The sun, the scenic views, the fresh air and, of course, the fantastic wine—there’s a good reason why vineyard trips are so deeply coveted. If your summer is already too packed to squeeze in a trip to California’s Napa Valley or Italy’s Tuscany region, you need not give up that picturesque afternoon you’re dreaming about.
Not only does the Garden State offer some truly fabulous winery options, a not-so-long drive will take you to some of New York’s best locales as well. NJ HOME has curated a list of highly rated options for your pursual. Take a trip to:
NEW JERSEY
Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery. Located in Cape May County, this family-owned winery offers an expansive spread of whites, reds and rosés (try the Flying Press rosé, which ownership recommends pairing with “watermelon feta salad and the music of Harry Styles”). This spot is open daily for seatings, tastings and artisan charcuterie, and offers live music on the weekends.
Renault Winery Resort. Boasting “158 years of champagne and fine wines,” Renault also doubles as a resort-style hotel in Egg Harbor City for those looking for a longer visit. If you’re just looking for a tasting, their Taste1864 room is open daily. You can also take a tour of the historic winery, or book a tee time at the 18-hole championship golf course.
Valenzano Family Winery. Being one of the largest wine producers on the East Coast hasn’t changed the small-town feel of this spot. Nestled into the heart of the Pine Barrens in Shamong, this winery’s Bari Wine Pub offers full-service dining Thursdays through Sundays and an expansive menu of both hand-picked wines and elevated appetizers and entrées. Want something more intimate? Schedule a private tasting any day of the week.
Laurita Winery. In New Egypt, you can find this well-loved wine destination. Known for their charming landscaping and fantastic events, Laurita is the place to go if you’re looking for something bold, and something unique—this wine is sold only on-location and at some select festivals. Stop by for a seafood boil or a themed food truck day, or enjoy their regular hours and try their whites, reds, and innovative dessert wine—they just dropped one that tastes like chocolate and peanut butter.
Cape May Winery. Tastings, tapas, brunch and tours—Cape May Winery has it all. Live music plays throughout the weekend, with a happy hour every Friday, an educational wine tasting every Saturday and a brunch on Sundays in the summer. The tastings are done in small groups and are guided by a wine professional, who will explain both the wine-making process and how best to enjoy each drink.
Unionville Vineyards. In Ringoes, Unionville’s wine offerings span from “Revolutionary Red,” a smooth and bright red blend, to a refreshing Chardonnay which boasts an all-spice scent on the nose. The tasting room is open daily, and guided tastings are offered Thursday to Monday. More? Their upcoming events include a music festival and a lobster bake.
Beneduce Vineyards. At Pittstown’s Beneduce Vineyards, everything is hand-harvested and crafted with tradition in mind. Try their signature Blaufränkisch, a bold and savory red with notes of dark fruit and warm spices. There’s even more to love when you visit, with weekly tastings and what the winery calls “Group Therapy” on Saturdays—and all-day celebration with live music, local food and great sips to “detox” from the week.
Brook Hollow Winery. You can choose between a premium wine tasting, a guided wine tasting or a wine flight at this Columbia-based winery, which is open daily. They also host weekly happy hours, paint and sips and live music. Try a cranberry-raspberry wine blend, or a Cabernet Franc infused with coffee beans.
NEW YORK
Channing Daughters. Take a drive to Bridgehampton, New York, for one of Long Island’s favorite vineyards and winery. With two dozen wines to choose from, you’ll never run short on options. Seated tastings are available with a reservation. Try a themed flights, or enjoy any of the wines by the glass. Picnic-style snacks to pair are also served.
Lieb Cellars. In Cutchogue, New York, you’ll find Lieb Cellars, who boast some of the oldest grape vines on Long Island, in addition to the largest contiguous plot of Pinot Blanc in the United States. Their tasting room is open daily, and reservations are highly encouraged on the weekends—tables go fast. Enjoy the picturesque outdoor seating and a bottle of their best sparkling wine.
Warwick Valley Winery. If you’re willing to travel even further north in the Empire State, you’ll find Warwick Valley Winery in scenic foothills of the Hudson Valley. Try Harvest Moon, a semi-sweet white wine, Gewürztraminer, a semi-dry white, or a lightly bodied Pinot Noir. Their tasting room is open every day, and the café offers delicious farm-to-table eats.
Brotherhood Winery. History and wine pair just as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and steak, and you’ll find the best of both at Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, New York, which houses America’s oldest wine cellars. You can take a tour of these hand-dug rooms and get a glimpse of nearly 200 oak barrels in addition to a vault containing some of the oldest vintages in the country. After the tour, enjoy a guided tasting of some truly special wines. The winery also hosts weekly live music you can enjoy at your leisure.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard. One of Long Island’s premier destinations, this 470-acre estate in Sagaponack includes a sustainably farmed vineyard that stretches 55 acres. Enjoy a quick respite from the bustle of Hamptons life and taste their distinctive red and whites as well as their ciders and spirits. Winery tours, live music, educational workshops and other events take place all year long.
What travel destination has you excited this summer? Tell us all about it on Instagram @njhomemag.