Time to rejoice oenophiles: New Jersey Wine Week – an annual statewide celebration of Garden State winemaking and grape growing, takes place during the third week of November. This yearly event is designed to offer both new and experienced wine enthusiasts a reason to raise a glass in celebration of the burgeoning New Jersey wine scene.
Currently, there are more than sixty Garden States wineries from Sussex County to Cape May, and countless ways to support them, both at the wineries themselves, and through the informal network of quaint bed and breakfasts, hotels, and restaurants—both BYOB and those with New Jersey wines on the menu such as Annata Wine Bar in Hammonton.
Whether you want to design your next vacation with winery visits as your centerpiece, or you’re looking for day trip ideas or dining options, we’ve got you covered.
Vacation in Wine Country
To make the most of your time and take full advantage of New Jersey Wine Week, plan to spend a few days in wine country. Options abound, but here is a sneak peek of a few classic wine country accommodations.
Family Winery Stay: Laurita Winery is open for a short window during New Jersey Wine Week, so if you’ve been hoping to get an up-close and personal look at a family winery, act fast. The winery’s cozy inn offers every amenity of home, luxurious rooms to choose from, and a gourmet breakfast.
Luxury Winery Stay: The Renault Winery Resort offers artisanal cuisine, world-glass golf, and one-of-a-kind wine country experiences, from fire pit dinners to tours and tastings at the in-house winery. Located in Egg Harbor City, the resort is within easy reach of other Garden State wineries, including Tomasello Winery, Amalthea Cellars, and Balic Winery.
Classic B&B: If you’re looking for a serene solo or romantic getaway, the elegantly appointed Woolverton Inn is ideal. With 14 luxurious cottages and guest rooms to choose from, visitors can look forward to a decadent three-course breakfast, 10 acres of wandering space, and gorgeous communal areas. The Inn is in Hunterdon County, just a short drive from Beneduce Vineyards, Alba Vineyards, Old York Cellars, and Unionville Cellars.
Dine in Wine Country
If you want to toast to New Jersey Wine Week over a great meal, there are several stellar dining options at wineries, and at BYOB-friendly restaurants.
On-Site Enoteca: Auburn Road Vineyards is beloved for its wine of course, but it has just as many fans for its European-style Enoteca. The pizza is innovative (try the Spicy Tomato Pie next to the Sweet Tomato Pie), and the Piadine is addictive (try the Zocca, a cheese and arugula street-style sandwich with a side of fig jam). For dessert, don’t miss the Nutella and Whipped Cream Piadine.
Elevated Farm-to-Table: Café Panache in downtown Ramsey serves up farm-fresh produce, free-range meat in tantalizing dishes like braised beef short rib and prime filet mignon in bordelaise sauce. The BYOB policy means you can bring your favorite Garden State wine to pair with your meal.
Modern Cuban: La Isla in Hoboken serves up traditional, warming Cuban classics like Montaditos (grilled shrimp, Spanish chorizo, chimichurri, tostones) and new-fangled fun like Guava Glazed BBQ Ribs, with an open door BYOB policy.
On-Site Wine Bar: Sharrott Winery offers award-winning wines and vino-friendly noshes at its inviting on-site Wine Bar in Hammonton. Perennial favorites include (no surprise) a chef’s selection cheese plate, and addictive flatbread pizzas like Prosciutto and Fig and Bruschetta and Bacon.
Hit the Wine Trail
No one is as excited for New Jersey Wine Week as the vintners themselves. Wineries across the state are cooking up delectable events for you, so don’t miss the opportunity to check them out at their best.
Beneduce Vineyards: Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown is offering special tastings of five estate-grown wines hand-selected by their winemaker, and offered table-side, guided by knowledgeable staff members. Tastings are $15 per person for wine, or $30 per person with seasonal food pairings.
Hawk Haven Vineyard: Hawk Haven in Rio Grande will take you on a journey through your senses, with a guided tasting and explanation of the terroir that informs it. Tastings are $18 per person.
Terhune Orchards: Terhune Orchards in Princeton is offering special tastings of its wine on the weekend accompanied by local musicians.
Valenzano Winery: Valenzano Winery in Shamong is offering guided wine tastings at the top of every hour. Tastings last around 45 minutes, include any six wines, and cost $15 per person. You will be guided through your tasting by trained wine specialists.
The Garden State Wine Growers Association is supported in part by grant funding from the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism and New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
