SaddleHill Winery

 Embark on a unique journey through South Jersey's history as SaddleHill Winery unveils its doors on Wednesday, April 10th. Situated at 1407 White Horse Rd, Voorhees Township, NJ (www.saddlehill.com), this 70-acre sanctuary of vineyards and meticulously preserved farmland is not just a winery. It's a living testament to the region's past, with roots that can be traced back to Gen. George Washington, adding a captivating historical layer to your visit.

 Prepare to be enchanted by SaddleHill Winery's unique design. From the spacious bar for tastings to the dedicated room for private events, the serene outdoor seating area, and the charming shop offering a variety of items, including candles, shirts, hats, wine glasses, and exquisite wines, every detail is crafted to captivate your senses. The exceptional service, led by our server Jasmine, who went above and beyond to ensure our meal and wines met our specifications, truly made us feel valued and appreciated. 

   The gastronomic adventure at SaddleHill Winery is a sensory delight, offering a diverse range of dishes that perfectly harmonize with their wines. To start, we relished pastrami-style wings with a thousand-island dip, a gluten-free and dairy-free option for those with lactose intolerance (although I still adore dairy and recommend taking Lactaid pills). They also serve delectable flatbreads like prosciutto with fig jam and brie cheese, a combination that's a true 'chef's kiss and a must-try for any food enthusiast.

 As for the entree, you do not. You do NOT have to be vegan or vegetarian to try "The Great Impasta" zucchini noodles with chicken meatballs (whipped ricotta & tomato jam). This pairs well with one of their wines, Lisa's '22, a dry, expressive blend of red and black fruits, berries & hints of chocolate & smoke.

   Now, you can explore flights of four 2oz pours for 20.00 for their wines. You can choose from reds, whites, or a combination of both. You can enjoy a glass with your meal or opt for the whole bottle.   One of the bottles that caught my attention was their 2023 Estate Chardonnay, which has a beautiful aroma and pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken. On the other hand, my friend Lynn couldn't resist her favorite red wine, Cabernet Franc '22, which is a perfect match for burgers, cheeses, and prosciutto.

 So, I highly recommend Saddlehill Winery for date night, girls' guys' night, or a family night. You may want to bring the children because they have horses and alpacas they may want to pet, and they have a children's menu as well. 

  So, where will my next spot in NJ be? Only time will tell.

Enjoy Life and Safe travels,

JerzyP ✌🍷🍴🚗😀

           

Train Wreck Distillery

     Last month, my bestie Lynn and I had after-work cocktails, food, and karaoke at a local distillery called Train Wreck Distillery, 25 Madison Ave, Mount Holly, NJ, www.trainwreckdistillery.com. This distillery stands out with its unique cocktails and Mount Holly's best bartenders, aka mixologists. The cocktail menu blends fresh fruits and herbs infused with gin, rum, vodka, bourbon, and whiskey. They even make their own Bourbon barrel-aged Maple syrup, a delightful addition to any cocktail. Lynn tried it and was blown away. The karaoke experience is a must-try, with a wide selection of songs and a supportive crowd ready to cheer you on. 

    Now, let's talk about the food. Train Wreck Distillery understands that everyone has different preferences and dietary needs, so they offer the flexibility of either bringing your own food or ordering from one of their vendors, a caboose called Home Fired Pizza. You can order by simply walking up to their window or conveniently on your phone via the Toast takeout app.  Most of their food menu items are woodfired, baked, and tasty. The location is a historic old train station, which I have no idea how far back it goes, but it's a beautiful place to talk to the locals, relax, hang out, and enjoy yourself.

   The cocktail menu at Train Wreck Distillery is always evolving. This season, for their spring menu, the cocktails include Spring Fever with basil, strawberry, lemon, and clove; Gotcha Matcha with Rail Cart Gin, Matcha, Mint, Lemon, and Honey; and Going Bananas Martini made with Silver Rum, Chocolate bitters, caramel, and cream. They also have their classic menus like Lavender Lemonade, Tangerine Dream, and Smoked Old Fashioned. This constant innovation ensures that every visit to Train Wreck Distillery is a unique experience.  

   The Decor is very nostalgic, like an old railroad train station; in the back, they have the process of how the alcohol is made. At one point in 2020, during the pandemic, the place had to shut down but still kept the business running by making hand sanitizers from their leftover supply of gin, rum, and vodka to donate to our first responders and health care professionals and giveaway to the general public. You can have a date night or a girls'/guys' night out; no need for reservations; it's first come, first serve. 

 Hopefully, you all enjoyed this excellent read. Be sure to check out this place and where I will go next in the garden state. Only time will tell, so have fun, be safe, and enjoy life!

JerzyP😃🍸🍷🍹🚗