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Sipping History: The 200-Year-Old Barn at Mount Salem Vineyards

New Jersey is rightfully called “The Garden State.” With over 700,000 acres of farmland, we rank among the top producers in the nation for blueberries, cranberries, and spinach. But preserving this heritage is about more than just the crops; it is about saving the infrastructure—the farmhouses, silos, and barns—that define our rural landscape.

In the Pittstown section of Alexandria Township, one farm has been doing exactly that. The Abbott Taylor Farmstead, now home to Mount Salem Vineyards, has been continuously cultivated for over two centuries. Today, instead of just corn or hay, they are harvesting award-winning grapes and serving them inside a restored piece of history.

The 15-Year-Old Farmer

The history of this land dates back to 1811, when it was purchased by Abbott Taylor. In a feat that seems impossible by modern standards, Taylor was only 15 years old when he bought the land and constructed the original farmhouse and barn.

For 200 years, this soil produced soybeans, peaches, and dairy. In 2005, the current owners pivoted to viticulture (wine-making), embracing a growing trend in New Jersey agriculture.

The “Eyebrow” Colonial

Stepping into the farmhouse at Mount Salem feels less like visiting a business and more like entering an 18th-century tavern.

The home is a classic Federal-style “Eyebrow Colonial,” named for the small windows located under the eaves.

• The Construction: The left side dates to Abbott Taylor’s 1811 construction. The right side was added circa 1836 (architectural evidence suggests this half may have been a separate building moved from across the street and attached!).
• The Vibe: With cozy armchairs, a wood stove, and low ambient lighting, the tasting room encourages conversation. It is a throwback to a time when neighbors gathered in parlors to discuss local politics and farming.

Saving the Barn

The true centerpiece of the preservation effort, however, is the 1811 Barn.

By 2010, the timber-frame structure was nearing the end of its life. Located on the corner of Mount Salem and Whitehall Roads, it had weathered 200 winters and more than a few fender-benders from wayward cars.

The owners faced a choice: Tear it down and build a cheap, modern metal pole barn, or save history?

Proprietor Peter Leitner chose history. He realized that while a modern barn was cheaper to build, retrofitting the historic barn would retain the character that makes the vineyard special.

The Great Move: On August 7, 2010, after months of preparation, the barn was lifted and moved 150 feet away from the road to a safer location near the farmhouse.

• Restoration: The contractor, Herman S. Grefe & Son, carefully pieced the structure back together on a new slab foundation.
• Authenticity: Amazingly, 95% of the barn is original. Replacement wood and nails were installed using traditional methods to match the 1811 craftsmanship.
• Modern Tech: While it looks ancient, the barn is now fitted with electricity, insulation, and climate control to protect the wine.

The project was so successful that it received the Donald B. Jones Award for Historic Preservation from the Hunterdon County Planning Board in 2011.

If You Visit

Mount Salem Vineyards is a boutique winery, meaning they focus on small-batch, high-quality wines (many made from Austrian and Northern Italian grape varieties that thrive in the NJ climate).

• Location: 54 Mount Salem Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867.
• The Experience: Tastings are often conducted in the farmhouse or the restored barn, depending on the season.
• Events: Keep an eye out for their cooking classes and special events, which often pair local food with their wines.

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For More Information

Mount Salem Vineyards (www.mountsalemvineyards.com)