New Jersey offers a delightful escape for wine lovers. The state’s wineries provide a mix of beautiful scenery and tasty drinks. You can find many options for wine tours across the region.
Wine tours in New Jersey let you sample local flavors and learn about winemaking. These trips often include visits to several wineries in one day. You’ll get to try different wines and see how they’re made. It’s a fun way to spend time with friends or family while enjoying the Garden State’s vineyards.
1) Cape May Winery & Vineyard
Cape May Winery & Vineyard offers a relaxing spot for your summer vacation in New Jersey. You can enjoy wine tastings on their outside patio or deck, which gives you a beautiful view of the vineyard.
The winery has a friendly staff and great atmosphere. You’ll find a variety of options to suit your taste, including wine by the bottle, featured wines by the glass, and wine flights.
When you visit, you can browse their store for souvenirs or gifts. The winery prides itself on being family-owned and operated, ensuring quality wines and excellent service.
Cape May Winery is open daily, but hours may vary. It’s best to call ahead to confirm their current schedule. You can enjoy your visit any time between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Remember to make a reservation for the tasting room to secure your spot. This way, you can fully enjoy your wine tasting experience without any worries.
2) Sharrott Winery
Sharrott Winery offers you a delightful wine experience in the heart of New Jersey’s Pinelands. This family-owned vineyard welcomes you daily for tastings and tours.
You’ll find Sharrott open from 12 pm to 6 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Wednesdays through Saturdays, enjoy extended hours until 9 pm. Sundays offer an early start at 10 am.
The winery boasts 6 acres of carefully tended grapes. Your visit promises a chance to sample their impressive 4,600-case annual production.
Live music events and farm-to-table dinners add extra charm to your wine tour. Don’t miss their happy hours and open mic nights for a lively atmosphere.
As you sip your wine, take in the beautiful pine forest surroundings. The winery’s picturesque setting offers stunning sunset views, perfect for creating lasting memories.
Sharrott Winery stands out as one of New Jersey’s best wineries. Your visit combines great wine, food, and entertainment in a scenic location.
3) Unionville Vineyards
Unionville Vineyards offers you a chance to experience award-winning wines in a beautiful setting. Located on 88 acres of preserved farmland in Hunterdon County, this vineyard provides a serene escape from city life.
You can visit the tasting room daily from noon to 5 PM. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of wines by the glass or choose from carefully curated flights.
For a more in-depth experience, join a complimentary winery tour. These tours run on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 PM. You’ll learn about the winemaking process and get to taste six premium Unionville wines.
Unionville Vineyards prides itself on being a flag bearer for New Jersey’s growing wine industry. The warm and gracious staff will make you feel welcome as you explore their portfolio of fine wines.
If you’re planning a special event, Unionville Vineyards can accommodate you. The historic facility and stunning landscape provide a perfect backdrop for weddings and private gatherings.
4) Old York Cellars
Old York Cellars is a top-rated winery in New Jersey. You’ll find it nestled among some of the oldest vineyards in the state. The winery offers a full selection of award-winning wines for you to enjoy.
When you visit, you can take part in a guided wine tasting. This experience lets you sample 6 different wines over 30 minutes. You’ll even get a souvenir wine glass to take home.
For a longer stay, reserve a table or cabana. You can pick from over 30 wines to sip while taking in the beautiful vineyard views.
Old York Cellars hosts many special events throughout the year. They also offer virtual wine tasting experiences for groups.
The winery is about an hour from both Philadelphia and New York City. It’s a perfect day trip destination for wine lovers in the region.
Remember to book ahead if you’re coming with a large group. Parties of 12 or more need to call for a reservation.
5) William Heritage Winery
William Heritage Winery is a family-owned gem in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. You’ll find it in the heart of the Outer Coastal Plain American Viticultural Area.
The winery boasts six generations of farming history. The Heritage family has turned their agricultural expertise into crafting fine wines.
You can visit their Mullica Hill Tasting Room for a classic wine experience. Here, you’ll sample a selection of their award-winning red and white wines.
For a different vibe, check out their Haddonfield Tasting Room. You can enjoy wine flights paired with premium cheeses and snacks.
William Heritage Winery offers guided tours every Saturday. It’s a great way to learn about their winemaking process.
The winery has earned recognition for its quality. It was named New Jersey’s “Winery of the Year” in 2011 and 2014.
You can taste five wine samples for $5 in their classic tasting. For $10, you can try their reserve wines.
History of New Jersey’s Wine Country
New Jersey’s wine history spans centuries, with early influences from European settlers and key developments shaping the industry. The state’s unique climate and soil have played crucial roles in its winemaking journey.
Early Vineyards and Influences
New Jersey’s wine story began in 1758 when the British Crown offered a reward for grape cultivation. This sparked the planting of vineyards across the region. Early settlers brought their winemaking traditions from Europe, shaping the state’s early wine culture.
The 19th century saw growth in local vineyards. European grape varieties thrived in New Jersey’s climate. This led to a flourishing wine industry before Prohibition.
Prohibition dealt a heavy blow to New Jersey’s wineries. Many shut down or switched to other crops. After its repeal, the industry slowly began to recover.
Key Developments in Local Wine Production
Post-Prohibition, New Jersey’s wine industry faced challenges. Limited wineries were allowed to operate initially. This changed in the 1980s when laws became more favorable.
The New Jersey Wine Growers Association formed in 1987. It helped promote local wines and support growers. This marked a turning point for the industry.
In recent years, New Jersey wines have gained recognition. A 2012 blind taste test showed local wines competing well with French wines. This boosted the reputation of New Jersey’s wine country.
Today, the state boasts over 50 wineries. They produce a variety of wines from both European and American grape varieties. New Jersey’s wine industry continues to grow and evolve.
Understanding New Jersey’s Wine Varietals
New Jersey’s wine scene offers a rich variety of red and white wines. The state’s diverse climate and soil types allow for growing many grape varieties.
Notable Red Wines
New Jersey produces several excellent red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular choice, with bold flavors of black currant and cedar. You’ll find it at many wineries across the state.
Merlot is another favorite. It’s known for its smooth texture and plum notes. Some wineries blend it with Cabernet for a complex taste.
Chambourcin is a French-American hybrid that grows well in New Jersey. It makes a fruity, medium-bodied wine with low tannins.
Distinctive White Wines
In New Jersey, white wine lovers have plenty to enjoy. Chardonnay is widely grown and offers crisp apple flavors. Sometimes, it also has oak notes.
Vidal Blanc thrives in the Garden State’s climate. It produces a refreshing wine with citrus hints. You might try it in ice wine form too.
New Jersey grows over 80 grape varieties. Albariño is gaining popularity for its bright, peachy character. It pairs well with seafood from the Jersey shore.
Don’t miss Traminette, a spicy white similar to Gewürztraminer. It’s aromatic and pairs nicely with Asian cuisine.
