AMHMDAPPROF's Wine Journal Entries
Laurita Winery (written Jul 07, 2010)
Wine: 
Winery: Ambiance: 
My fiance and I didn't actually go to the winery, hence the score of 1---for not really knowing what their winery is like. Had their wines at the 2010 East Coast Food & Wine Festival, which weren't impressive for my palate, as they had ran out of sweet wines for me to taste. However, I gave them a 4 for ambiance, as their set-up include a nice solid-oak bar and they had music playing. The staff was entertaining with conversation, boasting about their winery and how they're one of the best in their area.
Tomasello Winery (written Jun 28, 2010)
Wine: 
Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Ranier Red(good price), Ice Wine
I had read a previous post about how the staff here were "rude" and it made us (my fiance and I) quite apprehensive to go, but wanted to see their accomodations for our wedding reception. It was difficult to turn into the parking area, if you are traveling on 30 East, be aware, you have to cross over on-coming traffic, without the help of a left-arrow traffic light. Unfortunately, their banquet room isn't going to be an option for us, as it seemed too narrow and fixtures, carpets need to be updated. However, for my winetasting experience there, I can see how they were described as "rude" (by jerz), as the bartender (older blonde woman) was slightly pushy, non-engaging, and a bit disinterested. Their wines are fairly decent, as we walked away with 2 bottles. I don't plan on going back to their winery, will most likely just look for their Ranier Red in the local liquor store.
Alba Vineyard (written Jun 28, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Apple Wine, Forbidden
Didn't actually go to the winery, hence the score of 1---for not really knowing what their winery is like. Had their wines at the 2010 East Coast Food & Wine Festival. Most of their wines were dry and ports were a tad too syrupy for my taste. The staff was engaging, as I gave them a score of 4 for ambiance, and so was glad to purchase 3 bottles.
Cape May Winery (written Jun 28, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: None recommended
My fiance and I didn't actually go to the winery, hence the score of 1---for not really knowing what their winery is like. Had their wines at the 2010 East Coast Food & Wine Festival and was not thoroughly impressed. I gave ambiance a 1, because the staff seemed "bothered" to enlighten us with their winemaking details.
Valenzano Winery (written Jun 28, 2010)
Wine: 
Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: A lot--White Cabarnet, Shamong Red, Jersey Devil Port, Cranberry White, Pinelands Blush
A couple years ago, I made it a point to seek out Jersey made wine and saw Valenzano Blueberry wine at the local liquor store, not knowing their winery had been so established. Since then, my interest in wine-tastings has grown and was happily surprised to see that Valenzano's winery was part of the South Jersey Passport listings. The winetasting area is elegant, spacious, clean, and inviting. The staff made my experience a truly memorable one, as other customers were very friendly and open to conversation. I went with my friend Steve, and he was equally impressed. Their wines are mainly sweet, as I had hoped, especially after tasting their Blueberry wine. My one main purpose for going here besides wine-tasting was to lookover their accomodations for my wedding reception, of which, was a moderate-sized outside covered seating area, able to hold about 100 people. I asked the owner about further details & he mentioned they were opening a newer & bigger winery and BANQUET HALL! I've already seen pics online and just can't wait to go back and hopefully book the hall! I walked out of their with a case and will surely go back for more!
Amalthea Cellars (written Jun 28, 2010)
Wine: Winery: 
Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Calisto Rouge, Elara, Villard Blanc
I went to this winery, as a part of my hunt for a place to have my wedding reception. Despite its descriptive allure, my expectations were less than satisfied. The staff were pleasant, as Lou mainly took care of explaining the winery's availability for hosting venues, then a wine-tasting. The "cellar" (as they called the wine-tasting area) is small, tight, and a bit stuffy. And even though we were there first, my friend Steve and I had to be moved to the entrance way of the distillation room, because there was a partybus of over 15 people who came in and they just couldn't fit all of us. Most of their prized wines are dry, but surprisingly, their select few sweet wines made-up for that short-coming. If you're looking for sweet wines (as I am), there isn't a large selection here. This place in general is not as flashy (as Valenzano, which I've seen prior to this), it's small & quaint, with a big-time country-feel. I did wind-up buying 5 bottles.
