Wonderful Wines, Wistful Refrains, but No Devo

Friday ~

As July comes to an end, The Pear Tree Project continues its pursuit of live music, of every assortment. This time it was Mary Albani, a local performer whose tightly-packed, bursting at the coils, treasure-trove full of melodies songbook delighted the modest crowd, inside Tomasello Winery Tasting Room, in Cranford, New Jersey.   

In the 1930’s, Frank Tomasello was a berry farmer in Hammonton, NJ, with a special knack for growing grapes and a passion for wine. He understood that the area’s soil and climate were perfect for grape growing.

Prior to prohibition, Jersey was home to nearly 100 wineries. As was common during this time, many in this American wine-growing region became traditional farmers.

In February 1933, when Frank heard the federal government was repealing Prohibition, he did not waste any time. He jumped into his truck and drove through a snow storm to Washington, DC to be one of the first in line for a license. Tomasello Winery was bonded that year.

The first wines produced by Frank were Ranier Red, Ranier White and Ranier Rosé, in honor of his wife’s maiden name. The delightful blend of American varietals were a huge success, and they are still among their top selling wines. 

During the 1940’s, Frank welcomed his sons, Charles and Joseph, into the business. They grew their Tomasello Winery into a commercial business while adding new products, which included sparkling wines.

Joseph Tomasello passed away in 1971, leaving Charles Tomasello, Sr., then 48, to expand the family’s vineyard. He added the first generation of French American hybrids. While many of these grapes are currently being planted throughout the United States, Charles was the first to plant many of the successful varieties at the Tomasello vineyard.

Nearly 10 years later, the third generation joined the business when Charles’ sons, Charles, Jr. and Jack came on board. Together they expanded the winery and revamped the vineyard while adding Vinifera vines, such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

In the early 1990’s Charlie and Jack began producing fruit wines made of 100% fruit, such as blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, and red raspberry. These fruit wines became an international success, and have been distributed throughout markets in Asia for more than 30 years. Almost all Tomasello products are made from estate-grown grapes and local fruit. 

Tomasello Winery uses only the best blueberries from the top growers from Hammonton, the ‘Blueberry Capital’ of the World. 

The fourth generation was introduced when Charlie and Jack’s sons, Brian and Sean, joined the business. 

Today, almost 100 years after its inception, Tomasello Winery farms nearly 70 acres of vines and stands as the only fourth generation, family-owned winery in the state of New Jersey. 

Mary Albani’s setlist included Stevie Nicks, The Beatles, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, Willie Nelson, and more. This talented, quirky, genuinely engaging songstress defeated the evening’s heaviness – (the humidity in Jersey this time of year is an oppressive hell) – with balanced notes of harmonious interplay worthy of the finest flavor.  

Saturday ~ 

The Pear Tree Project traveled far and wide in search of ‘80s music and frivolity. By far and wide I mean to say, South Orange, NJ. The setting for this much anticipated musical event, the Village Hall Patio.

From the moment we arrived, something was amiss. The setting was devoid of any musical instruments or big haired enthusiasts. Instead, we were greeted by valet parking and the assurance that music was no longer performed in the outside space.

You may ask yourselves, so why not just leave? You see, we were thoroughly invested in this mystery. What did a parking attendant know about an ‘80s music cover band on the patio? Onward!

As we made our way into this fine establishment, we were befuddled and immediately sought the assurance of the host, “do we look okay?” The lovely lady planted a smile on her face and assured us, “yes, you’re fine.”

We didn’t know who to trust, so we proceeded with trepidation to the restrooms. The Chief Pear Officer emerged from the men’s room with a dark, thin, hoodie to conceal Jimi Hendrix and his masterful guitar.

I emerged from the ladies room with a slew of cloth like napkins and the sneaking suspicion there would be no ‘80s music tonight.

As we made our way upstairs, we glanced at one another and quietly confirmed our fears, we had been duped. The online flyer was a fraud!

Once seated at the marble top bar, we were provided with popcorn by the bartender. We immediately took note of the black slacks, black shirts and khaki jackets.

Seated beside me were two women, one of the two sported a spiky pixie haircut reminiscent of the new wave era. For a moment, just one, the alarm bells in my head shut down. But, not for long.

The CPO appeared bewildered and transfixed by something unfolding behind me. Before I could spin myself around, I heard the stirring of a dinner time jazz trio. Mouth agape, I was confused.  

We embodied the three C’s – calm, cool, and collected. We devoured the popcorn, sipped libations, and marveled at the large engraved ice cube in the CPO’s cocktail.

This Saturday evening took an unexpected turn but left us wanting more. The instrumental backdrop soon melted away our unease and became just what we needed, not an escape or a stroll down memory lane, but a reminder, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade – or at least, eat pasta.

Did You Know? Music in restaurants was a continental custom that migrated to these shores. At first it was highly associated with German restaurants such as Lauber’s at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, in Philadelphia. By the late 1890s, musical accompaniment with dinner became quite popular and all kinds could be found. Gypsy music, as played at NYC’s Café Boulevard, was a favorite at Hungarian restaurants. By late in the evening, the combined effect of food, wine, beer, and strolling musicians would have everyone singing choruses.