Photo Credit: PNDA Creative
Valenzano Winery
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and/or Kwanzaa, chances are, you have several items ticked off and purchased for many of the people on your list. But what about you?
It is scientifically proven that the ritual of occasionally treating yourself to something delicious, beautiful, or fun is actually good for your mental health, boosting the happy hormone dopamine and reinforcing your productive habits. Giving ourselves treats often gives us energy and a sense of contentment, which in turn boosts our self-control.
No one (especially in this case) can argue with science.
Here are several ways to treat yourself and encourage the healthy cycle of self-command and self-care—and a few ways to treat others, too.
Get Your Jolly on
This weekend (December 6-7) browse in a heated outdoor market through beautiful crafts from 50+ local craft artisans, with activities and food trucks. The fun is happening at the Red Mill Museum Village’s 16th annual Festival of Trees, which Rebel Sheep Wine Co. is helping to host. Enjoy theatrical carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, Victorian-era charm, great food and wonderful local beverages.
From December 12 to 14, Willow Creek Winery is hosting its annual Sip & Shop. There’s an open air vendor market from 11:30 am to 5 pm, with food and drinks specials all weekend, and incredible local artisanal vendors.
Find your inner culture vulture at Tomasello Winery’s Holiday Opera Gala on December 13 and 14. Experience a beautiful afternoon of music, wine and fine dining. Performers have previously sung at iconic opera houses, including La Scala, the Met, and Carnegie Hall. $84.95.
Grinchiness simply isn’t an option at Beneduce Vineyards’ Christmas Tree Farm. Running every weekend between now and December 23, visitors will be able to choose their very own Garden State super premium Christmas Tree, or just warm up to fires with wine and hot apple cider.
Holiday Bites and Meals
Break bread with Auburn Road Vineyards and Haddon Culinary on December 12 from 6 to 9 pm. The farm-to-table dinner will offer wines paired with each course. Tickets are $100.
Unionville Vineyards is celebrating the holiday season with dinner in their iconic 1858 Farmhouse on December 13. Blawenburg Bistro will cater an incredible dinner that will start with passed appetizers (duck confit, crab cakes, and more paired with Unionville’s wine), and a seated four-course dinner, also paired with Unionville’s wine. Tickets are $155.
Learn the fine art of cupcake and wine pairing at Valenzano Winery on December 13 and 14. There will be pre-paired wines + four homemade cupcakes from French Bakery. Examples include Death by Chocolate with Beyond Blackberry wine and Classic Vanilla Comfort with Shamong White.
Stokelan Winery is serving a holiday Tea & Wine experience on December 14. Enjoy a farmhouse festooned in twinkling lights, Christmas trees peppering the pace, and festivity galore. The Tea & Wine experience will feature finger sandwiches, charcuteries, and more paired with six Stokelan wines. The women of Jelena’s Micro Bakery and Earthy Coast Coffee are partnering with Stokelan for the event. Seatings are hourly between 11 am and 3 pm. $60 per person.
Crafting Enthusiasts
Prepare to make your centerpiece more beautiful at Terhune Orchards (with a side of wine) on December 12 from 5:30 to 7 pm. Terhune’s owner, Reuwai Mount Hanewald, will lead participants through making arrangements using fresh greens, flowers, berries, and other seasonal goodies, while munching on light bites and sipping wine. Tickets are $47.40.
Get creative at Working Dog Winery on December 13 from 5 to 7 pm. The assignment is to transform a book into a vase, and fill it with handcrafted wooden flowers. It sounds like it’s for pros only, but the step-by-step process is made easy with a patient guide. It’s perfect for a fun talk piece, and you’ll never need to change the water! $55.
Autumn Lake Winery is holding a Christmas-themed Wine & Design class on December 15 from 6 to 8 pm. Alexandra from Cakes N’ Bakes will host, and it’s a festive, hands-on experience where all skill levels can design and decorate a six-inch bento cake. Decorating tools, guidance, and wine are included. $45.
Gifting Galore
Treat yourself (or someone you love) to a Saddlehill Wine Club subscription. You can choose quarterly packages of 3, 6, or 12 bottles, and you get to pick the wines you want. Free pick up in the tasting room or flat-rate shipping of $20. All packages include great discounts on club products, to-go wine, merchandise, and wine flights, plus higher-level memberships include perks like free invites to killer parties, free brunch with proprietor Bill Green, and so much more.
Invest in fun by purchasing a 2026 Food Truck & Music Festival Pass at Laurita Winery. These normally retail for $80, but in the spirit of holiday generosity, Laurita is offering them for $60. (There are also other holiday discounts available.)
Book a premium wine tasting at Brook Hollow Winery. $40 includes tastings of Brook Hollow’s most popular wines, plus many rarities that are not available in the tasting room. Eight wines will be enjoyed, paired with charcuterie, cheese, dipping oils, and artisanal breads. A staff member will guide the tasting and answer any questions you may have. After the tasting, enjoy a discount on any wine purchases and walk away with your own glass.
With 60+ licensed wineries and 80+ grape varieties under vine, an adventure for your palate waits around every corner in the Garden State, during the holiday season and beyond! Get the latest at our blog, on our website, and on the Garden State Wine Growers Instagram.
