Is it just us, or does your holiday gift list seem to expand every year, too? If so, please join us for the annual Holiday Wine Trail Weekend.
The Garden State Wine Growers Holiday Wine Trail Weekend is always scheduled Thanksgiving weekend, just when we all need a change of scenery, a chance to be entertained and feted, and an opportunity to get a jump on holiday shopping.
You can of course shop for your personal favorite wine bottles, but there are also wine glasses, hand-crafted goodies, plus all manner of brand merch and giftable edible and quaffable goodies available at the Garden State’s wineries.
This year, the show goes on November 28-30.
Here are a few events to look out for:
Family Fun:
Head over to Terhune Orchards Winery for Music, Firepits, and Mulled Wine. The vibes will be all good, the wine will be great, and fun will be on tap. Families can gather to enjoy music, food, and cheer in the orchard. (And if it’s chilly, the party moves to the wine barn!) Plus, food will flow from the Barn Door Café. S’mores kits and hot chocolate will also be available. Terhune also has an incredible farm store, brimming with locally made jams, pre-made baskets, and other locally sourced stocking stuffers and pre-built gifts. (Delivery is also available!)
Bubbly Brunch:
Let someone else do the cooking for you at Old York Cellars, and enjoy bubbles on the side at the Weekend Bubbly Brunch, Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30. Brunch is served 11:30 am to 2:30 pm in the Vista Room, Vineyard Tent, outdoors overlooking the vines, or one of Old York’s private cabanas. The menu features a wide selection of Spanish-inspired dishes, paired with mimosas, sparkling wines, and other Old York selections.
Pair Pasta, Wine, and Music:
Dig into pasta and live music at Angelico Winery on Saturday, November 29. La Tradizione Pasta Truck will be dishing up Italian classics from 12 to 6 pm, with live music by Michael Muniz from 2 to 6 pm. Family and pet friendly!
Crafts You Can Gift:
Unwind and make something for the people on your holiday list at Working Dog Winery on Sunday, November 30. Join the Wooden Snowman Centerpiece Workshop for a creative afternoon of crafting and build a charming wooden snowman, perfect for adding a cozy winter touch to anyone’s home decor. All materials and instructions will be provided. There are three sessions available from 10 am to 12 pm, 1 pm to 3 pm, and 4 pm to 6 pm. $35.
Even if you miss the Holiday Wine Trail Weekend, you should plan on hitting the trail later to pick up celebratory bottles for friends, family, colleagues, neighbors and everyone else on your gift list:
Keep It Fun:
Villari Vineyards offers a refreshing, crisp fruit wine they call ONE NATION Pink Lemonade. Made with strawberries, watermelon, lemon, and apple wine, you get exactly what it sounds like: adult lemonade. Perfect for gifting to legal but younger wine enthusiasts, or for spicing up a holiday party with something unexpected.
Have a White Christmas:
The French hybrid Vidal Blanc still flies under the radar, but anyone who tastes it will instantly fall for the full-bodied but crisp flavor. Federal Twist Vineyard’s Vidal Blanc pairs perfectly with all the finger food, from oysters to stuffed wieners.
Make It Sparkle:
Brook Hollow Winery’s sparkling wine is a crowd-pleaser for both serious and neophyte enthusiasts alike. The Cranberry Sparkling Wine is a twist on traditional sparklers, with a semisweet base of New Jersey cranberries, ideal for pairing with holiday feasts.
Garden State Port:
Saddlehill Cellars crafts an incredibly focused and complex port style wine dubbed Vinho de Sobremesa. The flavors of red berries, plums, Bing cherries, and spice will dance on your tongue. Pair with chocolate covered strawberries or a decadent chocolate cake for full-on wow.
Now you’ve got your post-Thanksgiving chill-out planned + your gifts covered. What more could you ask for? See you on the trail!
