The time that wine and music were first connected is impossible to trace, likely because there has rarely been one without the other, anywhere in the world.
Between musicians like Snoop Dogg, Dolly Parton and Dave Matthews launching their own wine brands, to studies showing that listening to music while drinking wine impacts the way you taste certain flavors, and music and wine festivals, music and wine are inextricably intertwined.
In New Jersey, wineries almost invariably offer live music alongside selections of their estate-grown wines. Check out our hopping events calendar for the latest and greatest.
That said, there are a few outstanding music and wine happenings that we can’t resist highlighting. But there is so much going on, we realize we may be missing a few, so tag us on social media if you ever hit a great Garden State wine-music pairing that we need to know about!
Get Classical with Tomasello Winery
The four-generation family-owned and operated Tomasello Winery puts on some of the most beloved classical music events in New Jersey.
The winery serves up a matinée for the senses featuring gourmet cuisine, beautiful estate wines and operatic arias from award-winning performers who frequently grace the stages of La Scala, the Met, Carnegie Hall and more.
Tomasello offers an intimate setting so guests can immerse themselves in a sensory auditory-flavor experience. Upcoming events include the Harvest Gala on October 13 and Opera Gala on December 8. Reservations are required and tickets ($84.95, including performance, four-course menu and wines) for both are selling fast.
Rock Out at Hawk Haven
Hawk Haven is celebrating its 9th season of Rootstock Vineyard Concerts. The series brings together inspiring musicians from across the country, and runs from Friday, July 12 through Friday, August 30.
The weekly Friday event serves up killer tunes + estate vino + food truck treats + stunning sunsets.
The music is globally inspired and inclusive, with a range of musicians from Kaleta & Super Yamba Band, J & The Causeways, Jeffrey Gaines, Conjunto Philadelphia and the Brass Queens slated to perform.
A range of tickets are available, from Vineyard Lawn BYOC (bring your own chair) to the full accoutered VIP Crushpad Tent (if it rains, the show goes on and you’ll stay dry!). Kids under 15 are not permitted. Reservations are recommended.
Rootstock does more than deliver a great party: a portion of all ticket sales are donated to The Shine Foundation, which focuses on empowering children and youth who have experienced physical abuse or trauma. The Shine Foundation provides resources to facilitate the recovery and healing of survivors, and helps them meet basic needs like food, healthcare and shelter.
Check Out These Regularly Scheduled Live Performances
If you’re in the mood to just pop out and listen to local artists while sipping Garden State wines, producers often have live music on the menu at their tasting rooms, especially on the weekends.
Auburn Road Vineyards serves up great music and performances year-round. Check out their roster of upcoming artists set to bring the party every Saturday night.
Sharrott Winery offers rotating musicians all weekend long, often with Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday brunch tunes on the docket. Check out their events menu for the latest scoop.
Villa Milagro Vineyards brings in musicians playing funk, jazz, blues and rock at sunset. You can bring a picnic and dine in the vines to music as the sun sets. Every Saturday, there is also live music on the porch, where you can drink wine and grab panoramic views of four counties in two states. Get the scoop on both auditory opportunities here.
Taste a Musician’s Interpretation of Garden State Terroir
If you’re thirsty for a little home-grown wine made by a legendary musician, you’re in luck. Legendary rapper Run-DMC co-founder Darryl “DMC” McDaniels has launched the Darryl Mack Cellars Collection, made in collaboration with Old York Cellars.
The collection dropped in 2021. Today, the DMC Collection includes a Reserve White, a blend of Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay; a Reserve Red, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.
Darryl Mack Cellars also gives back, with a portion of sales going to the Felix Organization, a nonprofit founded by McDaniels and the Emmy-winning casting director Sheila Jaffe in 2006.
It’s no surprise that DMC picked Old York Cellars to partner with. The winery has long focused on pairing live music with wine. Check out their latest scheduled events here.
