On our drive back from the Cape May County Zoo we drove past several signs for Balić Winery in Mays Landing, New Jersey. Since we had already detoured for a walk on the Wildwood boardwalk we decided to visit the Balić Winery another day. We were hungry and Jo Jo’s Pizza was calling us.
Bumped into my girl Betty Boop on the Wildwood, NJ boardwalk!
The Tasting Room and Production Facility at Balić Winery in Mays Landing, New Jersey
We love visiting wineries in general. But this one really piqued our interest because the name sounded very Croatian. And Eve, our sweet and wonderful daughter in law, is Croatian. So the next day we headed to Mays Landing. Though only about a half hour west of Atlantic City it feels like a different country entirely. Mays Landing is part of the New Jersey Pinelands and has Victorian houses and small farms. It is also part of the Outer Coastal Plain Viticultural Area consisting more than 25 southern New Jersey wineries.
An Idyllic Setting!
The Balić Winery in Mays Landing, New Jersey Delivery Van
As we drive up to the winery and vineyards we were smitten with the idyllic setting. Grapes growing as far as the eye could see. We pulled up to the large building in front of the vineyard which is multipurpose. The building houses a beautiful tasting room and wine production facility. Upon entering we were greeted by Bojan Boskovic, the owner, and winemaker, who is originally from Montenegro. And when he heard about Eve’s heritage he was thrilled to give us some history.
Savo Balić Founder of Balić Winery in Mays Landing, New Jersey
Photo Credit: Website
Apparently, this area has a long history of grape cultivation. The Balić vineyard was initially planted in the early 19th Century by descendants of the original settlers of Mays Landing. In 1966 Bojan’s uncle, Savo Balić, bought the 57-acre farmed and opened the winery. Balić was born in New Jersey but actually grew up in Europe where he operated a vineyard near the Adriatic Sea. And in 1993 his nephew Bojan came to America to work for his uncle and escape the Yugoslavian Civil War. Bojan has inherited the winery and expanded the variety of wines produced here.
Bojan Boskovic owner and winemaker at Balić Winery in Mays Landing, New Jersey
Balic produces over 25 different New Jersey wines which were lined up on the tasting bar. On display in the glass cabinet behind the bar were Balić’s awards. The winery utilizes Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Vidal Blanc, Viognier, Vranac, and Zinfindel grapes. One of only a handful of wineries in the country that produces wine from Vranec, a red grape that is indigenous to Montenegro, it is the only one in New Jersey. Balić Winery also produces fruit wines from almonds, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, mangoes, pomegranates, raspberries, and strawberries.
We tasted several delicious fruit wines at Balić Winery in Mays Landing, New Jersey and left with a little assortment to savor later.
I usually buy a case every year. This year it will be 2 or 3 cases
I’m with you, Bruce! We are headed back up to Atlantic City in a couple of weeks. The Balic Winery is on our return to list for sure! It is a real unexpected gem! Nice to know I’m not the only one who thinks so.
I have known the owner for several years now, and I place my orders by the case, over the phone. My orders are shipped on or before schedule…What can I say? Oh, these wines should be used in the grandest Cathedrals! I use the Cherry Wine for pairing with chocolate mousse, fine chocolates, pastries and cheese boards, as well as SOAKING MY PRIME RIB and Filet Mignons in it, with some olive oil, meat tenderizer & garlic powder! Oh, my…the Blueberry wine with the blueberry cheese from the Keystone Farm in Bethlehem, PA…The mango wine goes well with their Asiago or the Herb Cheese! (on its own, it tastes like you are eating a heavenly slice of Pizza). These wines are fantastic and I use their wines for flavoring my cakes and pastries…I am honored and privileged to know You, and look forward to many more years of my family using your wines for our family celebrations and dinners!
I absolutely love how you use the wines from Balić Winery!!! Hopefully we can go back there next summer and pick up some. Your ideas are so creative. Thanks for sharing and thanks for reading my blogpost. Hope you will become a subscriber!