Home to over 50 wineries, New Jersey is one of the top AVAs to visit if you’re looking for high-quality wines and the ultimate peaceful retreat. It has plenty to offer casual and experienced wine drinkers alike with its diverse range of wines and vineyards.
What Wine Is New Jersey Known For?
Despite being a small state, New Jersey produces a wide variety of wines. Some of the most popular wines you’ll come across in New Jersey include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, and Chardonnay.
The majority of wineries in the state grow Vitis vinifera, French hybrid, and Vitis labrusca wine grapes, and produce or stock more than 80 varieties of wine. New Jersey also produces a lot of non-grape fruit wines like raspberry, cranberry, apple, and blueberry wines.
It is the 7th largest wine-producing state in the United States, having crafted 716,000 cases of wine in 2010! As you can see, New Jersey offers a diverse selection of wines, making it a world-class destination for those seeking exquisite wines.
What Is the Largest Winery in New Jersey?
Tomasello Winery is the largest winery in New Jersey, crafting over 80,000 cases of wine annually. Alba Vineyard is another expansive winery in the state, boasting spacious, scenic grounds and a multitude of wines.
What Is the Oldest Winery in New Jersey?
Renault Winery is the oldest winery in New Jersey, with its first vine plantings occurring in 1864. The winery first opened its doors to the public in 1870, so it’s been around for almost 150 years.
Best Wineries in New Jersey
Now that you know what types of wines to expect in this AVA, here are the top 10 wineries in New Jersey you need to check out.
Best wineries in New Jersey map:
Laurita Winery
- Address: 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533, United States
- Website: https://lauritawinery.com/
- Contact Number: +1 609-752-0200
First up on our best wineries in New Jersey list is the luxurious Laurita Winery, offering a diverse selection of sumptuous wines, exciting live events, a welcoming atmosphere, and stellar private venue rentals.
While the winery’s remarkable wines are the main attraction, their extensive list of live events and activities is spectacular. From food truck festivals to seasonal celebrations like Diwali, a day out at Laurita Winery is never a dull moment.
Their event calendar is constantly chock-full of things to do and experience, so be sure to keep an eye out for what they have in store for you on your visit.
Laurita Winery crafts an array of delightful wines like Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Norton, Pinot Gris, and many more.
There’s even a chocolate-flavored dessert wine aptly named Chocolate Therapy. It’s the ultimate sweet treat with flavors of milk chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, as well as a pleasant silky finish.
The winery offers wine tastings too, priced at $10 for 6 samples of wines. Their knowledgeable bartenders will be happy to guide you through each wine and tell you more about the wine industry in New Jersey.
With its charming ambiance and lovely views, Laurita Winery is the perfect venue for a private event or wedding. A special occasion at this winery will certainly be remembered for years to come!
Cape May Winery
- Address: 711 Town Bank Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204, United States
- Website: https://capemaywinery.com/
- Contact Number: +1 609-884-1169
Another top-notch winery in New Jersey is the striking Cape May Winery, boasting breathtaking scenery and grounds. It’s perhaps one of the most beautiful wineries in the state, featuring a stunning interior and exterior that oozes charm.
They produce an assortment of fine wines such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Merlot, and more. In 2003, the winery was only producing 1,000 gallons of wine, but fast forward to today and they are now the 5th largest winery in New Jersey.
Cape May Winery offers educational wine tastings by appointment, so if you’re interested in sampling some of their beverages, make sure you book a reservation. The winery is open daily for wine by the glass, flight, bottle, 1-liter carafes, and 1-liter growlers at their stunning bar.
They have comfortable seating both inside and outside, so you can enjoy your wine no matter the weather. If you’re feeling hungry, Cape May Winery has a daily tapas menu with a range of tempting dishes like lobster sliders, mixed cheese and charcuterie boards, and tuna poke tacos.
And that’s not all! The winery puts on live music every Friday and Saturday, showcasing talented bands and musicians.
