The world’s most perfect pairing, chocolate and wine will come together when the Garden State Wine Growers Association presents its annual Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend, February 9-10 at wineries throughout New Jersey.
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s treat to give a loved one? Then venture out from Sussex County to Cape May and visit New Jersey wineries that will provide visitors with special features and attractions, many focusing on chocolate.
Some of the wineries will also extend the Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail into a second weekend Feb 16-17. Please check our website www.newjerseywines.com for updated schedules of events for the Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend and for other winery events in New Jersey during the rest of the month.
For the full list of participating wineries, costs to attend, and details of the special offerings at each location, visit https://www.newjerseywines.com/events/category/trail-weekends
Here are just some of the highlights for the Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend.
Sussex County
Ventimiglia Vineyards in Wantage plans to have an assortment of fine chocolates selected to pair beautifully with their wines. The chocolates are complimentary with the $10 tasting
Mercer County
Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington will offer a special paired tasting with vineyard made wine and chocolate truffles for sale and a select number of handmade artisans in the tasting room. The winery will also have a Valentine’s Brunch on Sunday, Feb 10 starting at 11 am. Tickets are $33.35 + tax and can be purchased at www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com.
At Terhune Orchards in Princeton you can enjoy chocolate baked goods homemade in Terhune’s own bakery paired with their award-winning wines as well as a special wine and chocolate pairing of locally made chocolates and Terhune wines and live music on Sunday.
Working Dog Winery in East Windsor for Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend will be open February 9 and 10 from Noon – 5:00 PM. Admission is $5. Enjoy a weekend of award-winning wines, great music, tempting treats, and of course lots of fun. Whether you choose to enjoy your wine by large windows overlooking the vineyard, listening to music, or warming up by a crackling fire, this weekend will prove to be a memorable experience for all. $5 admission includes personal box of chocolates (21 years of age and older). Premium tasting with the winemaker available for an additional fee. Please refer to the winery policies on the website when planning your visit. If you need directions or further information you can call us at 609-371-6000 or look on our website, www.workingdogwinerynj.com.
Music Lineup (1:00 – 5:00)
2/9 – Rob Messina
Warren County
Brook Hollow Winery, Columbia – 12- 6pm Feb 9-10 – Enjoy your time with your loved one this weekend as you travel the finest New Jersey Wineries during our Garden State Winegrowers Association Wine Trail Weekend. Brook Hollow Winery will be moving the tasting room across the street to our Banquet Facility to accomodate for our “See Red and Save Sale”, live music, and chocolate tasting and sales from Chocolate Lovers Emporium. Taste all 13 wines for just $10 in or etched logo glass, which in turn gets you complimentary tastings on all future visits, provided you return with that glass.
Four Sisters Winery in Belvidere will bring mystery into the trail weekend with a Valentine’s Murder Mystery from 1-4:30 pm on Feb 10. Bring your sweetheart for a scrumptious dinner of Chicken Marsala and Roasted Potatoes or Vegetable Lasagna. A formal wine tasting pairing tasty appetizers with a selection of Four Sisters Winery award-winning wines followed by a plated dinner, the murder mystery, a delectable dessert and wine cellar tour. The event includes a complimentary glass of wine, souvenir glass and a rose for someone special and is $50 per person, plus tax and service fee. Call 908-475-3671 to purchase your tickets.
At Villa Milagro Vineyards in Finesville enjoy the Wine & Chocolate Trail from 11 am – 5 pm Feb 9-10 as the winery celebrates “El Dia de Amor” with the decadent taste of chocolate, the romantic twinkle of lights and delicious Villa Milagro wines on the GSWGA Chocolate Wine Trail. Sample “Besame” their “kiss me” wine for sweethearts! $10 admission includes wine tastings, chocolate treats, and a gift monogrammed glass. www.VillaMilagroVineyards.com/Valentine-s-trail
Atlantic County
Amalthea Cellars in Atco will offer tastings February 9th & 10th – Valentine’s Wine and Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend – 11AM-5PM
Balic Winery in Mays Landing has scheduled two Valentine’s Day Weekends, February 9th & 10th and 16th & 17th – Because one day just isn’t enough to celebrate love. We added both weekends before and after. Enjoy live romantic music Free Fine Chocolate and Beautiful Roses, Live Violins, 12 string acoustic guitar, accordion and vocals bring sweet music to fill the air.
Bellview Winery in Landisville will offer a gourmet wine and chocolate pairing Enjoy a glass of wine and a chocolate or cheese pairing while the sound of acoustic guitar sets the mood in the tasting room for you and your special someone. They are also releasing their “Love Potion” on tap. A perennial favorite, Love Potion is a sweet blend of Cayuga wine and Pomegranate juice that will make your Valentine’s Day even better.
DiMatteo Vineyards, Hammonton – Saturday, February 9 – 11 to 6pm
Special Tasting Menu, Wine Specials, Lite Bites. All ladies will receive a chocolate covered strawberry and a rose. On Sunday, February 10 – 11 to 6pm there will be a Special Tasting Menu, Wine Specials, Lite Bites, and entertainment. Campiones Kitchen will be offering Meatball and Pulled Pork Sandwiches for purchase.The Grouser Girls will be performing from 2 to 5.
