Autumn Lake Winery: A Guide to the Best Wines and Views in South Jersey

Autumn Lake Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in Williamstown, New Jersey. Established in 2012, the winery has quickly gained popularity for its superior quality wines made from grapes grown on their own cultivation. The winery's clay and gravel-laced soils provide the ideal conditions for wine grapes to flourish, resulting in a wide selection of delicious wines.

Visitors can relax and enjoy the winery's picturesque surroundings while sampling their wines in the tasting room. Alternatively, they can order online and pick up at their convenience. The winery is open Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Autumn Lake Winery has received rave reviews from both locals and tourists alike. With vineyards established in 2012 and the small winery that followed, the winery has a singular ambition of creating wines of superior quality from their own cultivated grapes. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of wines while taking in the stunning views of the lakes that surround the vineyards.

History and Ownership

Founding of Autumn Lake Winery

Autumn Lake Winery was founded in the year 2012 by Mark and Donna Hernandez. The winery is located in Williamstown, New Jersey, and covers an area of 115 acres, with a scenic 16-acre lake and vineyards. The winery is a small family-owned and operated business that was established with the singular ambition of creating wines of superior quality from their own cultivated grapes.

The founders were passionate about wine, hospitality, and an unwavering commitment to community. They were inspired by the science of winemaking and the art of blending to create unique and flavorful wines that would delight their customers. They believed that winemaking is both a science and an art that requires precision and passion.

Family Ownership and Values

Autumn Lake Winery is a family-owned and operated business. The winery is run by Mark and Donna Hernandez and their family. The family values the importance of hard work, dedication, and commitment to quality. They believe that the key to success in the wine industry is to produce wines that are of superior quality and that reflect the unique characteristics of the land where the grapes are grown.

The family takes pride in their small winery and the fact that they are able to produce wines of superior quality. They are passionate about winemaking and are committed to using only the best grapes in their wines. The family believes that their passion and commitment to quality are what sets them apart from other wineries.

In conclusion, Autumn Lake Winery is a family-owned and operated business that was founded with a passion for winemaking and an unwavering commitment to quality. The family values the importance of hard work, dedication, and commitment to quality, and they are dedicated to producing wines that are of superior quality.

Vineyard and Cultivation

Vineyard Characteristics

Autumn Lake Winery is located in Southern New Jersey and encompasses 115 acres of land, including a 16-acre scenic lake. The vineyards were established in 2012 with the goal of creating wines of superior quality from grapes grown on their own cultivation. The vineyard's clay and gravel-laced soils provide the ultimate conditions for wine grapes. The vineyard is surrounded by forests, which help to regulate the temperature and protect the vines from harsh weather conditions.

The vineyard is home to several grape varietals, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and Syrah. Each grape varietal is grown in a specific area of the vineyard, depending on the soil type and sun exposure.

Cultivation Practices

Autumn Lake Winery uses sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation practices to ensure the health and longevity of their vines. The vineyard is managed by a team of experienced viticulturists who carefully monitor the health of the vines and adjust their cultivation practices accordingly.

The vineyard uses a combination of cover crops, compost, and natural pesticides to maintain soil health and prevent the growth of harmful pests and diseases. The grapes are handpicked and sorted to ensure that only the highest quality grapes are used in the winemaking process.

Autumn Lake Winery is committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly winemaking practices. They use solar power to generate electricity for their winery and have implemented several water conservation measures to reduce their water usage.

Winery Offerings

Autumn Lake Winery offers a variety of wine selections, tasting experiences, and food and entertainment options for its visitors.

Wine Selection

The winery offers a wide selection of wines, including reds, whites, and sweet wines. Visitors can purchase wines in the tasting room or order online for pick up. Some of the popular wines include Down Home Red, Per Diem Rosé, and Lakeside Rouge. The Sangiovese Rosé 2022 and Lakeside Blanc are also worth trying.

Tasting Experiences

Autumn Lake Winery offers tasting flights for visitors to sample a variety of wines. The tasting room is open from 12pm to 9pm on weekends, and visitors can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere while tasting the wines. The winery also hosts events such as Paint n Sip and Vine & Dine, which offer unique tasting experiences.

Food and Entertainment

Visitors can enjoy food trucks, live music, and festivals at Autumn Lake Winery. The winery hosts events such as Kricket Comedy Show and Vintner's Valentine: A Love Infused Brunch. Visitors can also bring their own food and enjoy a picnic on the winery grounds.

Overall, Autumn Lake Winery offers a variety of wine selections, tasting experiences, and food and entertainment options for visitors to enjoy.

Visiting the Winery

Autumn Lake Winery is a picturesque winery located in Williamstown, New Jersey. The winery offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, with stunning views of the lake and surrounding nature. Visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities and facilities, including outdoor seating, a patio, and a greenhouse.

Amenities and Facilities

The winery's grounds are well-manicured and provide a lovely setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery. The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine while taking in the lake view. The patio is a great place to gather with friends and family, and the greenhouse offers a unique and cozy atmosphere for wine tastings.

Inside, visitors can explore the barrel room, which is filled with oak barrels that add to the charm of the winery. The winery also has an event space that can accommodate weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. Visitors can speak with the event manager to learn more about hosting an event at the winery.

Events and Festivals

Autumn Lake Winery hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Spring Fling Festival and Wine Trail Weekend. Visitors can check the winery's events schedule to learn more about upcoming events.

Overall, Autumn Lake Winery is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its beautiful property and stunning views, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience.

Customer Experience

Autumn Lake Winery prides itself on providing a top-notch customer experience. From the moment visitors arrive, they are greeted by friendly staff who are knowledgeable about the wines and eager to share their expertise.

