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Springtime in New Jersey
With the arrival of spring and the warming weather in New Jersey, it’s time to head outdoors and soak up the sun at a local winery. Working Dog Winery (formerly known as Silver Decoy) is an ideal place for this seasonal transition.
Who is Working Dog?
With its roots firmly planted in a group of male friends from diverse professions, Working Dog Winery exudes a distinctively masculine charm. The winemaker, who honed his skills and palate as a wine buyer for Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet, brings a practical and robust approach to the winemaking process.
This experience is evident in the winery’s straightforward, unembellished operations. However, the predominantly male influence is also apparent in the overall ambiance and aesthetic of the winery, where a woman’s touch seems noticeably absent. From the rustic decor to the practical, no-frills layout, the winery’s character is shaped by the men who run it, reflecting their collective vision and style.
Winery Amenities
The winery boasts a covered patio, an open patio, and a vast grass field extending to the vineyard. Even when the winery is crowded, which is often the case on pleasant days, there is ample room for everyone, including dogs, as the establishment is pet-friendly. You might need to bring your blanket or chair since the brightly colored Adirondack chairs provided are not always enough for all visitors.
Wine Tasting
My significant other and I visited the winery for a tasting. Working Dog Winery produces dry whites and reds, a rosé (scheduled for release in May), and sweeter wines. A friendly and knowledgeable staff member who has been with the winery for three years guided us through the tasting. She works as an executive assistant during the week and at the winery on weekends. She shared the background story of the winery.
Winery History
We learned that the winery was initially owned by a group of eight friends from diverse professions, including a teacher, a carpenter, and a liquor store owner who was the wine buyer. The latter friend became the winemaker, transforming what began as a hobby into a business. The assistant winemaker, a woman who travels to France and Washington for further studies, is currently in New Zealand.
Though I typically prefer red wine, I opted for a white on this warm day. I took my glass outside, where the sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky. I pulled one of the Adirondack chairs to face the vineyards, sat down with my wine, and basked in the warmth. It was a perfect way to toast the end of the cold weather, at least for now, and enjoy a delightful experience at Working Dog Winery.