Willow Creek Winery

When asked for prime destinations for a top-shelf wine drinking experience, let’s admit that few will think first of the Jersey Shore. Not too many folks readily associate our coastal experience of sand, sea, taffy, and suds with scenic vineyards growing multiple varietals and producing award-winning wines. And yet, Cape May County boasts no fewer than six high-quality wineries to delight the palate of residents and visitors alike. Only one of these half-dozen grape farms, Willow Creek Winery, is located on the island of Cape May. And, on this late winter day, my search for relaxation and restoration via the fruit of the vine propelled me to visit.

One of the most surprising and delightful sights in all of Cape May is the slow winding drive past several pens of chickens and geese—and some eclectic outdoor art—up the approach to Willow Creek Winery. I am always struck, despite many prior visits, by how beautiful the landscape is that unfolds on the slightly inclined approach to the large, central building. The vineyard and farm encompass 50 acres and one can just as readily believe they are in Bordeaux or Tuscany than one mile from the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. I parked, admired the vista for a few moments and then entered in pursuit of some backstory and a personal tasting.

Hamilton Wilde, Willow Creek’s Director of Operations & Events, greeted me in the tasting and events hall. She is the daughter of the winery’s founder, Barbara Bray Wilde. With enthusiasm and clear admiration for her mother’s indefatigable nature and expansive vision, Hamilton told me the story of Barbara’s long history in Cape May, starting as a frequent visitor from Pennsylvania to resident, major business owner and local personality.

The first massive project Barbara undertook was the 1994 acquisition and complete revitalization of the iconic Southern Mansion. Later she acquired ownership of the 75-acre LeGates Farm in North Cape May. In between was the formation of Willow Creek out of an old produce farm less than a mile from Sunset Beach. But why a winery, I wondered.

It turns out that Barbara’s degree work at the University of California at Berkeley was in biochemistry, and she long dreamed of creating some type of farm on the vast property she acquired in 2000. Fortunately, winemaking developed in Barbara’s mind as the central purpose for the land. She believed that making wine on the East Coast was an exciting and emergent direction in farming. It was also the idea most likely to fulfill her aspirations while simultaneously serving others. A long-term endeavor, the first planting was in 2004, but according to proper grape farming the first several seasons are unharvested as not “wine ready” and the plants and their fruit simply die, drop, and prepare the soil. The first true harvest wasn’t until 2009. And Willow Creek’s grand opening was yet another four years later, in 2013, making last year Willow Creek’s 10th anniversary.

The tasting room is a 300-seat rustic hall that despite its size offers a charming, warm aesthetic. Outside a large brick patio overlooks the expansive sloping fields of green, grape-laden vines providing a truly stunning vista in the spring and summer. The patio provides seating for approximately 350 patrons. A fire pit is nestled off to the side for those wishing to lounge and take in live tunes. Behind the bar no fewer than 20 wines are available, ranging from whites and reds to rosés and Sangria. A versatile food menu includes bisques, Italian and Spanish meats, Dutch and Swiss cheeses, salads, crab and fish sandwiches, and burgers. A kids’ menu is also available, and Willow Creek is pet friendly!

Hamilton led me to the bar for a tasting experience that was both delightful and educational. I learned their three-step suggested tasting process, involving a sipping, smelling, and breathing ritual which provided a real aid to the enjoyment of the wines. Following her guidance on selection, Hamilton poured me tastings of two whites (the 2020 Malvasia Bianca and 2019 Malvasia Reserve); a rosé (the Meditrina Rosa); and three red wines (the Bacchus Red, Wilde Cock Prestige Gold and the Wilde Cock Red). Taste being highly subjective, suffice it to say all were high quality and possessed a unique character with tasting notes appropriate to their variety. I suspect true oenophiles might favor the Malvasia Bianca and the Bacchus Red. The more mainstream casual taster, like me, might find the Wilde Cock Red a favorite due to its pure balance and belief it would be excellent with food or solo, and thus, a perfect table wine. 

In addition to serving food and wine experiences to thousands of patrons, Willow Creek is a major event space. “We host nearly 30 weddings per year and at least that many bachelorette parties,” Hamilton said. The space also is a favorite location for bridal showers, birthday parties, and other special events. To make visits logistically appealing, there are five rental properties available conveniently on or adjacent to the winery known as the Cottages at Willow Creek Winery. 

In my travels to Cape May breweries and wineries, I try to look for the quality that makes each distinctive—its X factor. Willow Creek has a two-fold X factor. First is the sheer beauty of the vineyard; its eat-and-drink-right-by-the-vines setting is an indulgence that must be experienced. The second I learned from Hamilton and agreed. Willow Creek makes a winery trip an accessible experience. She noted that wine drinking sometimes can carry an impression that a level of sophistication is required for proper enjoyment. “At Willow Creek, there is truly something for everyone across a very wide spectrum of engagement with and knowledge of wine,” she said. This accessibility factor is also found in the winery’s wide array of food, live music, events, and nearby lodging for visitors.

Willow Creek is located at 168 Stevens Street in West Cape May. Visit them at willowcreekwinerycapemay.com.