While it may not be Italy, New Jersey is actually home to over 35 wineries or vineyards. So if you’re looking for a great day-trip idea or want to take a week to tour the NJ Wine Country, then this post is for you. Note that this vacation idea is probably best for an adults-only trip, so if you’re looking for family-friendly activities you may want to check out some of our other New Jersey posts.
From tasting tours to winery-sponsored festivals, there’s a lot to see and do at many of the Garden State’s wineries and vineyards. You can take part in the grape crushing, enjoy live concerts, learn how wine is made, take home a bottle of your favorite, and much more. Before you head off on your wine country excursion, you will want to be sure to check out the special events that these NJ wineries are featuring so you can plan your trip accordingly.
If you’re from out of state, we recommend that you begin your tour in the Newark area, which is easy to fly into, has a lot of accommodation options, and allows you to easily get NJ 15 passenger van rentals to use on your winery adventure. Plus, in addition to visiting wineries, you can find a lot to do and see in the Newark area.
Depending on how much time you have for your getaway, you may not be able to drive to all 35 wine-making destinations in your Newark passenger van rental. But you can sure give it a go! The following list includes several of the New Jersey wineries and vineyards you may want to visit, including any special features from each attraction (note that this list is not exhaustive):
- Alba Vineyard (Milford, NJ) – located near the picturesque Delaware River in Central New Jersey.
- Sharrott Winery (Winslow, NJ) – this family-owned winery has won awards for its wines, including its Double Gold Unoaked Chardonnay.
- Plagido’s Winery (Hammonton, NJ) – visit their Tuscan-themed tasting room!
- Cedarville Winery (Logan Twp., NJ) – sample their unique fruit and grape wine while chatting with the winemaker.
- Balic Winery (Mays Landing, NJ) – with over 27 award-winning wines, you’re bound to find one you’d like to take home with you.
- Cape May Winery and Vineyard (Cape May, NJ) – for $20 you can tour the vineyard and taste the wine. This winery is great to visit, due to its proximity to other great NJ vacation attractions in Cape May. Great for couples looking for romance!
- Four Sisters Winery (Belvidere, NJ) – surrounded by beautiful scenery, this winery is known for its unique events, like the Father’s Day Pig Roast.
- Westfall Winery (Montague, NJ) – you can take a winemaking course at this northern NJ winery.
From this list you can pick and choose, do a little extra research, and decide where you want to tour. We hope you will find your NJ Wine Country excursion an adventure that brings you relaxation and rejuvenation, along with a little wine education thrown in.