If you’re looking for a different kind of New Jersey wine tasting experience, a visit to Bellview Winery during their Spring Fling is worth considering. Between the live music, food trucks, and relaxed vineyard setting, it’s an easy way to spend an afternoon exploring what makes NJ wineries stand out.
This year, we had the chance to attend a focused dandelion wine tasting, and it turned out to be one of the more interesting flights we’ve had in a while.
Spring Fling at Bellview Winery
Bellview Winery’s annual Spring Fling brings together a mix of casual wine drinkers and longtime supporters of New Jersey wineries. The event blends wine tastings with live entertainment and local vendors, creating a laid-back atmosphere that doesn’t feel overly crowded or rushed.
We were invited specifically for the dandelion wine tasting, and it ended up being a highlight of the day.
The Story Behind Bellview’s Dandelion Wine
One of the things that makes this wine stand out is its background. Owner Jim Quarella shared that the recipe comes from his great-aunt, adding a personal layer to the experience. It’s not just another bottle on the shelf—it’s something rooted in family tradition.
We had first tasted this wine about a year ago, and revisiting it across multiple vintages gave us a better sense of how it evolves.
What Is Dandelion Wine?
For those new to fruit wines in New Jersey, dandelion wine is exactly what it sounds like—but the process is a bit more detailed.
At a basic level:
- Dandelion petals are separated from the stems
- The petals are boiled in water to extract flavor
- The liquid is fermented with wine yeast, sugar, raisins, and citrus
- The wine is then aged for several months
The result is a light, aromatic wine that often carries floral and citrus notes—something you don’t typically find in traditional grape wines.
Tasting Three Vintages of Dandelion Wine
The tasting flight included three vintages: 2009, 2012, and 2025. Sampling them side by side highlighted how aging impacts dandelion wine flavor profiles.
2009 Vintage
The oldest of the group had the deepest color, leaning toward a rich golden, almost honey-like hue.
- Nose: herbal notes with hints of mint
- Palate: fuller-bodied with noticeable lemon rind and basil
This vintage felt more developed and layered compared to the others.
2012 Vintage
A middle ground in both color and structure.
- Nose: more floral, clearly expressing the dandelion base
- Palate: smoother and softer, with subtle lemon notes
This one struck a balance between freshness and age.
2025 Vintage
The youngest vintage was the lightest in both color and body.
- Nose: less floral, more like a fresh spring day
- Palate: light-bodied, refreshing, with gentle citrus and a touch of elderberry
This was the easiest to drink and the most immediately approachable.
A Favorite—But a Close Call
Choosing a favorite wasn’t entirely straightforward. The 2012 stood out slightly for its balance, though the 2025 was close behind with its freshness.
If you prefer a fuller-bodied fruit wine, the 2009 offers more depth. If you lean toward something lighter and more refreshing, the 2025 is an easy pick. The 2012 sits comfortably in between.
Why Bellview Winery Is Worth Visiting
Beyond dandelion wine, Bellview offers a wide range of New Jersey wines, including traditional varietals and creative blends. It’s one of those wineries where you can try something familiar and then step slightly outside your comfort zone.
For anyone exploring wine tasting in New Jersey, it’s a solid stop—especially during seasonal events like Spring Fling.
Final Thoughts on Dandelion Wine in New Jersey
Dandelion wine isn’t something you come across every day, and tasting it across multiple vintages adds another layer to the experience. It’s a good reminder that NJ wineries continue to experiment while still holding onto tradition.
Bellview Winery manages to do both in a way that feels approachable rather than overdone.
Call to Action
If you’re planning your next New Jersey winery visit, consider adding Bellview Winery to your list. Whether you’re curious about dandelion wine, exploring fruit wines, or just looking for a relaxed tasting experience, it’s worth the trip.
For more weekly wine reviews, NJ winery visits, and tasting notes, check out the rest of the blog and follow along for new posts each week.
