If you know anything about me, you know that I love going to wineries.
My latest obsession is with the wineries in New Jersey. With over fifty to choose from, I wondered which ones are the absolute best?
Lucky for us, there are a lot of wineries in New Jersey to choose from and it was fun coming up with this list. To me, a good winery has great wine (I prefer dry), great views, and a fabulous atmosphere. Live music is definitely an added bonus!
Here are my top 5 favorite wineries in New Jersey:
Cape May Winery and Vineyard
Cape May Winery, located in Cape May is such a charming winery offering good wine, good fun and a beautiful atmosphere. They have wine by the glass, flight, bottle, and some on tap.
Wine on tap is a slightly newer concept. Unlike bottled wine, tap wine is intended to drink now and not left to age. It’s slightly aerated which causes it to be more aromatic. It’s definitely a different experience, however it is much more efficient for the winery, and a way for the winery to experiment in small batches.
Cape May Winery offers wine tastings on Friday and Saturday which can be booked ahead of time. They have delicious tapas and offer brunch as well, and also provide live entertainment on the weekends.
Be sure to go on a self-guided tour while enjoying a glass of wine. There is a really great picture taking spot by the green doors leading to the port wine cellar.
Working Dog Winery
Located in Hightstown minutes from 195, Working Dog Winery is an absolute gem! Their wine is really top notch, and are all quite good. My personal favorites are their Cabernet Franc, the Pinot Grigio and the Equinox Rose.
Working Dog WInery has plenty of tables and chairs, and a large area of grass right by the vineyards to bring chairs, tables and blankets. Feel free to bring your own cheese and crackers, or any appetizers that you prefer.
There is a great laid back vibe to the place which makes you feel right at home. Dogs are welcome and just add to the overall coziness of this great winery.
On Saturday and Sundays, they have live music and a food truck.
Please note that Working Dog Winery does not sell wine by the glass.
Beneduce Vineyards
Located in Pittstown, Beneduce Vineyards is a premier vineyard in Hunterdon County. Their award-winning wine can be enjoyed indoor or outdoor in any of their three outdoor seating sections. The lawn has tables for up to 8 people. The new Crush Pad area has covered open-air seatings. This area is so fun, and is the furthest away from the live music. The stone patio has tables and chairs, and a stone bonfire pit.
Beneduce Vineyards is a world class vineyard that really knows how to combine great views, beautiful grounds and some pretty amazing wine.
Make sure to sign up for a free tour of the vineyard. The tour guides are awesome and you’ll get a chance to learn all about the winery and the grapes.
Register at their website before you go. The winery is very popular and often will reach their daily capacity. While you are on their website, check out their events page. They always have something fun going on.
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
Every time I have been to Hopewell Valley Vineyards, I have not been disappointed. Their staff is always super friendly, very knowledgeable and most welcoming. Their live music is always phenomenal! I don’t know where they find their talent, but it is top-notch. Their grounds are lovely, so be sure to take a look around.
They have a stone brick oven where phenomenal pizza is made. The seating inside is warm and cozy, and the outside table and chairs affords you great views of the vineyard and the live music.
Valenzano Family Winery
Located in Shamong, Valenzano Winery says the key to enjoying wine and food is to, “find a wine you like, find a food you like, and most importantly, find a person you ‘like’ that you can share them with.
Valenzano offers award-winning Cabernet Merlot and Chambourcin, as well as twenty six other varieties. Besides traditional wine, they also offer sweet wines, carbonated wines, and specialty wines.
Be sure to book a wine tasting where they will walk you through their wine portfolio and help you find the wines you would enjoy. They will also provide insights and tasting notes.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned throughout this article, New Jersey has some very outstanding wineries. These are my particular favorite because of the wine quality, the atmosphere,and the friendly and knowledgeable staff that work there. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Traveling to New York State? Check out the 5 Must Visit Seneca Lake Wineries.