By Al Warr
There was a time when people invited friends to wine and cheese parties. I remember hearty reds paired with cheeses imported from Europe. Those days are gone.
Today, the parties have morphed into wine and chocolate tasting events. Of course, cheese is still on these menus, but it has taken a back seat. And in the fullness of time, the cheeses are now more likely to be artisan cheeses made on a farm nearby.
Valentine’s Day is Tuesday, Feb. 14. In anticipation of the big day, local wineries are holding events to help you celebrate with your special someone. Get your festivities started next weekend with wine and chocolate and more at one of our local wineries.
N.J. winery pops the cork on new hot spot
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Beneduce Vineyards has declared three days next weekend to be Sweetheart Weekend. Next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Feb 10-12) are set aside for couples to get into the Valentine’s Day mood early with wines, roses, cheeses and chocolates.
“Seatings will be on the hour between noon and 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the last seating is at 5 p.m.,” said Nora Muchlbauer.
Every sweetheart gets a long-stemmed rose.
You and your special person get “two deluxe wine tastings of our handcrafted wines,” she explained. “Included is a special tasting of our limited production Tuxedo White Pinot Noir, paired with artisan cheeses and Shotgun Red wine-filled truffles custom made by The Fudge Shoppe in Flemington.”
Mike Beneduce will be on hand to give a short tour of the winery. He will be explaining the basics of winemaking practices and the guiding philosophy at this winery.
Take away two etched wine glasses and a trio of chocolates. By reservation only, $50 per couple. Call 908-996-3823. The vineyard is located at 1 Jeremiah Lane, Pittstown.
Stay the evening on Saturday for classic rock by the Lost In Place band, along with a food truck offering sweet and savory crepes. This event is 6 to 9 and there is a $10 cover.
On Sunday, solo guitarist Russell Norkevich will provide music between 2 and 5. No cover for the Sunday entertainment.
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Villa Milagro Vineyards has set a double header for next weekend. Both events are built around the upcoming Valentine’s Day.
On Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 11-12) the emphasis is on chocolate and wines. Besame (Kiss Me) offers a chocolate infused barrel aged shiraz that is sweet and delicious, fortified to 18-percent alcohol. Tastings available between noon and 5 p.m. both days. The cover is $10.
In addition, on Saturday (Feb. 11) starting at 6:30 p.m., Villa Milagro is holding a St. Valentine’s Dinner & Dance. This is a limited seating three-course dinner plus appetizers and desserts. Chef John Connor oversees preparations.
Between courses, dance among the twinkling lights. And be entertained by jazz singer Ginni Corsello accompanied by keyboardist Gary Staples.
Reservations are required. Call 908-995-2072. Visit VillaMilagroVineyards.com for more information.
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Old York Cellars is offering Valentine’s Specialty Tastings on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11-12. Seatings are at noon, 1:30, 3, and 4:30. Each seating is limited to 8 couples.
Guests will enjoy pairings of 8 wines with hand-crafted chocolates from Laurie’s Chocolates and a toast with Old York’s Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine. Take home a souvenir glass to remember the event.
Music is set for 1 to 4 p.m. and again 6 to 9 p.m. Call for more information. Reservations are required – call 908-284-9463. $50 per couple. Visit OldYorkCellars.com. The vineyard is located at 80 Old York Road.
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Alba Vineyard is offering Wine & Chocolate Weekends before and after Valentine’s Day. Stop in between noon and 5 p.m. on Feb. 11-12 or on Feb. 18-19. No reservation is required.
Tastings include Alba’s wines, special chocolates, culinary treats and an etched glass. The cost is $20.
Visit AlbaVineyard.com for more info. Located at 269 Riegelsville Warren Glen Road.
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Unionville Vineyards is holding a Love & Spring Art Exhibit during Saturdays and Sundays in February. Two artists will be painting on site between noon and 5 p.m. in the tasting room. And public tours of the winery will be held each Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
There are more than a dozen wines to choose from in the tasting room, from off-dry whites to full bodied dry reds. Unionville wines win national and international awards.
For more information, call 908-788-0400. And visit UnionvilleVineyards.com. The winery is located at 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes.
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Mount Salem Vineyards is not offering a special Valentine’s Day event, but not to worry. You can call anytime for a private tasting.
Schedule your own special event – up to 8 guests for a 90 minute “deep dive into Mount Salem wines with the winemaker.” Your private tasting will take place in the loft of the wine barn or in the library of the farmhouse.
Mount Salem is unlike any other winery in the area. The vines grown here come from Austria and other eastern European locales. Some of the wines are Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt, Traminette and Riesling.
For more information call 908-735-9359 and visit MountSalemVineyards.com. This winery is located at 54 Mount Salem Road, Pittstown.
Al Warr can be reached at 610-253-0432 or visit AlWarr16@gmail.com.
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