Best 14 Wineries in New Jersey: Top Places to Visit for Wine Tasting
New Jersey may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about wineries, but the Garden State has a thriving wine industry that’s worth exploring. With over 50 wineries and vineyards scattered throughout the state, there’s no shortage of options for wine lovers to taste and experience.
From the Outer Coastal Plain to the Sussex Skylands, New Jersey’s diverse regions offer a unique terroir that influences the flavors and quality of the wines produced. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or a fun day trip with friends, visiting one of the state’s wineries can be a delightful and educational experience.
Each winery has its own personality, from rustic barns and rolling hills to sleek modern tasting rooms and award-winning wines. Some wineries offer tours of their vineyards and production facilities, while others have live music, food trucks, and other events to enhance your visit. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, New Jersey’s wineries have something to offer for everyone.
Notable Wineries in New Jersey
Tomasello Winery
Tomasello Winery has been a staple of the New Jersey wine scene for over 80 years. They offer a wide variety of wines, including fruit wines, sparkling wines, and traditional red and white wines. Visitors to the winery can take a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as enjoy a tasting of their award-winning wines.
Website: http://www.tomasellowinery.com/
Address: 225 N White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037, United States
Sharrott Winery
Sharrott Winery is located in the pine forests of Southern New Jersey and offers something delightful for every wine lover. They have a variety of red, white, and fruit wines, as well as a tasting room and outdoor seating area. They also have a wine club for those who want to receive regular shipments of their favorite wines.
Website: http://www.sharrottwinery.com/
Address: 370 S Egg Harbor Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037, United States
Alba Vineyard
Alba Vineyard is a family-owned winery located in the rolling hills of Warren County, New Jersey. They have a wide selection of wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as enjoy a tasting of their wines.
Website: http://www.albavineyard.com/
Address: 269 County Rd 627, Milford, NJ 08848, United States
Renault Winery
Renault Winery is one of the oldest wineries in New Jersey, established in 1864. They offer a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and enjoy a tasting of their wines, as well as dine at their on-site restaurant.
Website: https://www.renaultwinery.com/
Address: 72 Bremen Ave, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215, United States
Beneduce Vineyards
Beneduce Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. They have a variety of red, white, and fruit wines, as well as a tasting room and outdoor seating area. They also offer vineyard tours and wine education classes.
Website: http://beneducevineyards.com/
Address: 1 Jeremiah Ln, Pittstown, NJ 08867, United States
Unionville Vineyards
Unionville Vineyards is located in Ringoes, New Jersey, and has been producing award-winning wines since 1993. They have a variety of red, white, and dessert wines, as well as a tasting room and outdoor seating area. Visitors can also take a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities.
Website: http://unionvillevineyards.com/
Address: 9 Rocktown Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551, United States
Amalthea Cellars
Amalthea Cellars is a family-owned winery located in Atco, New Jersey. They have a variety of red, white, and fruit wines, as well as a tasting room and outdoor seating area. They also offer vineyard tours and wine education classes.
Website: http://www.amaltheacellars.com/
Address: 209 Vineyard Rd, Atco, NJ 08004, United States
Cape May Winery
Cape May Winery is located in Cape May, New Jersey, and offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as enjoy a tasting of their wines.
Website: http://capemaywinery.com/
Address: 711 Town Bank Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204, United States
William Heritage Winery
William Heritage Winery is located in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, and offers a variety of red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as enjoy a tasting of their wines.
Website: http://www.heritagewinenj.com/
Address: 480 Mullica Hill Rd, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062, United States
Hawk Haven Vineyard
Hawk Haven Vineyard is located in Cape May, New Jersey, and offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as enjoy a tasting of their wines.
Website: http://www.hawkhavenvineyard.com/
Address: 600 S Railroad Ave, Rio Grande, NJ 08242, United States
Old York Cellars
Old York Cellars is located in Ringoes, New Jersey, and offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as enjoy a tasting of their wines.
Website: http://www.oldyorkcellars.com/
Address: 80 Old York Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551, United States
Auburn Road Vineyards
Auburn Road Vineyards is located in Pilesgrove, New Jersey, and offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as enjoy a tasting of their wines.
Website: http://www.auburnroadvineyards.com/
Address: 117 Sharptown-Auburn Rd, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098, United States
Mount Salem Vineyards
Mount Salem Vineyards is located in Pittstown, New Jersey, and offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as enjoy a tasting of their wines.
Website: http://www.mountsalemvineyards.com/
Address: 54 Mt Salem Rd, Pittstown, NJ 08867, United States
Laurita Winery
Laurita Winery is located in New Egypt, New Jersey, and offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as enjoy a tasting of their wines.
