So, I met up with JerseyWineChick in northern New Jersey and the southern Hudson Valley where we sampled some of the wineries up there. We were inquiring at one stop what the nearest winery might be, and someone suggested Oceane Vineyards.
I have been living in and promoting the Hudson Valley wine scene for more than 15 years, and I'd never heard of it. Neither had my companion. It's not listed on any wine trails. And if you didn't Google it the right way, it won't come up. It's like they didn't want to be found. Another person said it was really good stuff, but they weren't always opened, and had a small tasting room. They might require reservations. We called, and they said they had room. We took off immediately.
JerseyWineChick is a terrific person.. She has completed the entire New Jersey wine trail twice! She's been writing about wines in the region and has even ventured into Pennsylvania and New York. I follow her on Instagram. I always learn something new, and discover new wines I haven't tried. She is an intrepid traveler. And she's not afraid to try something new. I like her because she's not snooty or rolling her eyes. She's up for an adventure in the best sense of the phrase. She smart and fun to hang out with. Follow her on Instagram at @jerseywinechick !! Oh, and she make amazing holidays cookies. She's an expert baker!
Oceane Vineyards in on a farm that was part of a land grant from King Charles II in 1650. Their 20-room home dates to 1762 and has housed the prominent Roe and Baird families. Many guests have suggested that those late-owners are still there…
We arrived at the winery and were pleasantly surprised. The tasting room was small and lovely. There was a small antique bar, in a room with a piano, an old fashioned wood fired stove, and large, over stuffed sofa's and arm chairs. It was more like walking into someone's very large living room. It was quite welcoming.
We sidled up to the bar, and asked for a sampling and we were not disappointed. Apparently, their vineyard is situated on well draining sandy and rocky soil. Their varieties include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Riesling. We were both looking forward to this. We were definitely intrigued.
The Oceane Vineyards Chardonnay 2021 was lovely. Ripe apples and pears. A nice touch of oak. A creamy finish, but with that East Coast acidity that gives it a crispness I prefer. I was really lovely.
The Oceane Vineyards Hibernal 2019 is a blend of Seyval Blanc and Riesling. Super acidity. Great notes of green apple, tropical fruits, and a hint of grapefruit. We both really loved this wine! A big hit!
The Ocean Riesling 2020 was also impressive. Lovely notes of Granny Smith apples and a hint of lemon zest. a wonderful sipping wine.
Oceane Vineyards Traminette 2016 was also an eye opener. It was so much like Gewurztraminer (it's parent) that I wasn't sure what it really was. Bright floral nose, with tropical fruit. Super fragrant. Loved the bright fruit up front and the zippy acidic ending. Fantastic!
There was intoxicating the smoke. From the wood stove and from the pizza oven. Wood fired pizza was to be had. And for the reds we decided we would order a pizza. A classic cheese. Nothing fancy. But when it came, it smelled so good. And it was fantastic! It paired beautifully with the reds we were about to try.
The Oceane Vineyards Pinot Noir 2020 was filled with bright and dark cherries. There was lovely subtle fruit up front and some wonderful lingering fruit at the back end. It took a bit to open up, but it was impressive.
Oceane Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2016 was fantastic. Not super dense, more like an Italian red in coloring. Translucent, but dark enough to obscure looking through it. A dark ruby color. And the flavors were lovely. Concentrated cherries, a hint of raspberry, and a feint touch of cranberry. A beautiful dry finish. A terrific food wine. Another of my favorites.
Oceane Vineyards was a wonderful time. After out tasting was over, we paid for another glass of wine each, and then paid for a second glass as well. As the day wore down, and darkness descended, the charm of the place grew and grew. We really didn't want to leave, but we'd already been there some time.
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I think both of us will be going back to Oceane Vineyards. A well hidden gem in the Hudson Valley. Thank you Oceane Vineyards. And thank you JerseyWineChick for being up for the adventure.