Saddlehill Cellars

The land where Saddlehill Cellars resides first grabbed my attention back in the 90’s when I was training Thoroughbred racehorses at Garden State Park. Back then it was known as Stafford Farm and I would often see the Standardbreds pacing around the track with their sulkies and drivers. After Garden State Park closed in 2001, I no longer had a reason to drive up to Cherry Hill and many years passed before I once again crossed paths with Stafford Farm. What I saw was heartbreaking – the farm was in ruins and the horses, gone. It seemed only a matter of time before it suffered the same fate of many South Jersey horse farms – to be torn down and replaced by housing developments. Instead, Stafford Farm was not only rescued, it was reborn. Thanks to Bill and Amy Green, it is now Saddlehill Cellars, a gorgeous new winery offering farm to table fare against a backdrop of sprawling vineyards, adorable alpacas, sheep, and of course, horses.

I’ve been looking forward to visiting Saddlehill ever since I first read about the Green’s plans to turn it into a winery but fate kept intervening. Finally, on a spur of the moment drive up to Cherry Hill, we decided just to drop in. Our first mistake. One doesn’t simply just “pop in” to Saddlehill, at least not if you want to do a tasting. Tastings require reservations and since we didn’t have one, we had to settle for a flight instead. First up was Viognier, a pleasant dry white with honeysuckle notes. Mark savored the oakiness of the Reserve Chardonnay while I found the dry Rose with its berry notes more to my taste. But the wine that rocked both of our worlds was Starflower, a wonderous semi-sweet with notes of pear and the prettiest wine bottle I’ve ever seen.

Flight complete, we decided to kick back with a bottle of Starflower and read. Our second mistake. One is not allowed to linger at Saddlehill, at least not inside. There is a ninety minute limit on tables, making Saddlehill more restaurant than tasting room. And yes, the food is fresh and delicious. Outside, the atmosphere is more relaxed – the tables do not have time limits or require reservations and children are allowed (but not dogs). Plus you have cute farm animals and photogenic vineyards.

Saddlehill Cellars has a rich history, terrific wine, and plenty of promise. I commend Bill and Amy Green for saving this property and can’t wait to see what the future has in store.