Website: http://www.lauritawinery.com/
Address: 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533, United States
Wine Regions in New Jersey
New Jersey may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine regions, but the state actually has several distinct areas that produce high-quality wines. Each region has its own unique characteristics that contribute to the flavor and aroma of the wines produced there.
Cape May County
Cape May County is located in the southernmost part of New Jersey and is home to several wineries. The region is known for its sandy soil and warm climate, which are ideal for growing grapes. The Cape May AVA (American Viticultural Area) was established in 1997 and covers over 2,300 acres of vineyards. Some of the popular grape varieties grown in this region include Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Atlantic County
Atlantic County is located in the southeastern part of New Jersey and is home to the Outer Coastal Plain AVA. This region has a moderate climate and is known for its sandy soil, which is perfect for growing grapes. Some of the popular grape varieties grown in this region include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. The region is also known for its fruit wines, particularly blueberry wine.
Warren County
Warren County is located in the northwestern part of New Jersey and is home to several wineries. The region has a cooler climate than other wine regions in the state, which makes it ideal for growing certain grape varieties. The Warren Hills AVA was established in 1988 and covers over 150 acres of vineyards. Some of the popular grape varieties grown in this region include Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.
Hunterdon County
Hunterdon County is located in the central part of New Jersey and is home to several wineries. The region has a moderate climate and is known for its rolling hills and fertile soil, which are ideal for growing grapes. The Central Delaware Valley AVA was established in 1984 and covers over 28,000 acres of vineyards. Some of the popular grape varieties grown in this region include Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir.
Winemaking in New Jersey
New Jersey has a rich tradition of winemaking, with over 50 wineries and vineyards located throughout the state. The state’s sandy soil, mild winters, and long growing seasons make for ideal grape-growing conditions, resulting in some exemplary wines.
Winemaking in New Jersey dates back to the colonial era when early settlers discovered that the state’s soil and climate were well-suited for grape cultivation. Today, New Jersey winemakers continue to produce high-quality wines using traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
The state’s winemakers grow a variety of grapes, including Vitis vinifera, French hybrid, and Vitis labrusca wine grapes. Some of the most popular wine grape varieties grown in New Jersey include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, and Chardonnay.
New Jersey winemakers take great care in cultivating their grapes, ensuring that they are grown in optimal conditions and harvested at the peak of ripeness. The grapes are then carefully processed and fermented to create a wide range of red, white, and rosé wines.
New Jersey winemakers are passionate about their craft and are dedicated to producing the best possible wines. They work closely with their grapes, soil, and climate to create unique and flavorful wines that are a true reflection of New Jersey’s winemaking tradition.
Types of Wines and Grapes
New Jersey has a diverse range of wineries that produce a variety of wines from different grape varietals. Some of the most popular grape varietals grown in New Jersey include chardonnay, cabernet franc, riesling, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chambourcin, pinot noir, and vidal blanc.
Red Wines
New Jersey’s red wines are known for their rich and full-bodied flavors. Some of the most popular red wines in the state include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, chambourcin, and pinot noir. Cabernet franc is a signature grape varietal in New Jersey and is known for its spicy and fruity flavors. Chambourcin is another popular grape varietal that produces a deep red wine with spicy and fruity notes.
White Wines
New Jersey’s white wines are known for their crisp and refreshing flavors. Some of the most popular white wines in the state include Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc. Chardonnay is a classic grape varietal that is known for its buttery and oaky flavors. Vidal blanc is a French hybrid grape varietal that produces a crisp and citrusy white wine.
Rosé
New Jersey’s rosé wines are known for their delicate and fruity flavors. Rosé is made from a blend of red and white grape varietals and is typically a light pink color. Some of the most popular rosé wines in the state include Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin.
Dessert Wines
New Jersey’s dessert wines are known for their sweet and rich flavors. Some of the most popular dessert wines in the state include Riesling and vidal blanc. Riesling is a grape varietal that produces a sweet and floral white wine. Vidal blanc is also used to produce a sweet white wine that is often served as a dessert wine.
Overall, New Jersey’s wineries offer a diverse range of wines that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer red, white, rosé, or dessert wines, there is something for everyone to enjoy in New Jersey’s wineries.
Wine Tasting Experiences
New Jersey is home to many wineries that offer unique wine-tasting experiences. Most wineries have a tasting room where visitors can sample a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process. Some wineries offer wine flights, which are a selection of wines served in small glasses.
Visitors can choose from a variety of wine tastings, including guided tastings, self-guided tastings, and private tastings. Guided tastings are led by a knowledgeable staff member who will explain the wines and answer any questions. Self-guided tastings allow visitors to explore the wines at their own pace. Private tastings are available for groups and require reservations.
Many wineries offer more than just wine tastings. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and winery, participate in a wine-blending workshop, or enjoy a picnic on the grounds. Some wineries also have restaurants that offer food and wine pairings.
It is recommended to make reservations for wine tastings, especially on weekends and holidays. This ensures that visitors have a spot and can avoid long wait times. Some wineries require reservations for all tastings, while others only require them for private tastings or groups.
Events and Festivals
New Jersey wineries are known for hosting a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. From live music to weddings, there is always something happening at these wineries.
Many wineries offer event spaces that can be rented for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. For example, Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes, NJ has an event space that is perfect for weddings, fundraisers, picnics, and team-building events.
In addition to weddings and other private events, wineries also host a variety of public events throughout the year. These events range from live music performances to festivals celebrating the harvest season. For example, Laurita Winery in New Egypt, NJ hosts an annual Awesome 80’s Dance Party, complete with jellies, neons, and leg warmers.
Wine festivals are also a great way to experience the best of New Jersey’s wineries. The Italian Festival & Wine Tasting at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, NJ is a popular event that features delicious Italian food from the area’s top restaurants and food trucks, as well as an ample variety of Italian wines presented by Opici Wines.
Food and Wine Pairings
Pairing wine with food is an art that requires some knowledge and experimentation. The right pairing can enhance the flavors of both the wine and the food, while the wrong one can make them clash. When visiting wineries in New Jersey, it’s worth trying some of the local food specialties and experimenting with different wine pairings.
Cheese Pairings
Cheese and wine are a classic pairing, and New Jersey has some excellent artisanal cheeses to offer. Some popular cheese varieties in the state include:
- Blue cheese
- Cheddar
- Gouda
- Goat cheese
- Brie
When pairing cheese with wine, it’s best to match the intensity of the flavors. For example, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon can stand up to a strong blue cheese, while a delicate Pinot Grigio pairs well with a mild goat cheese.
Flatbreads and Wood-fired Pizza
Many wineries in New Jersey have on-site restaurants that serve wood-fired pizza and other flatbreads. These dishes are often topped with fresh, local ingredients and pair well with a variety of wines.
For example, a Margherita pizza with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil pairs well with a light, fruity red wine like Pinot Noir. A white pizza with garlic, ricotta, and spinach goes well with a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Food Trucks
Some wineries in New Jersey host food trucks on their premises, offering a variety of cuisines. When pairing wine with food truck fare, it’s best to focus on the flavors and spices of the dish.
For example, a spicy taco or burrito pairs well with a fruity red wine like a Zinfandel or a Syrah. A seafood dish like shrimp tacos or ceviche goes well with a crisp, refreshing white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a Chardonnay.
Overall, when visiting wineries in New Jersey, it’s worth trying some of the local food specialties and experimenting with different wine pairings. With a little knowledge and experimentation, you can find the perfect pairing to enhance your wine and food experience.
Visiting Guidelines
When planning a visit to one of the best wineries in New Jersey, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
1. Check the Winery’s Website
Before visiting a winery, it’s always a good idea to check their website for any important information. This includes their hours of operation, tasting fees, and any special events or promotions they may be offering. Some wineries may also have specific guidelines in place due to COVID-19, so be sure to check their website for any updates on safety protocols.
2. Make a Reservation
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it’s recommended to make a reservation before visiting a winery. This will help the winery manage their capacity and provide you with a more personalized experience. Some wineries may require reservations for tastings, tours, or events, so be sure to check their website for more information.
3. Dress Appropriately
When visiting a winery, it’s important to dress appropriately for the occasion. This means avoiding high heels or sandals, and opting for comfortable shoes instead. Depending on the season, it’s also a good idea to dress in layers to accommodate changes in temperature.
4. Respect the Winery’s Policies
Each winery may have its own set of policies and guidelines in place, so be sure to respect them during your visit. This includes following any rules regarding alcohol consumption, smoking, and pets. Some wineries may also have a privacy policy in place to protect their customers’ personal information, so be sure to read and understand their policies before providing any personal information.
5. Enjoy Responsibly
Last but not least, it’s important to enjoy your visit to the winery responsibly. This means limiting your alcohol consumption and designating a driver or arranging transportation if needed. It’s also important to be respectful of other guests and the winery staff during your visit.