Service and Hospitality

The winery staff is known for providing exceptional customer service. They are always willing to answer questions and make recommendations based on customers' preferences. Visitors can choose to purchase wine by the bottle or glass, and the staff is happy to help customers find the perfect wine to suit their taste.

In addition to great service, the winery also offers a beautiful setting for visitors to enjoy their wine. The tasting room overlooks a scenic 16-acre lake, and there are plenty of outdoor spaces to relax and take in the views.

Engagement and Community

Autumn Lake Winery is not just a place to buy wine, it is also a community hub. The winery hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including wine festivals, live music, and food trucks. These events are a great way for visitors to engage with the winery and meet other wine enthusiasts.

The winery also has an active presence on social media, with active Facebook and Instagram accounts. Customers can stay up-to-date on events and specials, and the winery often shares photos and stories from visitors.

Overall, customers rave about the friendly staff, great wine, and beautiful setting at Autumn Lake Winery. Reviews on TripAdvisor and other platforms consistently praise the winery's customer service and community engagement. Additionally, the winery's wines are often available at local liquor stores, making it easy for customers to enjoy their favorite wines at home.

Location and Accessibility

Autumn Lake Winery is located at 870 W. Malaga Rd, Williamstown, New Jersey 08094, which is easily accessible from the Black Horse Pike. The winery is situated in the heart of Monroe Township, Gloucester County, and is part of the New Jersey Wine Trail.

Directions and Parking

The winery is easily accessible by car, and there is ample parking available on site. Visitors can get directions to the winery by using Google Maps or by visiting the Autumn Lake Winery website. The winery is open seven days a week, with varying hours depending on the day.

Local Attractions

There are several local attractions that visitors can explore while visiting the winery. Just a short drive away, the Williamstown Lake and Park offers a beautiful setting for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. The nearby Pine Barrens are also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails, birdwatching, and more.

For those interested in exploring the local wine scene, there are several other NJ wineries within driving distance of Autumn Lake Winery. Visitors can make a day of it and explore the local wine trail, sampling some of the best wines that the region has to offer.

Overall, Autumn Lake Winery is a great destination for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its convenient location, ample parking, and nearby attractions, it's the perfect place to spend an afternoon or a weekend exploring the best of what New Jersey has to offer.

Seasonal Activities

Autumn Lake Winery is a great place to visit year-round, but there are some activities that are particularly enjoyable during certain seasons. In this section, we will explore some of the seasonal activities that visitors can enjoy at the winery.

Autumn Ambiance

As the name suggests, Autumn Lake Winery is particularly beautiful during the fall season. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the changing leaves and the crisp, cool air. The winery's outdoor patio provides the perfect spot to take in the scenery and enjoy a glass of wine. The decor is also seasonal, with pumpkins, gourds, and other fall-themed decorations adding to the ambiance.

Weather Considerations

While Autumn Lake Winery is beautiful in all seasons, visitors should be aware of the weather conditions when planning their visit. During the colder months, the winery offers cold weather moderation, with fire pits and blankets to keep visitors warm. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy the warm weather breezes and camp-side tastings.

The winery also has a winery dog, who loves to greet visitors and take walks around the beautiful landscape. Visitors who enjoy the outdoorsy lifestyle will appreciate the natural beauty and wildlife that can be found at the winery.

Overall, Autumn Lake Winery is a great place to visit year-round, with seasonal activities that are sure to please visitors of all ages and interests.

Online Presence and Distribution

Digital Marketing

Autumn Lake Winery has a strong online presence on various social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. They regularly post photos of their wines, events, and vineyards, keeping their followers engaged and updated. They also share patient and hospitable reviews from satisfied customers, which helps attract new visitors to their tasting room.

Their knowledgeable staff provides general tips on wine tasting and food pairings, which is useful for both novice and experienced wine enthusiasts. Visitors can expect to spend a good length of time at the winery, enjoying the scenic views and savoring the wines. While there may be some waiting time during peak hours, the outside seating area provides a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Retail Distribution

Autumn Lake Winery is a local company that produces high-quality wines from their own vineyards. They sell their wines directly to customers at their tasting room, as well as through various liquor stores in the area. Their distribution network is constantly expanding, making it easier for customers to find and purchase their wines.

Overall, Autumn Lake Winery's online presence and retail distribution strategies are well thought out and effective. They have a loyal customer base and continue to attract new visitors with their excellent wines and hospitable staff.

Awards and Recognition

Autumn Lake Winery has quickly become a well-known name in the wine industry, thanks to its commitment to producing superior quality wines. The winery has won numerous awards and accolades for its wines, including the coveted Governor's Cup for Red Wine in 2019. The winning wine was the 2019 Estate Petit Verdot, which scored a 94 in the competition, and was awarded Best of Show Overall.

The winery has also received recognition from various other organizations for its exceptional wines. Autumn Lake Winery has won over 100 awards in both national and international wine-tasting competitions, including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

The winery's success can be attributed to the passion and dedication of its owners, Mark and Donna Hernandez, who are committed to producing the best wines possible. They have created a unique and inviting atmosphere at the winery, which has garnered rave reviews from visitors on sites such as TripAdvisor.

Visitors to the winery can enjoy a variety of wines, including red, white, and rose, ranging from dry to semi-sweet. The winery also offers a selection of food items to complement the wines, including cheese plates and charcuterie boards.

In summary, Autumn Lake Winery has gained a reputation for producing exceptional wines that have won numerous awards and accolades. The winery's commitment to quality and dedication to creating a unique and inviting atmosphere has made it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts.