Sipping Through the Garden State: A Journey into New Jersey’s Wine Country

Positive Things In New Jersey

Here’s a 2-day itinerary for exploring New Jersey’s wineries, featuring winery visits, dining options, and local attractions to enhance your experience.

Day 1: Cape May and Surrounding Areas

Morning:

• Arrival in Cape May, NJ

  • Check into your accommodation. Consider staying at The Virginia Hotel, a charming Victorian-style hotel close to the beach.
    • Website: The Virginia Hotel

• **Breakfast at The Mad Batter

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Mad Batter, known for its cozy atmosphere and extensive breakfast menu.
    • Website: The Mad Batter

Late Morning:

• Visit Cape May Winery
  • Head to Cape May Winery to kick off your wine adventure. Enjoy a guided tasting of their local varietals, including their popular reds and whites, all while taking in the beautiful vineyard views.
    • Address: 711 Townbank Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
    • Website: Cape May Winery

Afternoon:

• **Lunch at The Lobster House

  • After your tasting, enjoy a seafood lunch at this iconic Cape May restaurant known for its fresh catch and waterfront dining.
    • Website: The Lobster House

• Visit Willow Creek Winery

  • Spend the afternoon at Willow Creek Winery, where you can enjoy wine tastings and beautiful gardens. They often have live music on weekends, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
    • Address: 168 Stevens St, Cape May, NJ 08204
    • Website: Willow Creek Winery

Evening:

• **Dinner at Cape May Fish Market

  • Conclude your day with dinner at Cape May Fish Market, where you can savor delicious seafood dishes in a casual setting.
    • Website: Cape May Fish Market

• Overnight in Cape May

Day 2: Hammonton and Ringoes Wine Tour

Morning:

• **Breakfast at The Breakfast Table

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Table, known for its delicious pancakes and cozy ambiance.
    • Website: The Breakfast Table

• Drive to Hammonton, NJ

  • Head to Hammonton, known as the “Blueberry Capital of the World,” to explore the local wineries.

Late Morning:

• Visit Tomasello Winery
  • Begin your wine journey at Tomasello Winery, where you can taste a variety of wines, including their acclaimed fruit wines and classic varietals.
    • Address: 225 N. White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
    • Website: Tomasello Winery

Afternoon:

• **Lunch at Rocco’s Townhouse

  • Enjoy lunch at Rocco’s Townhouse, a casual dining spot known for its Italian dishes and friendly atmosphere.
    • Website: Rocco’s Townhouse

• Visit White Horse Winery

  • After lunch, head to White Horse Winery for tastings of their handcrafted wines made from locally sourced grapes. Enjoy their scenic outdoor space.
    • Address: 106 Hall St, Hammonton, NJ 08037
    • Website: White Horse Winery

Evening:

• Drive to Old York Cellars

  • Conclude your wine tour at Old York Cellars in Ringoes. Sample their award-winning wines and take in the lovely vineyard views.
    • Address: 80 Old York Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551
    • Website: Old York Cellars

• **Dinner at The Harvest Moon Brewery

  • Wrap up your trip with a delightful dinner at Harvest Moon Brewery, known for its craft beers and hearty menu options.
    • Website: Harvest Moon Brewery

• Return Home

Sipping Through the Garden State: A Journey into New Jersey’s Wine Country

This itinerary offers a wonderful exploration of New Jersey’s wine country, combining winery visits with delicious dining and local attractions. Enjoy your adventure through the diverse wines and beautiful landscapes of New Jersey!Here’s a list of fun activities and attractions you can enjoy while you’re exploring New Jersey, particularly if you’re focusing on the wine country and nearby areas:

1. Explore the Great Outdoors

• Visit the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

  • Enjoy hiking, kayaking, and stunning views of the Delaware River and surrounding mountains. There are various trails suited for all skill levels, including the popular Appalachian Trail.
  • Website: Delaware Water Gap

• Stroll Through Liberty State Park

  • Located in Jersey City, this park offers spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan. Enjoy walking paths, picnic areas, and the Liberty Science Center.
  • Website: Liberty State Park

2. Cultural Experiences

• Visit the Princeton University Art Museum

  • Explore a diverse collection of art from around the world, including European, American, Asian, and contemporary pieces. Admission is free, and the campus itself is beautiful to walk around.
  • Website: Princeton University Art Museum

• Explore the Grounds for Sculpture

  • Located in Hamilton, this 42-acre sculpture park features contemporary sculptures set among beautifully landscaped grounds. It’s a fantastic place for art lovers and a great spot for photos.
  • Website: Grounds for Sculpture

3. Unique Attractions

• Check Out the Cape May Lighthouse

  • Climb the 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse for breathtaking views of Cape May and the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding state park is great for picnics and nature walks.
  • Website: Cape May Lighthouse

• Visit the Adventure Aquarium

  • Located in Camden, this aquarium features a variety of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and a 40-foot underwater tunnel. It’s perfect for family outings.
  • Website: Adventure Aquarium

4. Local Food and Drink

• Dine at Local Diners and Restaurants

  • New Jersey is known for its great diners. Try places like The Tick Tock Diner or The Brownstone for classic American fare.

