Even many people in the know about NJ wine haven't heard of this place. That's a shame, because they're worth knowing. Peter, the owner, has built a good wine program that will only get better. They're well-known for producing Austrian grape varietals, which do well in the soils and climate of Hunterdon County. Some of my favorites include the Zweigelt (red wine), Blaufrankisch (red wine), and their "Matthias," a blend of 3 red wine grapes from Austria, Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt, and St. Laurent. Their Dry Riesling is also excellent. The area is utterly charming, even if the paved road ends about a quarter mile before the winery, and the people are great. They also host wonderful food events that showcase their wines in fun and different ways. Well worth the visit if you're wine tasting in North Jersey! Be forewarned, they don't have a large production, so there's no guarantee all of these wines will be available when you go. read more

I came here on a beautiful day Labor Day weekend Sunday we did not get a very warm walk at all. It was just myself and my sister. The vibe was very stiff negative and just not friendly. There was no welcome. I've never been here before. They didn't even say come on in will tell you about our winery they just gave us demands from parking the car to when we walked up steps to farmhouse we will never return here. There's plenty of other beautiful places that are friendly and welcoming. read more

Weird and small. Their website hasn't been updated in 7 years and their hours are wrong across multiple apps.

Arrived to Mount Salem Vineyards on a Sunday afternoon with a friend for a wine tasting. The vineyard is located at the end of a road that goes from pavement to unpaved muddy road. There is a large barn and the farmhouse. The wine tasting was hosted in their farm house but they also host tastings in the barn in warmer weather. When we arrived they were hosting a Sunday wine/dinner in the main area of the house. They also had wine tasting going on in a side room. The tasting room isn't the typical set-up. You take a seat at a shared dining room table, are given a list of their wines and check what you want to try. It's 5 tastings for $10 or 10 tastings for $20. They only offer 10 total wines. Some of the grapes are grown at their vineyards and others off site. I personally did not like any of their wines but if you're into dry wines you will love it here. We didn't really get much of a wine education here. The gentleman helping us kept popping in and out of the room just to pour us our tasting. I believe he was also assisting with the dinner. If you plan on coming looks like the wine dinner is the way to go! read more

Mount Salem Vineyards - a red barn and parked cars - Wineries Near Me - Alexandria, New Jersey

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Mount Salem Vineyards is a true hidden gem and one of the lesser known wineries in New Jersey that also happens to offer one of the best wine experiences in the state. While their main tasting areas are in a barn or outside on the lawn, they also offer sampling in the owner's farmhouse, which is elegant and homey. We did a tasting of several incredible wines and also sampled some of the winemaker's Austrian cuisine. Peter, the winemaker and founder, came to speak to us and told us how he used to be a chef in Manhattan and now enjoyed cooking food from his heritage for his wine tasting patrons. It was such a unique experience that left us feeling like we were a member of the Mount Salem family. read more

Wine- excellent! Service- exceptional! Ambiance- you can't help it, but just melt into the beauty of the surrounding greens and vines and listen to the birds and crickets! Super relaxing experience. Huge difference between comercial wineries and this place, where everything is made with love and passion ! Can't wait to try the food they prepare! Let me say more about the wine.....actually, you should go there and let the winemakers explain everything! My humble opinion of a wine lover is that this wine is definitely worth trying . Flavors just explode in your mouth ! Pure love !!! read more

This place was really cute! It's small and off of a dirt road, but the scenery was still nice and the entire staff was friendly and attentive. They even gave us free ice cream! read more

Mount Salem Vineyards - Nice outdoor seating area! Staff is super friendly - Wineries Near Me - Alexandria, New Jersey

Mount Salem Vineyards is a small boutique winery. Formerly it was a dairy farm, the vineyard was opened to the public few years ago. This winery specializes in the use of Austrian and Italian grapes which is very unique for NJ. It is the only winery in New Jersey that produces wine from St. Laurent grapes.They had a Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, St. Laurent, Traminette, Viognier, and Zweigelt when I visited. It's a local gem if you like a Austrian wines especially light reds. Tasting was done at the 2nd floor of a small barn. It was a small tasting room. I like many of their wines. Blaufränkisch 2011 was like a pinot noir, I liked it. Also Blaufränkisch/Zweigeit/St Laurent 2014, Cabernet franc rose 2016 were good as well. I brought some bottles home. I will definitely go back! read more

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Have been hesitant to write a review for the NJ vineyards we have visited because I am admittedly a Napa wine snob. (#sorrynotsorry). We came in here because we had been advised to visit one that was nearby. We did visit the one on recommendation and I saw that this one was close by and we gave it a shot. What a home run! This tiny little tasting room upstairs from the tanks and barrels offered an experience that has caused me to rethink my view on New Jersey wines. The owner/ wine maker was welcoming and courteous, the two girls behind the tasting bar were wonderful and admitted that they were fans before they came on as employees. Peter ( said owner/ winemaker) was making a pasta dish with pancetta and brought everyone a small plate to enjoy. The wines are by far, without a second thought the best wines I have tasted outside of California in the states. He uses all New Jersey grown grapes and makes them in the style of Austrian wines. If you are at all considering a visit in the area - stop by- don't miss this experience- it's unlike any other. He also has cooking classes that are offered Italian, Austrian, and Thai. We are going to do this but book a class for a private group. Average cost per head for the cooking class s $59 per head and includes wine pairings and dinner! The wine tasting today was $10 for a very generous splash of 5 wines of your choosing. read more

