Day Trip to New Jersey Wineries

Most people, when they think of wines and the places that produce them, will probably have visions of Italy, France, or perhaps the Napa Valley region of California. But there are more local vineyards for wine enthusiasts to enjoy sampling, right here in the Garden State; more than 40 of them, in fact, representing a proud heritage of New Jersey vintners that dates back more than 200 years. They can be found in towns from one end of New Jersey to the other, offering high quality, award-winning wines, picturesque settings, and festive events that surely deserve a toast and are certainly worth a day trip. And as the summer months begin, you’re sure to find many of them displaying their intoxicatingly fine products at numerous fairs, festivals, and wine tasting events from now through the fall and on wine shop shelves all year round. Since it’s impossible to walk through all the vineyards on just this one page, here is a virtual wine sampling of just a few of them.

For many winemakers, and wine drinkers, the production and enjoyment of wine is a family affair. Nowhere is this truer than at Four Sisters Winery, located on a 250-acre farm in Belvidere, nestled in the valleys and hills of Warren County. Established in 1984 by Matty and Laurie Matarazzo as an investment for the future of their four young daughters, the winery went on to win more than 35 regional, national, and international awards for its red, white, rose, and fruit wines. The winery also hosts an amazing variety of fun events, from corporate picnics, weddings, family reunions, and traditional holidays to Murder Mystery Dinners, pig roasts, concerts, and music festivals – even barefoot grape stomping parties, a la “I Love Lucy,” for those who remember that episode! Four Sisters Winery is open six days a week from April through December (four days in the other months), offering wine tastings daily and free tours on the weekends. Have a taste at www.foursisterswinery.com.

Head southwest to Pennington in Mercer County to find Hopewell Valley Vineyards, another family business that was established in 2002 – although the Neri family has been making wine in Italy for generations. The 75-acre property boast many Italian varieties alongside the New Jersey favorites, with grapes lovingly tended to with Old World techniques and experience, resulting in wines that have won awards in all of the competitions that they have entered from 2003 through 2011. Seven days a week, visitors are enchanted by the cozy, rustic tasting room with a wood-burning stove, copper wine bar, and large windows overlooking the vineyards, plus a large deck with picnic tables for outdoor enjoyment. Every Friday and Saturday, they host Wine & Music Nights with live local entertainment. Find out more at www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com.

Heading way down the Jersey shore this summer? Then take a break from the beach and the amusement piers to visit the Cape May Winery and Vineyard. Encompassing four different vineyards, sprawling across more than 150 acres, producing over 16 varieties of grapes and over 20 styles of wine, the winery is one of Cape May’s most popular tourist attractions. It features three tasting rooms, a relaxing deck, a diverse gift shop, bucolic views, and informative tours for both novice and experienced wine enthusiasts alike. Open nearly year round, they also offer “blend-your-own” experiences to give guests a hands-on approach to making their own wine with family and friends. Visit the Cape May Winery and Vineyard website at www.capemaywinery.com.

Renault Winery, a short distance from Atlantic City in Egg Harbor City, dates back nearly 150 years and is a recognized New Jersey State Historical site, as well as one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the United States. Currently owned and operated by the Milza family, it is one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions and encompasses over 1,500 acres. Through the years, the property has grown to also include two renowned gourmet restaurants, a golf course, the charming Tuscany House Hotel, and the perfect setting for countless weddings, themed dinner nights, and other special events. Winery tours are conducted 364 days a year, explaining the history of the Renault Winery, demonstrating the winemaking process, and serving tastings of their wide assortment of wines, which can be purchased in their well-stocked gift shop. Before or after – or instead of – heading to the casinos, you can bet on a great visit, so get all the details at www.renaultwinery.com.

Beautiful Cream Ridge, NJ has been home to, naturally, the Cream Ridge Winery since 1988. Named as the recipient of New Jersey’s first Winery of the Year Award in 2005, it’s open seven days a week for wine tastings, with tours given most weekends, and closed only for New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Owned and operated by the Amabile family, Cream Ridge Winery produces premium, award-winning wines and is known for its specialty fruit wines, including a special cherry variety. The winery will host a jazz event in July and a bluegrass and pig roast festival in September, and offers monthly wine releases. Check out their website at www.creamridgewinery.com.

Another very conveniently located winery for Monmouth County residents is Four JG’s Orchards & Vineyards, located in Colts Neck. The winery was founded in 1999, although it sits on a farm with barns and houses that date to the early 18^th century. Open to the general public for special events on some weekends or by appointment for private tastings, Four JG’s produces award-winning wines that range from semi-dry table wines to classic rich reds. Be a good neighbor and see what Four JG’s Orchards & Vineyards is serving at www.4jgswinery.com.

Sometime soon, take a day to make a “grape” escape, and savor some of the wonderful wine that stems from the Garden State’s vineyards.