Whether part of a day trip or a weekend down the shore, these are the best places to go wine tasting in New Jersey
Everyone already knows New York is full of quality wineries, from the North Fork to the Hudson Valley. But you shouldn’t rule out our cousin to the South—right across the river in the Garden State, there are plenty of wineries in NJ to discover. Take a day trip from NYC for a sunny, wine-fueled afternoon or make it a full-blown weekend getaway—here are the best places for wine tasting in NJ.
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Founded more than 25 years ago, Cream Ridge is a small operation with big heart. With seasonal wines and old reliables, plus patio tables on a quiet country road, a tasting at this winery is worth every penny: Enjoy up to 10 tastes for just $5, or $6 if you want to bring your glass home. 145 Allentown-Davis Station Rd, Allentown (609-259-9797, creamridgewines.com)
For a different kind of wine-tasting experience, try Cava's tasting room. You'll enjoy a table inside and be offered flight tastings featuring four wines for $5 or $7. Choose from seven different flights and complement your tasting experience with the bistro-style menu. Bonus: good-weather days mean tasting under an outdoor tent. Reservations required. 3619 New Jersey 94, Hamburg (973-823-9463, cavawinery.com)
This South Jersey destination covers 70 acres that house four different vineyards that produce more than 16 grape varieties—all of which adds up a wide variety of delicious wines. Tour the vineyards or enjoy one of three tasting rooms, beautiful views and outdoor seating or experience the winemaking itself. An $8 fee gives you 5 tastes and a glass. 711 Townbank Rd, Cape May (609-884-1169, capemaywinery.com)
This award-winning winery nods to deep Italian and Greek heritage, thanks to the vineyard founders and winemakers. Enjoy refreshing whites, powerful reds and delicious dessert wines that set Hopewell apart from other wineries not just in the Garden State, but nationwide. Pick a day with live music to make your tasting experience a rich and bold one. 46 Yard Rd, Pennington (609-737-4465, hopewellvalleyvineyards.com)
Located in the Outer Coastal Plains American Viticultural Area of South Jersey, this vineyard benefits from top-notch soil and climates to produce superior flavors for wine. (You can trust their many awards on that.) Enjoy traditional bottles like chardonnay and cabernet franc, or the winery’s piece de resistance, the Jersey Red. 951 8th St, Hammonton (609-704-1414, dimatteowinery.com)
This place has the know-how to bring an authentic Italian experience to every small plate and full wine glass. Using local, fresh and seasonal ingredients, they craft more than 60 options of Italian tapas to pair with their vino. Each day, they offer three wine flights—you can always enjoy 50 varieties by glass, 150 by bottle and four from the tap. 70 Kingsland Rd, Clifton (973-661-2435, spuntinowinebar.com)
This family-owned vineyard specializes in chardonnay, riesling and gewürztraminer for their white selection and pinot noir, cab franc and blaufränkisch (an Austrian variety) on the red side. Inside the tasting room, you can sample seasonal pours for $5 per person, or add a cheese plate for the mix for $10 per person. 1 Jeremiah Ln, Pittstown (908-996-3823, beneducevineyards.com)
Your stop at this wine tasting venue begins with a personal greeting by a wine enthusiast who will ease you into the full-sensory experience that is Faustini. Your flight features three 1.5-ounce pours of Napa Valley-based wines and comes with a side of chocolate and cheese pairings for each sip. Join the Wine Club for a 20% discount on all bottle purchases. 43A Broad St, Red Bank (732-383-5918, faustiniwines.com)
This vineyard hs home to not only the grapes that go into smooth-tasting wines, but also to red-tail hawks that gave the vineyard its name. With reds, whites, sweet and "whimsical" wines (Peacho Grigio, anyone?) and even California varietals to choose from, plus an opportunity to even make your own wine on premises, this one has to be on every wine tour list. 1526 Dutch Mill Rd, Franklinville (856-697-9463, codarossa.com)
If you like to munch while you sip, head over to north Jersey's only wine and tapas bar where you can enjoy small plates, artisanal pizza, fondue, fine meats and cheeses and, of course, wine by the glass or tasting size from 40 bottles. Head over during happy hour for special $5 glasses. 213 Rt 46 West, Elmwood Park (justgrapeslounge.com)
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