

916 Shunpike Rd., Cape May
609.770.3381
nautispirits.com
Hours: Check the website for seasonal hours

Nauti Spirits Distillery is one of the few true farm-to- bottle East Coast distilleries. Nauti takes pride in their signature vodka made from their own sweet potatoes and corn, their smooth and deliciously floral 100% Jersey wheat gin, and their straw rum born of high-grade Southern molasses and finished with a 90-day rest in second-use whiskey barrels. Visit the distillery for craft cocktails, and enjoy a tour of the farm and production facilities to see how Nauti’s spirits come to life.

Nauti Spirits is optimistic about the industry’s future. “We’re excited for growth in knowledgeable, discriminating, loyal spirits lovers, buoyed by some excellent Jersey distilleries that do things the right way—from scratch,” says owner Steve Miller.

 COCKTAIL RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Shark Tooth: Nauti Vodka, fresh lime juice, house-made orange oleo, garnished with fresh lime
• Old Fashioned: Cornelius Mey’s Atlantic Bourbon, bitters, simple syrup, garnished with cherry and orange peel
• Shunpike Punch: Nauti Rum, house-made orange oleo, fresh pineapple, lemon, and lime juices, garnished with an orange

“[We hope to] create a large East Coast following of discriminating spirits drinkers as one of the region’s finest working farm distilleries.” —Steve Miller, Owner
 

BREW MAKERS PROFILE

TRIUMPH BREWING COMPANY

Locations in Princeton, New Hope (PA), and Red Bank
triumphbrewing.com
Hours: Vary by location; visit triumphbrewing.com

For nearly three decades, Triumph Brewing has provided patrons with high-quality craft beers, food, and entertainment. Its first Princeton location opened in 1995; since then, the restaurant and brewery has expanded to New Hope and Red Bank, all while maintaining its award-winning craft beers and exceptional food across all locations.

Triumph closed its Princeton location in early 2022 in preparation for a new location at the former Palmer Square post office building; it’s anticipated to open in early 2023. The new Princeton spot will house multiple dining areas as well as two bars and a lounge area.

 RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Keller Pilsner
• Bengal Gold IPA
• The Bourbon Smash

“As the first brew pub licensed in the state of New Jersey, Triumph has remained at the forefront of the communities we serve. Through working with the arts and nonprofits, and cultivating relationships with local farmers, Triumph continues to lead toward a more sustainable future. Craft beer, a thoughtfully curated menu, and knowledgeable service await you at Triumph.” —Eric Nutt, Director of Corporate Sales