Jessie Creek Winery: A Wine Lover’s Happy Place
Readers, it is time for us to visit another quality craft beverage stop in our famous region and marvel yet again at our good fortune. Yes, we’re primarily renowned for boardwalks, beaches, and our overall salt life charm. But clearly Cape May County has blossomed into a notable port of call for enthusiasts of craft beer, wine, and spirits. That the scene is so vibrant has become just another enticement to take a trip down the shore!
In previous issues we have highlighted the popular Willow Creek, Hawk Haven, and Cape May Winery. Today we ventured to Dias Creek, just west of Cape May Court House, to discover the cozy environs of Jessie Creek Winery, Vineyard and Inn. You will find—hopefully in this column but especially with a personal visit—Jessie Creek is a place referred to by its regulars as their “happy place.” So, let’s pull into the tucked-away property just off South Delsea Drive, meet the owners and drink some wine.
The origin stories of these places always fascinate, and Jessie Creek is no different. Dr. Bruce Morrison, a family practice physician, experienced an epiphany 20 years ago during a sojourn he made through the wine mecca of Napa Valley. Fascinated by the concept and promise of winemaking, and energized to realize that promise, upon return he entered the Philadelphia Wine School to learn the craft. Serendipitously, on one of his regular motorcycle trips to the shore, “Dr. Bruce” (as he’s called) chanced to notice the sign for Jessie Creek, then just a vineyard. A three-year relationship developed with the owner leading ultimately to the acquisition of the property. And the dream was underway.
Joined in this exciting but daunting venture by his wife, Toni, the two set to work. Remarkably, with their very first production of wines, they entered the 2010 Garden State Wine Growers Association competition and were awarded the Silver Medal for their Cabernet Sauvignon and a Bronze Medal for their Merlot. Today, the energetic team operate and manage Jessie Creek with Dr. Bruce taking the lead on viticulture/winemaking while Toni manages the retail space/tasting room, marketing, and staff. The vineyard itself comprises five acres conveniently divided into one acre for each of the five varietals grown and harvested there: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, and Chambourcin.
One observation about many of the locations featured in this column is the noteworthy combination of a quality product with a highly satisfying ambience. Jessie Creek scores very high here with its main gathering space housing not just the tasting areas but also a small and impressive art gallery. It’s a delightful place to sip and nosh while admiring local artists’ creations—and even purchase some!
The main room has an eclectic mix of seating that is stylish but wholly unpretentious. There are barrel tables with stools, and several dining room tables in styles I’d describe as French Farmhouse, early American, and modern Farmhouse. One corner includes an upholstered leather couch-and-chair combination where friends can really get comfortable sipping their Cab and Chardonnay.
When asked what, apart from the wine, distinguishes Jessie Creek, Dr. Bruce noted “our niche is the ‘open policy’ approach we have for guests and how our friendly staff make them feel welcome. This includes our openness for visitors to bring their pets and kids and even bring outside food. We want our patrons to gather here for relaxation and fun. Our art gallery is a unique attraction as well. And we feature entertainment year-round for people to come and enjoy.”
While noting that patrons may bring in their own fare, the winery does offer many food choices including charcuterie, cheese spreads, meats, wine chips, crackers, and pretzels.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Inn at Jessie Creek, an impressively renovated antebellum farmhouse with five suites, is available on the grounds. The inn is conveniently located just yards from the winery and between the two lies a large space of outdoor seating, including the highly popular fire pit style.
Okay, tasting time! During my visit, I was presented with an attractive choice of five whites, six dry reds, four dessert wines, and six other sweets, which I found impressive given the winery’s cozy size. A key element in their philosophy of winemaking, Dr. Bruce said, is “to always use the best fruit for our production and outside sources to make the best wine. Our reds are barrel aged in neutral oak for 24 months, and we develop our whites from the finest grapes kept in stainless tanks. We do no barrel fermenting of whites.”
Several curated spirals, a metal stand holding 2-ounce tastes of five wines, are available for those seeking to sample a spectrum. As in all columns, I offer tasting note impressions while reiterating that I am an enthusiast, not a connoisseur! Taste is highly subjective, so it’s best to always experience it directly.
While I was enjoying a warm chat with Bruce and Toni, they prepared for me a spiral of three reds and two whites.
- Cabernet Sauvignon – a solid red with warm notes of cardamom spice, clove, and blackberry
- Stratus – a dry red blend of Cab/Merlot/Syrah varietals with full fruit and floral flavoring
- Chambourcin – a French American hybrid grape varietal bearing notes of herb and pomegranate
- Chardonnay – a fine white with tasting notes of honeydew and pear
- Pinot Grigio – another nice white wine carrying stone fruit and grapefruit hints
After that fulsome tasting and pleasant banter, I sadly had to go. But, the full measure of charm and warmth I experienced, along with the impressive variety and quality of wine, marks Jessie Creek as a hidden gem. That said, it really is quite accessible from all the southern shore points. In the hurly-burly of our days, we can all use a “happy place” like this. If you already have one, another is even better. Especially if it’s on the Jersey Cape!
