It's not every day that one can say that they've visited a winery that just opened in Hunterdon County. In fact, this post has been anxiously awaiting its publishing as I've been following the progress of Beneduce Vineyards for some time now.
Tranquil Acres of Alexandria asked: At what age did you start dreaming about opening a winery?
Answer: We've always made homemade wine together as an Italian family tradition and since we all pursued degrees in agriculture; we felt it would be a great way to carry on a tradition as 4th generation growers. After finding that our property in Pittstown, NJ was ideal for growing certain grape varieties, it became obvious that starting a winery would be a great way to combine these two passions of ours. The idea was solidified in 2007 as Mike (Winemaker & Vineyard Manager) was accepted into the Viticulture/Enology program at Cornell.
Answer: We began prepping the land for planting our first vines in 2008 and have been working to open the winery ever since that time. Since grapevines take nearly four years to produce fruit, we spent the past years expanding and taking care of the vineyard as well as building the winery.
Next, let's uncork some interesting bits of information..
Answer: The vines begin to produce mature fruit in their third year, although this yield is typically less than half of their maximum potential. Grapevines can live 100 years or more, and their most productive age is between 5 and 25 years. Once the grapes are harvested, it takes about another year to ferment, age and bottle the wine. From prepping the land to popping the first cork, it takes nearly five years!
Answer: As part of our philosophy on wine, we want people to have a hands on experience from vine to wine. That's why we started the Winemaking Club- we really wanted people to feel the influence of their own hands on the final product. That's why all the members of our family - Mike Sr.(Father), Casey (Mother), Justen, Mike Jr. and Kevin (Brother), had our fingerprints copied to make up the cluster to symbolize our personal connection to the wine.
Tranquil Acres of Alexandria asked: What is the number one message you would like to send the readers of this post?
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Tranquil Acres of Alexandria was fortunate enough to visit the exciting Grand Opening of Beneduce Vineyards. It was an event well worth the wait as one only needed to stand amongst the many satisfied visitors to realize its success, let alone tasting their delicious wines!
As I walked around the main building I couldn't help but notice the personal touches that makes this winery a special place. From the windows, doors, lighting fixtures and bar, every element is perfectly placed and adds to the ambiance of what surely will be "The" place to visit in Hunterdon County.
Three Windows White- The east wall of our winery is framed by three vintage windows that originally graced a schoolhouse in the 1870s. Today, these restored beauties drench our tasting room in sunlight, inspiring us to pay homage with this aromatic white. Made up of 95% citrusy Riesling topped off with a bit of the more delicate Traminette, it boasts intense floral aromas and a mouth-watering grapefruit flavor.
Shotgun Red- When we first broke ground to plant our Chambourcin, Corot Noir and Noiret vines, we unearthed a graveyard of old shotgun shells. We took this as a sign – or maybe a threat – and blended those grapes for a single sip that will blow you away. We like to call it shotgun winemaking.
Chardonnay- This Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay offers up aromas of juicy pineapple and cantaloupe. It was matured on the lees and hand stirred using Old World techniques, creating a distinctly rich merger of vanilla cream and toasted flavors that provide an endless finish.
Not only is Beneduce Vineyards a place where you can take a winery tour, stop by with your lunch and enjoy the scenic niche's of Hunterdon County, and maybe even see a passing airplane from the Sky Manor Airport, but you can also take part in their winemaking club! Through their Winemaking Club, they offer the unique opportunity for people to get together with a group of friends or family and make their own barrel of wine at a real vineyard and winery. Their winemaker will lead you through the process of hand crafting your own premium wine that can be taken home to share and enjoy!
If you're looking for an exciting place to visit, purchase a variety of delicious Hunterdon County wines, or just walk along the fields of grapevines visit Beneduce Vineyards as it's conveniently located at 1 Jeremiah Lane, Pittstown, NJ.
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Beneduce Vineyards & Winery
1 Jeremiah Lane
Pittstown, NJ 08867
Tasting Room Hours:
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday from 12-6pm
Friday, Saturday from 12-8pm
Phone: (908) 996-DUCE
Like their motto says..
"Life is Short .. Drink Better Wine"
And that wine can be found right here in beautiful Hunterdon County at Beneduce Vineyards!
If you would like to keep up with all the destinations that I visit and spotlight in beautiful Hunterdon County follow me on Facebook!
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