There's A Wine Trail In New Jersey And It's Everything You've Ever Dreamed Of
By Kristen|Published September 30, 2016
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Kristen
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Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
There are about four dozen wineries in New Jersey and one of the best ways to sample several in a single trip is by following one of the Garden State’s wonderful wine trails. The gorgeous Grand Vintage Wine Trail will take you through scenic Sussex County and then down through Warren, Hunterdon and Mercer along the Delaware River. Stops and special events are listed below from north to south.
This trail features 10 wonderful wineries on the western side of our state, running from North to Central New Jersey. At 127 miles in length and with 3.5 hours of drive time, this trip can be made in a single day. Still, I'd probably make a weekend out of it and switch up designated drivers so everyone gets a chance to indulge.
In business for a decade, visit the tasting room from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends. $5 will get you 5 samples and $10 will get you an etched wine glass and additional samples.
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Cava Winery & Vineyard - 3619 New Jersey 94, Hamburg
A bit different than what you may be used to, tastings here are done by flights. Each flight features 4 wines and there are 7 flights to choose from. Flights range in price from $5-$7. Tastings are available on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 7 p.m.. Cava also offers a bistro-style menu and live music on select nights. Enjoy regular events like Ladies Night Out on October 14th. Shop, dine, dance and drink for just $26.50.
This winery is PYOP - pack your own picnic. Enjoy live music with no cover charge and special events like the Pig Roast (10/1), Puppies and Pinot (10/9) and Dinner Ghosts II (10/29). They've also got a unique "Adopt-A-Vine" program that offers members insider access and other VIP perks.
Four Sisters Winery - 783 County Road 519, Belvidere
This family-friendly winery offers a variety of events. Enjoy barbecues on select Sundays, barefoot grape stomping (next event on 10/22), murder mystery dinners and Friday Happy Hours. Bring the kids along for Family Harvest Weekends with pumpkin picking, hay rides and a corn maze. Wine slushies will be available for the adults. Current hours are 10-6 daily, six days a week (closed Wednesdays). Their cafe is open on weekends.
Head here as part of your wine trail road trip, or take the Warren County Wine Train, running until 10/30. Guests can enjoy events including Dine in the Vines, wine tasting classes and dinner with the vintners, scheduled throughout the year. Fall tasting hours are Saturdays from 11-6 and Sundays from 11-5.
Beneduce Vineyards offers tastings of current releases for $5 per person or $10 for wine and cheese pairings. Enjoy live music on most weekend evenings.
Old York Cellars Winery & Vineyard - 80 Old York Road, Ringoes
If you love wine and fine foods, this is the place to be. Wine tastings are $7 per person for 6 wines and visitors can add a chocolate pairing for $7 per couple. Walk-in tastings are offered daily from noon to 5 p.m.. Specialty tastings are held on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and include chocolate, cheese or gourmet treats. Winery tours are available free on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m.. Visit this weekend (10/1-10/2) for a wine and music event.
A standard wine tasting here is $10 per guest, but they also offer a grand tasting for $75. This exquisite experience offers a wide selection of wines, cheese pairings, insights into the industry, a vineyard excursion and more. The tasting room is open from noon to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Their Fall Harvest Festival will be held on 10/1 with winery tours, food trucks, hayrides, pumpkin painting and more.
Hopewell Valley Vineyards - 46 Yard Road, Pennington
Hopewell Valley is open daily from noon to five p.m.. Hours are extended Thursdays-Saturdays for live music events. Tastings are $6 for 6 samples. Enjoy a special Murder Mystery Dinner on 10/2 to support Susan G. Komen Walk For The Cure or Vintner's Dinner on 10/30 with a pasta making demo.
More than just a vineyard and winery, Terhune Orchards has it all. Visit the farm market, pick your own fruits and veggies seasonally or visit barnyard animals. Wine tastings are $5 for 5 samples. Visit weekends until October 30th for the Fall Harvest Festival featuring hayrides, a corn maze and more.
The Grand Vintage North Jersey wineries will be participating in the “More Than Wine Trail” on November 12th and 13th. Enjoy wine tastings, local vendors and food samples as well as special deals, discounts and coupons.
If you can’t make the trip to Northwestern New Jersey this fall, check out the Jersey Shore Wine Trail along the coast or the Cape May Wine Trail, Two Bridges Wine Trail and Pinelands Reserve Wine Trail in South Jersey. I highly recommend traveling them all. The Garden State Wine Growers Association offers a passport which, when full, can be submitted to win a wine getaway. Previous winners have traveled to places like Oregon and Portugal. For more Garden State Wine, check out these 10 wineries and vineyards.
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