Seasonal Notes

We hear that there might be a Halloween party or two this coming weekend. Allow us to offer a few suggestions on how to improve the atmosphere with appropriate choices from Joe Canal's.

If you missed it, click here for a few cocktail recipes, including an easy-to-make punch. Today, our focus will be on wines that fit the season perfectly.

Vampire Cabernet Sauvignon. Full-bodied with Blackberry and Dark Cherry aromas, with just the right amount of Oak flavors leading to a lingering finish. Classic, small-lot fermentations, followed by aging with Oak, gives full expression to the rich varietal flavors in this wine.

Vampire Merlot. Smooth and medium-bodied with a fresh, black cherry aroma, and hints of herbal spices. Aged in oak, our Merlot develops graceful fruit flavors in the cellar, complemented by subtle shadings of vanilla and toast from the oak.

Vampire Pinot Grigio. Melon, citrus, and tropical fruits accented with a pleasant floral note lead to an easy-drinking and lively wine full of youthful,

refreshing acidity.

Curious Beasts Blood Red. Deep ruby in color; dominated by ripe red berry aromas; the palate is dry and full bodied, with refreshing acidity and flavors that reflect the aromas. Tannins add texture while remaining supple, driving to a long finish. Try this with dishes like, pork loin, or roasted rack of lamb.

Werewolf Cabernet Sauvignon is noticeable for its dark red color. It has a scent of bell peppers and spice. It has an imposing taste with good structure and fine tannins.

Werewolf Merlot has a bouquet of aromas filled with dark fruits, plums and

cherries, with a hint of spice. On the palate, it is medium bodied with soft tannins and a light finish.

Werewolf Pinot Noir is scented with a distinctive, fruity aroma. Notes of strawberries and raspberries top off a medium and light bodied wine. The finish is delicate.

You may prefer to drink local for Halloween. We do have some New Jersey wine options for you.

Tomasello Broomstick Brew. A delightful blend of red wine and mulling spices. Served warm from your Cauldron, this wicked concoction is perfect in

front of a roaring fire with baked brie, toasted almonds and sugared apples. Delicious on Goblin nights when a howling wind chills your soul. Broomstick Brew warms your heart and embraces this special time of year.

Look also for Valenzano Pumpkin Spice and Jersey Devil Port.


If you're supplementing you wine choices with beer and ale, we have choices for you, such as:

Southern Tier Pumking. All Hallows Eve is the time of year when

spirits can make contact with the physical world, and when magic is most potent. It is thought that we harness this magic to brew our powerful pumpkin ale. Not so, but it is with the great respect to the magic og their trade that our brewers produce this fine beer. take a whiff of this complex ale and your journey has just begun. At first sip, a magical spell will bewitch your taste buds, yet another victim enraptured by the Pumking.

Schlafly Pumpkin Ale. Our Pumpkin Ale blends the spices of the harvest with full-bodied sweetness for a beer that tastes like pumpkin pie. Pounds of pumpkin form a malty foundation that supports the fall flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.

While pumpkin beers were produced in the early days of the American colonies, they were different from the pumpkin beers we know today.  Colonists used pumpkin and squash as the fermenting medium, since malted barley was scarce. Once malt became more readily available, it replaced these alternatives to grain. In the 1990’s, American craft brewers reintroduced the style to the delight of pumpkin beer drinkers.

Our Pumpkin beers are seasonal products, so hurry in for some before they're gone. Happy Halloween!