Violetta Neri

Sergio and Violetta Neri have transformed the tough and stony soils of Pennington, New Jersey into the award-winning Hopewell Valley Vineyards.  Then, over the past 13 years the astounding Neris have metamorphosed their winery from a mere bottle shop into one of the state’s major tourist destinations.  Top Jazz talent make pilgrimage from all over to join in and jam with Sergio as he coaxes hot rhythms out of his grand piano.  Meanwhile Violetta and her crew serve home-baked delicacies and pair them with their vintages.

Festivity and enjoyment reign throughout the Neri’s vineyard.

For lovers of full-bodied reds, allow this writer to suggest Hopewell’s Barbera wine – a grape rarely found elsewhere, from which Sergio seduces out a continuous, lingering flavor.  Hopewell Valley Vineyards is one of the 42 wineries that comprise New Jersey’s wineries – making the Garden State the sixth largest wine-producing state in the nation.  Most of these wineries are small and intimate, allowing you to chat personally with the vintner who is producing the nectar you are enjoying on his/her farm.  Visit their winery at www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com.