Unionville Vineyards (written May 26, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The location of this vineyard is quite isolated, and is a couple miles off the main road and while driving there, I was doubtful of the GPS directions, as the last couple turns were incorrect. Their winery is at a small hilltop and when you arrive, you do get a nice scenic view of nearby hills. The wine-tasting area is located in their loft and is small, but it overlooks their fermentation tanks and wine-making equipment, where tours are offered. You can sample 8 wines for $10 or 5 wines for $5. However, they were either sold-out or had wines featured as "coming soon". So your selection was limited. The wines are quite dry. Too dry for my taste. The staff was reserved, yet friendly, however our server was unsure of details behind each wine and pretty much read its contents from the same description pad that was in front of us. We walked away with one bottle of wine, unimpressed, and moved onto our next venture.
Working Dog Winery (written May 20, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: ?
This was on our agenda for a day's visit within central Jersey. However, their address didn't register on the GPS and when we called their number listed in the New Jersey Winery Passport, we got a recording that the line was disconnected. So, until we hear otherwise, don't waste your time looking for this place.
Hopewell Valley Vineyards (written May 20, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Dolce Vita, White Merlot
This was the 2nd of three wineries visited on the same day. The location is easy to get to, with plenty of parking. Their wine-tasting room is larger than the small loft at Unionville. And there is an attractive outside deck and back gathering room that we were told COULD be rented-out, but they are currently experiencing difficulties from the township and are not renting it out at this time. The wine-tasting cost is $5, plus you get to keep your glass! There was only one server at first (Anna Bella) who was busy with two other couples, but greeted us immediately at the bar. The atmosphere was a bit quiet at first and not much traffic and activity going on. Soon after, more people started arriving and another server---Violeta, joined behind the bar. At that point, the room was vibrant with more of her input about the wines. We ordered 5 bottles of wine and before Anna Bella washed our wine glasses, she asked if we'd like to open a bottle and have it on their outside deck. It was a clear, sunny day to do so, but didn't have the time. So, we'll be back to purchase a few more bottles and use the rest of the afternoon, sipping it on their outside deck!
Cream Ridge Winery (written May 20, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Fredonia; Blueberry
We visited a total of 3 wineries in this area, this being the last one of the day. As we approached the winery, it was small in comparison to two other places we've seen prior (Unionville Vineyards, and Hopewell Vineyards). We got out of the car and saw a young couple carrying a case of wine to their car and thought nothing of it. Then, just befor entering the door, an older gentleman came out with his own case of wine. I had assumed the wine had to be "that good". Upon stepping into the threshold of the wine-tasting room, the man behind the bar, Hector, immediately greeted us and asked if we were there for wine-tasting. I was about to ask the price, but before I can speak, he said its FREE. Amazing! Whatever is on their winelist is what you can sample! Their winelist includes a lot of fruit wines, which is exactly what I like. There are a few drys, which I skeptical about, but was pleasantly surprised after sampling. During the wine-tasting, Hector, offered his opinions about each wine and engaged us (my fiance and I) with light conversation. Soon after, Eileen (Hector's wife) joined in the conversation and was just as hospitable! I can only give positive remarks for this winery, mainly for their customer service and wines. The atmosphere is cozy, casual, not ritzy. We'll be sure to visit again!
Renault Winery (written May 14, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
My fiance and I went here, as a spur of the moment find in the NJ Winery Passport book we got at Plagido's Winery. The winery here is large and includes restaurants and a golf course. We were only interested in wine-tasting, despite the tour of the museum that is offered. The wine-tasting experience, was not as welcoming as Plagido's. My fiance and I are not wine experts (yet), so when we asked what they would suggest for sweet wines, the wine server just responded in a disgruntled tone, "Well, it all depends on what you like" and did not proceed to offer suggestions from the winery. So, this first impression didn't prompt us to buy as much from here as compared to Plagido's. So, you get an expanded appreciation for this winery (scenery, restaurant, and museum), but you don't get the friendly and welcoming atmosphere from Plagido's Winery and possibly other wineries you may have already visited.
Rose Bank Winery (written May 13, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
I went in Fall 2008 and it was the first winery I've EVER went to and it was part of the Bucks county winetrail. I liked the wine-tasting experience here with strong customer service and helpful suggestions. However there were only a few wines (out of their large selection) that I thought were good.
Plagido's Winery (written May 13, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Concetta's Red; Port Wine
We went there on a whim. Tony was very pleasant, welcoming, and knowledgeable about their company and the wines they produced. I enjoyed his input during my wine-tasting experience. However, the wine-tasting room is small and not elaborate and is positioned as the immediate bar-top when you walk in. Highly recommended for their customer service! Will definitely stop in again for more!
