3 Day Road Trip: Wine Tasting

When you think of wine country, you should think of the Garden State, home to over 50 wineries. For a journey that engages the senses, consider a three-day road trip tasting and touring some of the best vineyards throughout the state. With festivals, concerts, seasonally themed events and grape stomping competitions, a wine tour in New Jersey has something for everyone.

Check out our three-day itinerary that will take you to some of the most beautiful parts of the state to sip some unique wines.


Day One

Start your trip in the Skylands Region, making stops at Alba Vineyard and Winery in Milford and Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes. Alba's award-winning wine is produced in a vineyard set among the undulating hills of the Musconetcong River. Daily wine flights are available in the outdoor arbor (indoor seating for inclement weather) which you can opt to pair with light bites. Unionville Vineyards boasts six vineyards tucked into three counties and has been a Garden State winemaker since 1993. Unionville’s tasting room offers tastings by appointment; be sure to sip on their award-winning Chardonnays while you're there. While in the region, be sure to drive to Lambertville to browse its quaint galleries and antique shops. Then stay the night in this river town at The Inn at Lambertville Station or Lambertville House Hotel.

Day Two

On day two of your trip, head to the heart of New Jersey’s wine country, in the central part of the state, and gear up to hit many of the best vineyards driving east to west. Starting in Mullica Hill, enjoy the red and whites at Heritage Vineyards, which offers wine tastings seven days a week. Known for their fruit wines and dessert wines, Tomasello Winery was founded over 80 years ago and grows premium varietals on more than 70 acres of land. Set in a rustic farmhouse, Amalthea Cellars produces many French-inspired wines and offers tastings done by the flight Tuesday through Sunday. Once you’ve made your way west, drive to nearby Atlantic City for the night and plan to stay at MGM Tower at Borgata, Bally's or Golden Nugget.

Day Three

Conclude your wine weekend along the Southern Shore at Cape May Winery & Vineyard. You can enjoy daily indoor and outdoor tastings by the glass, flight, carafe or bottle, accompanied by offerings from their Tapas Kitchen. Next stop is the Willow Creek Winery, open daily year-round for tastings, tours and tapas. To finish off the day, head up to Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery—just be sure to reserve your experience in advance online. Too tired to drive home? Cape May has a wide array of charming overnight accommodations.