• Visit Local Farmers’ Markets

  • Many towns have farmers’ markets where you can sample fresh produce, local goods, and artisanal foods. It’s a great way to experience the local culture.

5. Relaxation and Leisure

• Enjoy a Spa Day

  • Treat yourself to some pampering at a local spa. Many resorts and wellness centers offer a variety of treatments, from massages to facials.

• Take a Scenic Train Ride

  • Experience New Jersey’s beautiful landscapes on a scenic train ride. The Black River & Western Railroad offers themed rides, especially during the fall foliage season.
  • Website: Black River & Western Railroad

6. Attend Local Festivals and Events

• New Jersey Wine and Food Festival

  • If you’re visiting in May, enjoy this festival featuring wine tastings, food pairings, and cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs.
  • Website: Check local tourism sites for dates and locations.

• Hoboken Arts and Music Festival

  • Held annually in the fall, this festival showcases local artists, musicians, and food vendors. It’s a vibrant celebration of local culture.
  • Website: Hoboken Arts and Music Festival

7. Family-Friendly Activities

• Visit the Turtle Back Zoo

  • Located in West Orange, this zoo offers a variety of animal exhibits, a train ride, and a playground, making it a great destination for families.
  • Website: Turtle Back Zoo

• Explore the Liberty Science Center

  • This interactive science museum in Jersey City features hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages.
  • Website: Liberty Science Center

8. Day Trips

• Visit the Jersey Shore

  • Spend a day at popular beach towns like Cape May, Asbury Park, or Point Pleasant Beach, where you can enjoy the sun, boardwalk games, and fresh seafood.

• Explore the Pine Barrens

  • Take a guided tour of the Pine Barrens, a unique ecological area in southern New Jersey. It’s known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and the legend of the Jersey Devil.

With a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, local food, and family-friendly activities, New Jersey offers a rich variety of experiences to enjoy during your visit. Have fun exploring all that this vibrant state has to offer!

Positive Things In New Jersey

Here are some notable wine festivals in New Jersey that you can look forward to, featuring tastings, food pairings, and opportunities to celebrate the local wine culture:

1. New Jersey Wine & Food Festival

• Location: Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg, NJ
• Description: Typically held in the spring, this festival showcases New Jersey’s best wines along with gourmet food pairings from local chefs. It includes wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and various culinary events.
• Website: New Jersey Wine & Food Festival

2. Cape May Wine & Food Festival

• Location: Cape May, NJ
• Description: This annual festival, usually held in late spring, features local wineries, food tastings, live music, and cooking demonstrations. It’s a great opportunity to sample wines from Cape May and enjoy the beautiful seaside setting.
• Website: Cape May Wine & Food Festival

3. Harvest Festival at the Winery

• Location: Various wineries across New Jersey
• Description: Many wineries host harvest festivals in the fall, celebrating the grape harvest with tastings, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Check with individual wineries for specific dates and events.
• Example Winery: Old York Cellars

4. NJ Wine & Music Festival

• Location: Various locations
• Description: Celebrating local wines and music, this festival includes tastings from several New Jersey wineries, live performances, and artisan vendors. It typically features a fun and lively atmosphere.
• Website: Check local event listings for specific dates.

5. Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival (Wine Section)

• Location: Atlantic City, NJ
• Description: While primarily a beer festival, this event often includes a selection of local wines and features wine tastings, food pairings, and live music. It’s typically held in the spring.
• Website: Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival

6. New Jersey Beer and Wine Festival

• Location: Various locations
• Description: This festival usually combines craft beer and local wines, providing tastings and live entertainment. Check local listings for specific dates and venues.
• Website: Check event listings for details.

7. Hoboken Arts and Music Festival

• Location: Hoboken, NJ
• Description: This festival showcases local artists, musicians, and food vendors, with an emphasis on local wineries. Enjoy wine tastings along with art and music in a vibrant outdoor setting.
• Website: Hoboken Arts and Music Festival

8. New Jersey State Fair (Wine Tasting Events)

• Location: Augusta, NJ
• Description: Held annually, the fair often features a wine tasting event showcasing local New Jersey wines alongside carnival rides, games, and food.
• Website: New Jersey State Fair

These festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to experience New Jersey’s wine culture, sample local wines, and enjoy food pairings and live entertainment. Be sure to check the respective websites for specific dates, ticket information, and any updates related to the events!