Hawk Haven Vineyards and Winery in Rio Grande Adds Hard Cider

Fans of Hawk Haven Vineyards and Winery in Rio Grande have something new to cheer about. Last spring, the winery released its first hard cider, crafted from New Jersey Fuji and Golden Delicious apples. The positive response led to a second release in October: Bastard Hawk Winesap Hard Cider, a light, crisp blend made from Stayman Winesap apples.

Popularity and sales of hard cider have risen dramatically over the past decade as consumers’ thirst for lighter, quaffable local beverages skyrocketed. In NJ, Ironbound Farm in Asbury, producer of Ironbound Hard Cider, is one of a few farm-based producers who have inspired the market for ciders made from locally grown apples.

Hawk Haven owners Todd and Kenna Wuerker, who opened their tasting room in 2009, had been considering adding hard cider to their winery’s lineup for a while, especially after introducing a canned wine product line in 2018.

“We’ve been working on expanding our sparkling production over the past years and developing new products,” says Kenna. “Being in a vacation and beach community, where surfing, sunning, boating, and camping are such a big part of the local culture, we wanted to add an approachable, laid-back product line for our customers.” She notes that the cider is both produced and presented in the style of a wine, in terms of flavor profile, pairing, and aging.

Hawk Haven is not alone in terms of wineries considering a bite of the cider market. William Heritage Winery in Mullica Hill has also begun producing hard cider from apples and pears grown on their farm, and others will likely follow. Until then, keep an eye out for Hawk Haven’s next apple-based addition. A rosé hard cider, produced with apples from a South Jersey farm and Hawk Haven’s 2021 rosé vintage, is set to be released in the spring of 2022.

HAWK HAVEN VINEYARD & WINERY

600 S. Railroad Ave.
Rio Grande
609.846.7347
hawkhavenvineyard.com