I think all of us in New Jersey have had it with being confined indoors for the past four months and we are all looking for fun things to do...locally! Take a drive to one of the local vineyards we have in our garden state.
I recently discovered a wonderful New Jersey vineyard, with Napa Valley type views and ambience, less than an hour drive from Chatham, New Jersey. Alba Vineyard is located in Milford, New Jersey. Family owned and operated, by husband and wife, Tom and Dorothy along with their sons Nick and Tom Sharko, take a lot of pride in the quality of the wine they produce, sustainable farming practices and the guest experience at their vineyard. The Sharko family is celebrating their 24th harvest this year.
What makes it so great?
• Deeply involved. They are very hands on and know what is happening "at the vines" in their vineyard.
• The location. The vineyard sits on limestone and granite and on well drained mineral rich soil.
• The variety. "We grow Pinot, Chardonnay and Riesling German grapes which makes great local wine that reflects the variety in our growing condition." Nick Sharko
Open Now: Stop by and take a seat in their covered arbor area that overlooks the vineyard. In place of wine tastings, you can order a flight of wine, sip and enjoy the view, fresh air and sunset! If you are hungry, select from their weekly changing menu, a variety of offerings from brick oven pizza to lobster rolls from Chef Anthony, Trattoria DiFiore.
Visit on;
• Monday through Thursday from Noon to 4 pm
• Friday from Noon to 9 pm
• Saturday from Noon to 9 pm
• Sunday from Noon to 5 pm
Masks are required to enter building and you must be 21+ . They welcome walk-ins of 2-4 people only. Larger parties of 5-7 people require an advance reservation.
And if you love what you taste, you can sign up for their Gold Club membership to get special access to releases, tastings and more. Even though you can find their wines in our local Wegmans, Shop Rite and Gary's, it's worth the ride to visit and have the vineyard experience close to home!
Great wine, great views, and great food...and did I mention live music? Check out their site for Events Schedule at www.albavineyard.com. Visit the Sharko family and their Alba Vineyard. Enjoy the Napa experience under an hour drive from home!