Day One
Your traveling wine-tasting adventure begins in the Central Jersey Region. Tucked into the base of the Sourland Mountains in Pennington, Hopewell Valley Vineyards celebrates the traditions of European winemaking. They take great pride in cultivating vinifera varieties that thrive in the local terroir – including Pinot, Chardonnay, Barbera, Vidal Blanc, Chamborcin and Traminette. In addition to wines, visitors can enjoy signature pizzas and a lively entertainment calendar.
Next stop is Cream Ridge Winery, a 14-acre sustainable vineyard handcrafting small-batch wines in a rural setting. As a six-time Governors Cup Award recipient, any wine you choose to sip, swirl and savor here is certain to win over your tastebuds.
You’ll conclude your first day at one of the Garden State’s newest wineries – even though the estate itself dates all the way back to 1690. Boasting a menu of coveted and cleverly-named wines (think: Respect Your Elders – an Elderberry semi-sweet blend), light fare, live music and a disc golf course, Iron Plow Vineyards in Columbus is a genuine treat for the senses.
To remain steeped in quaint countryside vibes, check in to The Inn at Fernbrook Farms in nearby Chesterfield. If all seven rooms are booked, you can find well-known hotel brands (a big plus if you’re a member of one of their loyalty clubs) in Cherry Hill, a location that inches you closer to your next day’s stops.
Day 2
Your winery tours continue along a southerly route to Amalthea Cellars in Atco (Delaware River Region). Guided tastings will walk you through not only the property’s premium dry whites, dry reds and semi-dry wines but also through their 100-year-old horse carriage space to their crushing room and down, down, down into their candlelit barrel cellar for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Next, sit back and taste the difference sustainably farmed grapes make at William Heritage Winery in Mullica Hill. Choose between indoor and outdoor seating for service that includes wines by the bottle, by the glass or by the flight. Be sure to sample the varietals that have earned 90 point-ratings from Wine & Spirits, Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling.
Wrap up the day by sipping amongst the vines at Auburn Road Vineyards in Pilesgrove. There are so many experiences ripe for the picking here – including guided premium tastings, tasting tours or the chance to be your own sommelier with a wine flight. Love what you’re imbibing? You can even join the vineyard’s CSA.
Nearby accommodations include a Comfort Inn & Suites in Carneys Point and Hampton Inn Swedesboro. Looking for a more intimate B&B experience? Reserve a room at the Salem River Inn, nestled on the banks of the Delaware River.
Day 3
As home to the Museum of American Glass, Millville (Southern Shore Region) also knows how to fill your glass with wonderful wines. Kick off your final day at Cedar Rose Vineyards, where you can enjoy a full food menu, live performances by local talent and a dog-friendly environment. Choose from thoughtfully curated flights (or one of your own making) or savor dry whites, rosés, dry reds or sweet and dessert wines by the glass or bottle.
For “wines with a European accent,” head to Balić Winery in Mays Landing, a vineyard boasting a storied family legacy. In 1966, vine grower Salvo Balić left behind the Adriatic Sea to cultivate grapes and bring old-world winemaking traditions to New Jersey. Keeping the focus on their dry reds and whites, semi-sweet, sparkling and fruit wines, visitors are encouraged to bring their own light fare to pair with Balić’s award-winning varietals.
Raise a final toast on your New Jersey wine road trip at Turdo Vineyards & Winery. As Cape May’s only boutique winery, they produce classic Italian varietals, including Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese and Nero D’Avola. Pull up a seat in their enoteca or on their patio to sip wines by the glass or flight, complemented by a selection of imported gourmet nibbles.
Since you’re already in the heart of the nation’s oldest seaside resort, you should stay the night in one of Cape May’s gracious accommodations. You have your pick of Victorian B&Bs, historic inns and oceanfront resorts.
Of course, this is just a taste of the Garden State’s wineries and vineyards. You can map out your own tasting trail from all of our wineries, breweries and distilleries stretching across North, Central and South Jersey. To help plan your getaway, download a free, official travel guide and subscribe to our e-newsletter for trip inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