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I'm very disappointed with the treatment that my group received. We got here and there were two other groups in their respective tables. At 1:30 the waitress, Kristen, came by, we ordered another bottle and she then said "just a friendly reminder that your table is up at 2pm" and walked away. Kristen never told us this information. She was very rude through out the 30mins we had left. We all notice this treatment. And what was disgusting to see is that the two minority tables were asked to leave (including us) but the third one (non POC) that was there before us is still there and was not asked to leave. As I'm writing this review, they are still at their table. I'm disappointed and disgusted by their treatment. read more

This is a hidden gem in Hunterdon county! You are welcomed by the owners as if you are family. They have plenty of outdoor space to relax and enjoy wine during the spring/summer/fall, and an indoor space where they frequently host dinner parties with wine pairings. The main space is also available for private parties. read more

Have low expectations: this isn't Napa. Know that. You're driving off road for 5 minutes at least to get there, then you'll be unsure you're at the right place. Personally: I had a great time though. The space is private and tucked away at the top of the barn. Feels like what I imagined it would: rustic. The cellar master attended to us and was pleasant and informative, albeit as others mentioned short. But who cares? Wine was pretty good and for $10 the pours were fair. Overall my family and I had a blast. They even gave us free fresh breadsticks. Would not particularly return unless in the area. read more

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One of the best kept NJ wine secrets. Every time my family comes to visit from out of state we're sure to stop here for a tasting & few bottles. Their white wines are fantastic, the the homemade cheese spread is delicious. Best atmosphere, the owner and employees make you feel so welcome & special. read more

I've visited Mount Salem twice in the last few months. A few months ago, visited late on a Saturday night during a culinary event. To be honest, wasn't fond of the experience at the time. Loved the wine, but not the experience that night. Had an opportunity to be back in the area for work so I stopped to pick up a few tasty wines. Had the opportunity to talk with the owner this time and I have to say, I was wrong for thinking negatively of this winery. Is it your typical winery that you'll experience on the wine trail? No. Is that a bad thing? Also no. You do the tasting in the farm house and it is not at a typical tasting bar. If you're a fan of nice people and tasty wine, I recommend visiting. P.S. The hours on yelp are not 100% accurate. I recommend calling before you assume they are closed. read more

Very disappointed with the way my friends I were treated this past weekend. Visited the Vineyard on Saturday October 10 at 1pm. At 130pm, the server told us we have 30minutes left on the table which we were never warned about in the beginning. This was said after we just ordered two more bottles of wine. If not, we would have taken that into consideration while eating/drinking. Again around 150pm she reminded us with an attitude and said "can't you tell we are busy?" There were two other respective tables that arrived around the same time and I noticed only the two tables with minorities (one being our table) left at 2pm while the third table stayed with no issues. read more

We had my husband's birthday party here. Peter made the night memorable. We love coming here for tasting, but the meal served was exceptional!! read more

Mount Salem Vineyards - Mount Salem dinner - Wineries Near Me - Alexandria, New Jersey

One of our favorites, never disappoints. The grounds are beautiful and the wine is spectacular. When Peter does a cooking demonstration.....and added plus. Perfect way to spend a Saturday. You won't be disappointed. read more

Great little place tucked into the countryside. The wines are bold and strong. Not for retail so everything is made to order and makes you feel like you have your own vineyard. read more

My wife and I have visited several wineries and vineyards in our travels, but we have not experienced such a welcoming as we did at Mount Salem Vineyards! Upon entering the quaint farmhouse, we were immediately greeted and provided with seats at a rustic table by a cozy fire. Our wine ambassador was fantastic! She took the time to get to know our likes and preferences in wine, and because of her attention to detail, our experience was most definitely a memorable one. We left there with a future restaurant recommendation and two bottles of the Traminette. We look forward to a return visit! read more

Second tasting for today. First place set the bar high, but this place knocks it out of the park. Peter greeted us at the door and we were welcomed like we were old friends. Warm and comfortable tasting area in a house. Each wine came with a delightful story and history. All New Jersey grapes. 5 wines for $10. Poured out generously. Since we were doing 5 vineyards in 1 day, I tried to control my purchase. I came home with 2 Riesling, a Traminette, a rose, and a red. So much for my budget. Thank goodness I had 2 Riesling. I always cook with a good wine and made a chicken dish with 1 cup of wine. Needless to say chicken was outstanding and both bottles are gone. I will be back for more. read more

Friendly, informative, and hospitable service by the winemaker. Small and intimate wine tasting room. Different wines made from Austrian grapes grown locally on the farm and in South Jersey. Interesting wines, different from what most people are used to. Not the kind of tasting room where you have dozens of people lined up tasting wine. Much more personal. read more

