Nestled in the heart of Landisville, NJ, Bellview Winery stands as a testament to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and evolving wine scene. I had the pleasure of speaking with David Gardner, the passionate winemaker and general manager of Bellview, who shared insights into the winery’s history, his personal journey into winemaking, and the exciting future that lies ahead.
A Legacy Rooted in Agriculture
Bellview Winery’s story begins long before the first grapevine was planted. Established as a vegetable farm in 1914 by Angelo and Maria Quarella, the land has remained in the same family for over a century. “We’ve been a winery since 2000,” Gardner said. “Before that, we were a vegetable farm, and it’s always been in the same family. The winery sits on 20 acres of grounds with the original farmhouse built in the early 1900s.” However, it was Jim Quarella who started the winery in 2000, with his wife, Nancy, and is the fourth generation farming this soil.
The winery, now spanning 150 acres with about 45 acres dedicated to grapevines, boasts nearly 25 varieties of grapes. “We’re a vineyard first and foremost,” Gardner said. This emphasis on quality viticulture has led Bellview to produce a wide range of wines that appeal to both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
A Journey from Music to Winemaking
Gardner’s path to winemaking is as unique as the wines he crafts. “I was actually studying music education in college and played in a progressive funk rock band,” he said. “But as often happens, our passion for music didn’t quite match the market demand. I didn’t finish college; I started working at Bellview in 2005. Then I moved from working in the vineyard to winemaking pretty early on and became the winemaker in 2009.”
Despite his shift from music to winemaking, Gardner continues to nurture his love for music by teaching drum lessons. In fact, after our interview, he was heading to a drum lesson with five students.
The Art—and Science—of Winemaking
Gardner’s passion for winemaking is evident as he describes the blend of science and artistry that goes into each bottle. “There’s a lot of science, but also a lot of art,” he said. “Every season and harvest bring something different. You have to keep adapting and changing. It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding.”
Bellview Winery’s dedication to quality and innovation is reflected in their diverse portfolio. Gardner highlights the unique terroir of their southern New Jersey location, with its sandy loam soils that are ideal for grape cultivation. “Our property is well-suited for grapes,” he said. “We’ve been farming for a long time, so we know what works and what doesn’t. We only grow what we believe will thrive here.”
Spotlight on San Marco
One of Bellview’s standout offerings is the San Marco varietal, a grape with a fascinating backstory. “San Marco is a variety bred in the Trentino Alto-Adige region in Italy,” Gardner said. “Larry Coia, part owner of Bellview and Grape grower in nearby Vineland, brought it over after working with Marco Stefanini at the Edmund Mach Foundation. It’s very dark, flavorful, and extremely food-friendly. We’ve been very pleased with its performance.”
Catering to Consumer Tastes
Bellview Winery’s extensive portfolio caters to a wide range of tastes, from dry reds and whites to sweeter fruit wines. Gardner emphasizes their commitment to quality across all types. “We’ve always made blueberry and cranberry wines since the beginning,” he said. “They’re very popular, and we make them with the same care as our other wines.”
Looking Ahead
As Bellview Winery looks to the future, Gardner envisions greater visibility and accessibility for their wines. “We’d love to see more New Jersey wines on restaurant menus,” he said. “It’s a perception issue, not a quality issue. Getting our wines into consumers’ hands through restaurants and events is a priority.”
Gardner’s favorite wine for a hot day like today? “The Traminette is perfect,” he said. “It’s just off-dry and very crisp. For reds, I’d go with our Cabernet Franc. Both are excellent representations of what we can achieve here at Bellview.”
An Invitation to Discover Bellview
Bellview Winery continues to honor its agricultural roots while embracing innovation and excellence in winemaking. Their tasting room offers a welcoming space to explore their wines, with friendly staff ready to guide you through their extensive collection. Whether you’re picnicking on the lawn or enjoying a glass on the covered patio, Bellview provides a perfect setting for wine lovers to relax and savor.
As New Jersey’s wine scene continues to evolve, efforts like The Atlantic Wine Project further amplify the region’s growing reputation. This exciting initiative focuses on showcasing the incredible diversity of wines from the Mid-Atlantic, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and local terroir.
By collaborating with wineries like Bellview and others across Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, the Atlantic Wine Project is offering wine lovers a unique opportunity to explore and support the emerging local wine industry. With its commitment to sustainability and the rich agricultural heritage of the region, the Atlantic Wine Project is helping to place the Mid-Atlantic firmly on the map as a wine destination worth discovering.
Gardner and the team at Bellview Winery are crafting something special, and their story is a vibrant thread in the tapestry of New Jersey’s wine scene. With a century-old legacy and a forward-thinking approach, Bellview Winery is a must-do for any wine enthusiast.
Bellview Winery
150 Atlantic Street
Landisville, NJ
856-697-7172
