James Fiorentino – The Media Pub News (TM)

‘Wines for Preservation’ labels feature stunning landscapes

In partnership with Old York Cellars of Ringoes, N.J., D&R Greenway of Princeton recently announced their Wines for Preservation with labels of stunning landscapes by local artist James Fiorentino.

Artist James Fiorentino affixes his artwork labels of the D&R Greenway landscapes to these wine bottles.
— Provided photo

There are now three wines from the 2019 harvest whose labels feature the renowned Fiorentino’s artistry of D&R Greenway Land Trust’s preserved landscapes.

The three Old York Cellars’ Wines for Preservation are the St. Michaels Red, Sourlands White and Goat Hill Rose´. Each wine label is a collector’s piece that presents artwork from each of the three land preserves.

“This official collaboration with a New Jersey vintner is fitting, due to D&R Greenway’s preservation of more than 8,000 acres of farmlands that contribute to New Jersey’s reputation as the Garden State,” states the D&R Greenway press release.

It also states that Old York Cellars is nestled in the Sourland Mountain area of central New Jersey, where D&R Greenway has preserved thousands of significant acres including its first preserved acre upon its founding 30 years ago.

The other two D&R Greenway land preserves that Fiorentino uses for art on the wine labels are also near this New Jersey area. The St. Michaels Farm Preserve is on the former site of St. Michaels Orphanage that was established in 2010.

Goat Hill Preserve is high above the Delaware River, just South of Lambertville, N.J.

“I am so very honored to have my artwork grace the bottles of Old York Cellars wine, as I am a personal fan. D&R Greenway has a wonderful message to spread through the beauty of artwork and the pleasure of wine!” declares Fiorentino.

D&R Greenway President and CEO Linda Mead also comments that supporters should, “bring the beauty of the outdoors in with these wines on your table!”

She further explains that, “as we weather the current crisis, our region’s residents are appreciating daily walks on our preserves more than ever before. Through our partnership with Old York Cellars, you can return home after your walk to enjoy a glass of our red, white, or rose´ wine—its label depicting the actual site where you have just hiked…”

The owner of Old York Cellars, David Wolin, also comments that “James Fiorentino’s paintings are a great pairing for our wines. Old York Cellars is proud to support D&R Greenway with the sale of each of these special edition bottles.”

‘Portraits of Preservation’ celebrate thousands of landscapes

Continuing to celebrate its 30^th year of land preservation, D&R Greenway Land Trust in Princeton, will highlight its properties with a new exhibit called, “Portraits of Preservation,” starting this Friday.

Artist Fiorentino paints Capitol City Farm here.
— Provided photo

Based on watercolor paintings by the noted, Award-winning Artist James Fiorentino, his exhibit, “Portraits of Preservation,” highlights the iconic landscapes and treasured wildlife found on 20,865 acres and 308 properties permanently preserved by D&R Greenway for three decades now.

So, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, the exhibit will feature an Opening Reception with the artist’s talk and special guests at the Johnson Education Center at D&R Greenway.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have a renowned artist like James Fiorentino help us celebrate the beauty of the lands and wildlife that the D&R Greenway Land Trust has preserved,” said CEO Linda Mead.

“The public will enjoy seeing the art and learning the stories of these special lands at the exhibit. In our 30^th year, this is an opportunity to raise awareness about not only what we have accomplished but also about what there still remains to do,” she states.

Consisting of nearly 30 works of art, the exhibit will allow visitors to tour preserved lands of the D&R Greenway through the eyes of an artist, and to discover wildlife that can be found inhabiting these green spaces.

Among lands featured in the exhibit are: Greenway Meadows in Princeton; St. Michael’s Farm Preserve in Hopewell, the Abbott Marshlands in Bordentown, Capitol City Farm in Trenton, Steel Gap Preserve in Bridgewater, Goat Hill Overlook in Lambertville, and Sourland Mountain Preserve that spans several area towns.

Among the wildlife species portrayed are bear, fox, wood frogs, eagles, hummingbirds, monarch butterflies and bees that depend on the habitats protected by D&R Greenway for their survival.

With the current number of bird species declining, “the preservation of these places is more important now than ever,” says Fiorentino.

His artwork proceeds will also benefit the preservation of future lands.

Meanwhile, visitors can also take home some of his beautiful pieces, since originals and reproductions of the art will be available for purchase as well.

Fiorentino further comments that, his “family has made its home in Central Jersey in large part because of the beauty surrounds us here. I’m proud to be associated with D&R Greenway as a member of the board, and now as an artist helping to celebrate the fact that these beautiful places will be protected forever.”

To learn more, please visit www.drgreenway.org.