Sharrott Winery
- Address: 370 S Egg Harbor Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037, United States
- Website: https://sharrottwinery.com/
- Contact Number: +1 609-567-9463
Whether you’re after a tranquil retreat, delicious wines, mouthwatering food, or fun-filled activities, Sharrott Winery won’t disappoint. Their panoramic tasting room and retail shop have a warm and casual atmosphere, making it the ideal place to gather with friends and family.
They offer a varied selection of white, red, and dessert wines, many of which have won awards for their quality and impeccable flavor. Their standard tastings contain 6 samples of wines that range from dry to sweet, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Sharrott Winery creates many delightful food dishes in their kitchen, which changes weekly and seasonal. Why not stop by for a bite to eat on your visit?
Alongside a gorgeous indoor tasting room, the winery features a spectacular covered and heated patio you can relax in no matter the weather. They host plenty of events throughout the year, from live music series to trivia nights, allowing for an entertaining experience all around.
William Heritage Winery
- Address: 480 Mullica Hill Rd, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062, United States
- Website: https://www.heritagewinenj.com/
- Contact Number: +1 856-589-4474
Next up is William Heritage Winery, well-known for their award-winning wines like their 2016 Vintage Brut and 2015 Brut Rose. They have several tasting rooms scattered across the United States, including a couple in New Jersey,
Both provide a relaxing stay and plenty of magnificent wines for you to indulge in. The interior is ultra-modern, sophisticated, and welcoming, ensuring your visit is a memorable one.
Although walk-ins are allowed, it’s recommended that you make a reservation as they tend to get quite busy, especially on weekends and during harvest festivals.
They serve wine by the glass, flight, and bottle, as well as various scrumptious food items like pepperoni and cheese bread, baked brie, and asiago spinach dip.
Old York Cellars
- Address: 80 Old York Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551, United States
- Website: https://www.oldyorkcellars.com/
- Contact Number: +1 908-284-9463
Old York Cellars is one of the best wineries in New Jersey, featuring spectacular wines, food, live events, and a great atmosphere for those in need of a tranquil getaway. They have many wine tasting options, including weekday cabana experiences, weekend outdoor winery experiences, and guided wine experiences.
To complement your wine, Old York Cellars offers an expansive menu that includes tasty dishes like salads, paella, sandwiches, tapas items, and desserts. There’s bound to be something for you to enjoy regardless of what you’re in the mood for!
The winery hosts live events on the regular, such as Friday live music series, comedy nights, Paella On The Patio, and exclusive club members’ pick-up parties. Check out their calendar so you can plan your visit around their next exciting event!
Beneduce Vineyards
- Address: 1 Jeremiah Ln, Pittstown, NJ 08867, United States
- Website: https://beneducevineyards.com/
- Contact Number: +1 908-996-3823
Offering delectable wines, beautiful scenery, live events, and more, Beneduce Vineyards is a fantastic place to stop by when you’re in New Jersey. They produce an array of wines like Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.
Their comfortable and well-presented tasting room offers cozy seating so you can relax with a glass of delicious wine and de-stress. Priced at $15 per person, the winery’s tastings include samples of their current releases.
You can also order a mouthwatering selection of cheeses and cured meats to compliment your wine. On warm days, Beneduce Vineyards’ charming stone patio is a great place to unwind/
The winery hosts weekly events such as Sunday Picnics and Group Therapy, which involve lawn games, live music, and local food trucks for a fun day out with family and friends.
Beneduce Vineyards is available to hire for private events and tastings at their various lovely spaces, including the Loft, Oasis, and Crush Pad. The Oasis is especially breathtaking, situated in a greenhouse filled with citrus, fig, and palm trees for a tropical setting all-year-round.
Valenzano Family Winery
- Address: 1090 US-206, Shamong, NJ 08088, United States
- Website: https://valenzanowine.com/
- Contact Number: +1 609-268-6731
Featuring elegant wines, surroundings, and atmosphere, Valenzano Family Winery is well worth a stop during your stay in New Jersey. Their educational wine tastings are some of the best in the state, showcasing a selection of fine wines and providing an in-depth look into the history and production of New Jersey wine.
Tastings cost $15 per person and include 8 .75-ounce pours of wines of your choice. A cheese and charcuterie board made by the winery’s head chef is also included!
