In the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens lurks a legend where the only Jersey Devil to be found is the name of its port wine. That legend is Valenzano Winery, the go-to place for private events, marvelous wines at sensible prices and an incredible wine festival. Valenzano has over 20 wines, 3 meads, and a refundable tasting fee policy that should be the standard at all wineries. For $10, you can sample 10 wines and if you buy a bottle, your tasting fee is refunded. Bravo!
Ever since I first started tasting wine, Valenzano’s Shamong Blush has been one of my top five favorites. Indeed, its entire Shamong wine series seem as if they’d been designed specifically for my sweet palate. This time it was the Shamong Red Reserve that won the day. Fruit wine fiends will adore both the Harmony (love that Peach Pinot Grigio) and Harvest (bring on those cranberry blends!) series. If drys are what you crave, don’t worry Valenzano’s Traditions and Destinations series offer 11 wines for your perusal.
Valenzano Winery’s rustic locale and spacious ballroom make it the perfect host for private events such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. On the public side, the winery holds Thursday Night Dinners every week featuring such gourmet fare as Filet Mignon, Mahi Mahi, and Veal Chop. But the event that Valenzano Winery is best known for is its Winefest. Held every September, Winefest features 4 stages of live music, artisans, food trucks, and a beer garden and it pretty much shuts down Shamong. This is a must-attend event that must be seen to be believed. With its extensive wine selection, roomy tasting room and insane Winefest, Valenzano is a winery that goes big on everything, including quality.