Mullica Hill is a town deeply rooted in its agriculture, and throughout the year, Harrison Township has been celebrating its 175th anniversary with many farms. Now, the torch has been passed to a winery whose lineage has been in town since 1853.
On July 27 from noon until 5 p.m., Mayor Louis Manzo and representatives from the township will “Toast to 175 Years” at William Heritage Winery (480 Mullica Hill Road-Route 322, Mullica Hill). Attendees of all ages are welcome to join, however, those wishing to drink will need to purchase tickets on EventBrite.com for $10. The winery does not expect to sell tickets at the door.
Non-alcoholic, “bubbly” drinks and soda will be poured for those who do not drink. A commemorative champagne flute will be handed out. The actual toast is scheduled to occur at 3 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for July 28.
“We hired The Company, which we’ve used for Lights on Main,” said recreation chair Sharon Chew. “It’s a family-friendly event with kids who can come and dance.”
“[The township] had asked us to host it at the winery and I think a lot of it revolves around the big celebration. We recently won some recognition for our champagne, we’re an existing business in town, and it’s a big celebration and anniversary,” said Richard Heritage director of marketing and sales at the winery and son of founders Bill and Penni. “It made a lot of sense.”
Chew added other businesses are trying to participate in the yearlong celebration in some capacity, and this was their way of getting the winery involved.
Heritage added the winery limited tickets to only 300 for the event because people will be tasting its award-winning Brut Rose, which won accolades in 2018. Heritage said the event will be the only time the wine has been offered to the public.
It was estimated between 12 and 24 bottles of the wine will be available for purchase, and only one bottle is allowed per person.
“It’s a traditional champagne, but it’s not champagne because it’s not from the exact region in France,” he added. “It’s a dry classic style wine and it rose gives it the pink color. It’s made from chardonnay grapes and pinot noir grapes that we grow. It’s a classic champagne style.”
For the town’s 175th anniversary, Heritage said it also showcases how long his family has been in the town – 166 years – and also to see how well Mullica Hill has grown, but still keep respect to its historical features.
“It’s rare to see a town celebrate to see how far it’s come,” he added.
Heritage added the winery is working to get a Mullica Hill restaurant to provide food for the event in an attempt to keep everything centered around the town.
“I’ve grown up in this town, and there’s been so much exciting progress and this is a big celebration of that,” he said. “Downtown Mullica Hill has evolved with the times, but it’s stayed the same with the historical aspect.”
“[The event will be] bringing everyone together whether they live in town, or frequent the area with shops and restaurants, and celebrating the history of the town,” Chew said. “The winery is a beautiful venue.”