If you fancy a larger meal, the winery offers plenty of hearty dishes in their recently renovated Bari Wine Pub, which is open from Thursday to Sunday. Among some of the delicious food items they serve are crispy duck wings, fish tacos, Caprese salad, and chicken parmesan.
All of their food is crafted using the freshest ingredients to ensure your meal is as high-quality as it is tasty.
Valenzano Family Winery holds an assortment of events regularly like Friday music nights and holiday wine trails, which gives you another great reason to visit the estate. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to arrange a private event, the winery will be more than happy to accommodate you.
Renault Winery: Oldest Winery
- Address: 72 Bremen Ave, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215, United States
- Website: https://www.renaultwinery.com/
- Contact Number: +1 609-798-7058
Established in 1864, Renault Winery is the oldest winery in New Jersey, but it’s also one of the most majestic. There are a wealth of activities to do, including golf, swimming, tours, wine tasting, and more.
Renault Winery’s spacious and beautiful grounds are a sight to behold, boasting vibrant and picturesque scenery. You can learn more about the history of the winery and their excellent winemaking practices during their tastings or via a tour of their wine museum.
You can enjoy a spot of gold at their gorgeous 18-hour championship golf course or go for a swim at their spectacular swimming pool. Their luxurious hotel has over 55 comfortable and modern rooms for a relaxing stay, so if you need accommodation, Renault Winery is ideal.
From seasonal festivals to family game nights, the winery hosts a multitude of events on a regular basis for even more entertainment. There are also various workshops so you can learn new practices like fine art and writing.
Renault Winery is the number 1 wedding destination in all of New Jersey, and for good reason! Their grand setting and range of beautiful event spaces will make your dream wedding become a reality.
Working Dog Winery
- Address: 610 Perrineville Rd, Hightstown, NJ 08520, United States
- Website: https://workingdogwinerynj.com/
- Contact Number: +1 609-371-6000
Working Dog Winery produces a variety of award-winning wines and first began its story in 2001. Since then, it has become one of the most renowned wineries in New Jersey.
All of the wines are made with passion and care to make sure they maintain excellent quality and taste.
Their cozy indoor and outdoor spaces provide a charming area to relax and unwind in. Open from Friday to Sunday, Working Dog Winery offers wine by the glass and bottle.
They craft an assortment of award-winning wines, including Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, as well as put on live music during the weekend so you can enjoy your beverage in a lively environment.
Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery
- Address: 117 Sharptown-Auburn Rd, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098, United States
- Website: https://www.auburnroadvineyards.com/
- Contact Number: +1 856-769-9463
The last winery we recommend in New Jersey is Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery, featuring exquisite wines and a delightful European-style wine bar, patio, and courtyard. The winery’s calm and laid-back atmosphere will make you feel right at home.
You can enjoy a self-guided tasting or chill out with some live music in their scenic vineyards. And if you’re feeling hungry, tuck into one of their phenomenal wood-fired pizzas or flatbreads. There are Buddha Baskets packed with artisan snacks and goodies if you fancy something lighter!
In addition to live music, Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery hosts movie nights and open mics all-year-round. There’s always something happening at the winery, so why not see what they next have planned during your trip to New Jersey?
Tomasello Winery: Largest Winery
- Website: https://tomasellowinery.com/
- Contact Number: +1 800-666-9463
Tomasello Winery was established in 1933, making it the second-largest winery in New Jersey. It is also the largest winery in the state, spanning a staggering 70 acres of vineyards. Many of their wines are enjoyed throughout the United States in thousands of stores.
They have numerous tasting rooms dotted across New Jersey, all of which host unique events like art shows, live music, and cookie and wine pairings. While Tomasello Winery is not as esteemed as some of the other wineries featured in this list, they still offer a delightful experience for casual and experienced wine drinkers.
You can also rent out some of their tasting rooms for private events and weddings
Related Read:
Final Thoughts
With their tranquil setting, high-quality wines, and casual atmosphere, the New Jersey wineries on this list are some of the best in the state. Any one of them will provide you with an unforgettable experience, so be sure to stop by as many as you can during your visit to New Jersey.