Yes! Yes! Yes! Its an absolute hidden gem. Wonderful wines and amazing knowledge of the wines, region, varietals. An must see. Don't be fooled by the drive u the amazing home and setting. I joined the celeb. Brought home some amazing wines. And Will be back!! read more

On a break from another session of horizontal refreshment with the GORGEOUS Veronica, we decided to venture to horse country to recover. Therein, we stumbled across this "winery." We pulled into the COMPLETELY DEAD grounds. The "winemaker"/owner burst out of the house as if we were there with a moving truck to steal the contents of his plonk-producing operation. My Veronica is to be treated like a queen and this tool was acting far from it. He questioned why we were there. Thinking it may be closed (due the the TOTAL ABSENCE of patrons), I asked him if he was closed. No was his reply. Against my better judgment, we agreed to enter his "DIS-tasting room." We had to pay for the privilege of sipping on what SHOULD be processed into vinegar, the "wine." I saw the disappointment in the gorgeous face of my Veronica immediately. (I did warn her as we ascended the stairs that "this isn't Napa Valley, sweetie, so dont expect too much). Well, despite the cautionary warning, it was a SHOCK. Meanwhile the owner was giving such curt answers to questions - questions we had to force ourselves to come up with to break the uncomfortable silence. After a few assaults on our poor tastebuds, we decided to make a break for it. Poor Veronica. As close as we were to simply jumping from the 2nd floor window, we dashed down the stairs and sped away as fast as the lovely Veronica's BMW could go (i.e., FAST) We checked into a wineshop where I purchased a nice bottle of Heitz Martha's Vineyard to share as we returned to her spare bedroom for more ACTION. read more

Shhhhh. I really want to keep this secret to myself. This weekend, my wife and I finally made the hour and twenty minute journey from our home in PA to discover the pure beauty of this winery. I really don't want to say much because I want to keep this quiet and beautiful place to ourselves. Nestled along a road, that up until recently was an unpaved dirt road with a sign at either end stating local traffic only. Right in the middle of this road in between nothing, sits a quaint farmhouse with a little red barn in the back. A driveway large enough to park the vehicles of a few friends and family members for an evening dinner. A narrow walkway leading to the porch of the farmhouse, with a door open and a light on. An instant welcome from the winemaker as he invited you into his home and a nice warm seat by the fire. The aroma of smoke from the hot embers that glisten inside the fireplace. Our server Matt greeted us and instantly provided us with this weekend's tasting menu. Since this was our first journey here, we opted to enjoy five splashes of his choice of wines. Our first pour was a lovely Grüner Vetliner, beautiful aroma and a nice crisp appearance, smooth, light and refreshing. The 2017 Grüner was even more pleasant. At this point in the tasting experience the winemaker excused himself from the tasting room as we sat an finished out second white. Shortly after the server, Matt poured our third wine. The recently released Zweigelt. An absolutely amazing wine. Beautiful and refreshing notes on the nose and bold flavorful finish. The best zweigelt I have been able to find of the East coast. It was about this time the winemaker reappeared with a plate of freshly prepared pork sausage and potato wedges to pair with the wines. I am not sure this was part of the normal experience at Mt Salem, but it was greatly appreciated from our perspective. We spent well over an hour here just talking wine, people and the local community. While we spent a while enjoying being in the company of the wine maker,we found ourselves making conversation with the other guests. This very small tasting room is not done by accident. This layout required much thought, with great intentions. It is quiet, yet inviting. It is small, but roomy. It is old, but very new indeed. In a time when all of the other wineries are trying to our do each other, and get bigger and better and brighter, in a time when gimmicky wines with glitter and pop culture namesakes reach out to a generation completely unappreciative to the art and love of winemaking. This place, that opened its doors very subtly with no fan fare in 2005. It is offering exactly what myself and my wife have been seeking out. It's an absolute masterpiece. It is my secret, I will not let this place become just another winery. I will definitely return here. I will not share photos and check in on facebook no Instagram or any social media, in fact leave the phone in the car as I did. I have found a place to escape everything else but the people the wine and the great conversations. Cheers. read more

Mount Salem was a treasure once we found it. We pulled up to the little red barn to see a note saying the tastings were in the farmhouse that day, and we walked right up to the owner/winemakers home. Seated around his dining room table with 4 other people, a truly unique tasting experience began. The Chardonnay was truly something amazing, I had yet to find one I could drink without making a face, and alas, there it was. Wine after wine were delicious, all of the dry variety though, so if you like sweet, do not make a scene, just know this place isn't for you unless you have an open mind. The owner allowed us to try a new blend, (it began with a Zw) and although it was not ready to be consumed yet in his opinion, it was delicious and all 3 groups around the table purchased a bottle and promised to hold on to it for a little while. I have to say was that had Mount Salem not been in the passport book, (they are, but they are not part of the association), I never would have known they existed, and therefor, would've missed out on the exceptional wine. They do not do any festivals or events of that nature, so everything is private tastings and preorders if you are a member. Totally worth it though. read more

Ok, so the wine was not quite to my palette, but the tasting experience was pretty cool. The tasting took place in the farmhouse, rather than the barn. We were served by a British gentleman that was quite knowledgable and totally made the whole experience. read more