Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery

We denizens of the South Jersey Shore know that all seasons here offer a cornucopia of adventures and delights. While sun and surf are typically chief among these, surely next is our region’s abundance of establishments for rest and refreshment! In this column we highlight the numerous wineries, breweries, and distilleries that dot our landscape—the number of which have grown surprisingly high—and today are central to the full enjoyment of this renowned province.

Now, as the population swells here in the summer months, an opportune moment arises to realize just how many brewing and viniculture treasures lie outside of Cape May and the other major shore points. In fact, the many small towns lining the Route 9 and Garden State Parkway corridors are where most of these havens reside. Enthused by these thoughts while cruising up Seashore Road a few weeks ago, I stopped for a delightful reacquaintance with one of the most authentic and relaxing experiences with wine as can be found here: Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery.  

Nestled between Erma and Rio Grande,  Hawk Haven could easily be overlooked while driving but for a brief glimpse of rows of grapevines straddling both sides of the two-lane road. Strolling past an old wooden homestead and former dairy barn to the main entrance I began to sense a rich history. The environs on approach exude a welcoming unpretentiousness and a down-home authenticity that usually comes with being just what you say you are.  There is almost always an engrossing backstory to these types of places. Fortunately for me on this day I was able to meet Kenna and Todd Wuerker, the vineyard’s founders, and enjoy not only wines but a taste of Hawk Haven’s past.

Kenna and Todd represent the third generation to maintain the fertile ground of this sprawling 100-acre farm. In the 1940s Todd’s grandfather emigrated from Germany to Wisconsin where through friends he met Todd’s eventual grandmother, who was from Cold Spring, New Jersey.  Moving down east, they purchased the land upon which the vineyard rests today and began dairy farming. Over the ensuing decades the vast fields have also been used to raise produce, which makes the ground especially fertile for its current purpose of growing grapes.

Evidence of the patience required in winemaking, the Wuerkers grew their first varietals way back in 1998. The first vintage didn’t come until 2007, and the tasting room another two years later. Before this venture Todd worked in construction and development and Kenna for a payroll processing business. Today, Kenna runs all business operations while Todd focuses on the vineyard and winemaking, though clearly far more is involved than just saying that. Visitors may even see the fourth generation of Wuerkers, Kenna and Todd’s two daughters, who are often spotted darting amongst friends at one of the events at the vineyard.  

Visitors are greeted in a warm, handsomely appointed tasting room which adjoins a serving room for wines by the glass or bottle. Also available in the serving room are curated wine flights and other delights like seasonal cheeses, charcuterie boards, and sundry goodies available a la carte to make your own vineyard picnic.  Just beyond the service bar visitors enter a large, covered seating area.  Outside lies the expansive backyard overlooking the main vineyard where visitors gather and relax at picnic tables and Adirondack chairs—sufficient to comfortably accommodate 300 people.     

At Hawk Haven winemaking means a commitment specifically to vinifera, old European/Old World varietals, producing dry wines.  Eighteen wines were available the day of my visit, precisely half red and half white. Of them, a full 14 are “Estate Grown” meaning they are produced only with grapes grown in the vineyard with the fermentation, bottling, and aging also occurring on the estate.  

For oenophiles and general enthusiasts, Hawk Haven offers a Club Membershipwhich currently comprises more than 400 members and sees Hawk Haven shipping quality wines to 40 different states. Members get discounts and exclusive access to special events and limited releases.

Well, it was nigh time to energize my palate. For this, I was lucky to meet Robin, a most delightful wine guide, skilled in wine knowledge but also engaging and conversational. These traits to me are a superpower, particularly in fields and situations that are highly subjective, such as taste and opinions. A good wine guide certainly adds value to the experience.  Robin guided me through a sampling of six wines:

First was the Fizz Nouveau, a 2023 sparkling Pinot Noir Rose with flavor notes including grapefruit and orange blossom. Next was the 2022 Signature Series Dry Rose, a wine made with nine varietals. This wine brings hints of strawberry and tangerine as a flavor profile. Third was the 2023 Signature Series Dry Sauvignon Blanc with distinctive flavor notes of grapefruit and lemon. I next enjoyed the 2020 Q Bordeaux Blend—truly a blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, this wine included notes of black cherry and cocoa. On to the straight Cabs, I tasted their 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon whose notes suggest dried fig and espresso. Finally, my favorite was the last one, a 2021 OA Cabernet Franc with clear palate notes of black plum and floral hints of mint and rosemary. Indeed, taste is highly subjective on notes and flavors, but all were high quality and recommended for your enjoyment.

Following the tasting, Todd took me on a brief tour of the grounds during which—sure enough—we saw a hawk perched atop a utility pole supervising the vines. Here Todd noted how they are indeed viewed as a haven in the busy warmer months but indeed they are so viewed in all seasons. The exceptional proximity to the action of the major shore points is a plus.

Please visit their website for wine and food menus, live music schedules, and other numerous events!