Ring In The New Year With NJ Wine!

New Year’s Eve is either the biggest night of the social calendar or amateur night, depending on whom you ask. Either way, we hope that you agree with our crew at the Garden State Wine Growers Association: your Big Night should be paired with events or New Jersey wines at home. 

Here’s how to say “farewell” to 2025, and welcome 2026 in Garden State style! 

NJ Events for the New Year 

Wrap up 2025 in a festive bow at Beneduce Vineyards’ Wrap Party! On December 27 and 28, Beneduce is pulling out all the stops before they take a winter break. The party kicks off at 12 pm, and all ages are welcome. Seating is available inside Beneduce’s tropical and cozy Oasis greenhouse. Live jazz music from one of NJ’s premiere bands, 78 West, will soar through the air, and wine will flow. It’s BYO food and nonalcoholic beverages. Reservations are recommended and are $10 per guest. 

Ring in the New Year at Terhune Orchards with donuts and cider! The farm store will have bottles of wine, produce, baked goods, and everything you need to make the entire family feel like 2025 is ending on a positive, sugar-fueled note. 

Auburn Road Vineyards is throwing an epic New Year’s Eve dinner for those of us who can’t—or don’t wanna—stay up late! Kick the night off with a special dinner in the Garden House created by the talented chefs from Haddon Culinary from 6 to 8 pm.  There will be a festive dinner (including duck confit crepe, lobster consomme, and braised veal shoulder wellington) with wine pairings and a sparkling wine toast. Then, from 8 to 10 pm, there will be cool live jazz from the Eric Marley Trio and a countdown to the New Year on Rio de Janeiro time. The price is $150 + 20% gratuity. Black tie is optional. 

Old York Cellars is serving up Chef José’s New Year’s Eve 5-course wine pairing celebration. Seatings are available at 6, 6:30, and 7 pm. The menu includes a welcome cocktail and wine pairings throughout the dinner, which will include charcuterie and cheese, tapas, and a choice of entrees, and a dessert course. $125. 

NJ Wines for the New Year

If you prefer to usher in 2026 in the comfort of your own home, the great vintners of NJ have your back. Grab these classics to keep you company and pair with party snacks as you count down to midnight. 

Put on Rosé Glasses: It would be impossible to be grumpy with Saddlehill’s gorgeous rosé, offering up first decadent servings of plums and cherries, then tangerines, strawberries, and grapefruits. Versatile and tasty with finger foods like sliders and mozzarella sticks, but also light charcuterie or chips and dip. 

Get Ready for a White Winter: Bellview Winery’s Gruner Veltliner is festive, fun, and winter-fare friendly with notes of golden apple, zested lime, and culinary spice. Pair with robust cheese plates, spicy Asian noodle dishes, and fried chicken. 

A Big, Bold Red To Keep You Warm: Hopewell Valley Vineyards V wine serves up a robust blend of Sangiovese, Barbera, and Chambourcin. It’s structured and intense, but with well-integrated red and black fruit flavors. A powerhouse that will push you through the evening, paired with partying and bigger flavors, like steak, burgers, pizza, or hearty pastas. 

The Sweet Life: Sip through your sweet course with Brook Hollow’s 2022 Frontenac Blanc Dessert Wine offers full-bodied flavor with notes of pineapple, mango, and bright tartness. You don’t need a dessert to pair with your dessert, but your taste buds will sing if you pair it with creme brulee, chocolate cake, or pecan pie. 

No matter what time zone you’re pretending to be in when you’re toasting the New Year, we hope you have a glass of New Jersey wine in your hand!