Plagido’s Winery in Hammonton has a Wine & Chocolate Tasting for $12 per person that includes 10 wines and 5 gourmet chocolates.
Sharrott Winery in Hammonton will offer a special tasting pairing Sharrott wines with chocolate. Wine tasting is $12 per person and includes 6 wine samples and chocolate pairing. Sharrott Winery will also have a Romantic Wine & Food Tasting with seating’s at 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm in the Sharrott Wine Bard where guests will enjoy 5 courses, served small-plate style, created by Sharrott’s wine bar chefs and expertly paired with Sharrott’s award-winning wines. Cost is $29 per person. Advance tickets are required. A special Valentine’s Night Prix Fixe Dinner is also on the docket at Sharrott Winery on Thursday, Feb 14 from 5:30-9:00 pm. Prix Fixe menu is $60 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Tickets and reservations are required. Please call the winery at 609-567-9463 (9463) to reserve your table. Seating is limited so don’t delay.
Tomasello Winery in Hammonton, you can treat your special someone to a day full of love at the Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend. Enjoy all of your favorite Tomasello wines and a decadent chocolate fountain. On February 9th, you can also indulge in a bistro menu, specialty cocktails and live music. Tomasello Winery will also host a Valentine’s Dinner Dance on Feb 9 from 7-11 pm featuring a gourmet four course dinner and dancing. Cash bar is available. Reservations required. Call 1-800-MMM-WINE for more information. And on Sunday, Feb 10 the Winery will also host a Valentine’s themed wine bottle painting party from 1-4 pm. Tickets include everything you need to paint your light up wine bottle masterpiece. Reservations are required, seating is limited. Call 1-800-MMM-WINE for more information.
White Horse Winery in Hammonton will feature live music Saturday and Sunday, and chocolate-paired tastings from Thursday night through Sunday.
Cape May County
Cape May Winery will have a full weekend of activities.
*Tap Room Happy Hour Fridays from 5pm-8pm featuring live music, full tapas kitchen, tapas board & flight pairing special, and $2 off the special rotating red & white 1L carafes
*Flights & Bites Tour Sundays @11am- Experience an in-depth exploration of the sensory world of Cape May Winery. $45 per person. Call 609.884.1169 or email manager@capemaywinery.com to book.
*Vines to Wines Tour Saturdays @2pm- A behind the scenes look at our production process all the while tasting a variety of our award-winning wines. $25 per person. Call 609.884.1169 or email manager@capemaywinery.com to book.
*Tastings & Flights offered Daily!
*Tapas Kitchen Open Friday from 3pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 12pm
At Hawk Haven Vineyard in Cape May you can taste eight wines paired with gourmet chocolates and then head to the crush pad for some live music.
Jessie Creek Winery, Cape May Courthouse will feature a special Valentine “Chocolate” & Wine Pairing February 8 @ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM This year we are offering a new take on the Valentine Chocolate and Wine Pairing! We are pairing 5 of our wines with 5 of these delectable hand rolled sweets, called Brigadeiros.
The featured Brigadeiros are:
+ Coconut
+ Dark Chocolate
+ Milk Chocolate
+ Walnut
+ Peanut Butter
And on Sunday, celebrate the Valentine celebration of love with your sweetheart or those near and dear to you with a little music, sweets and wine! Maddie Hogan will be playing in the Barrel Hall 2-5pm. Come out and enjoy her beautiful mix of songs, not to mention her amazing personality! Cozy up on the couch and sample our Valentine Brigadeiro (Chocolates/Sweets) & Wine Pairing!! We will have curated Brigadeiro Pairings with our Wine Spiral for a more intimate tasting experience ($25 serves 2)
OR
Add a set of Brigadeiros to any Guided Wine Tasting ($10)
We will be RELEASING our 2016 CHAMBOURCIN on Friday, February 8th and it will be featured in the Brigadeiro Pairing as well!
Natali Vineyards in Cape May Couthouse will be open 10 am – 5 pm each day. Pair award- winning wines with complimentary gourmet chocolates. Take an educational tour of our facilities with Dave and find out how our wines are produced and bottled.
Willow Creek Farm & Winery in Cape May will be the site for wine tastings, tapas and the sweet sounds of Camille Peruto. Hand-made chocolates by The Candy Lady or a sweet chocolate baked good from Pretty Tasty Cupcake Boutique will be available from 11am-5pm each day.
Burlington County
Iron Plow Vineyards in Columbus will have complimentary artisan chocolates by the Farmer’s Daughter to pair along with your wine and live music.
Valenzano Winery in Shamong is holding a Valentines Day Dinner At The Winery
February 14 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm -Candlelight dining, reserve wines, fine dining, and a romantic evening of singing – featuring Nate Butler. Limited menu – Reservations Required. Seating options between 5pm-9pm. Call 609-268-6731 ext 305 to make your reservation.($50 per person non-refundable deposit required to confirm your reservation)
Valenzano Winery is holding their ‘Wine & Chocolate’ Wine Trail Weekend February 16th-17th 11am-5pm Saturday & Sunday $10 Admission @ the Door (ALL Attendants) Includes admission, wine sampling, chocolate treats, live music and souvenir wine glass. February strolls onto the scene, adorned in hues of pinks and reds and all the delights of Valentine’s Day. We’ve set out the tables and chairs, stoked the fire and drawn the curtains for a weekend of food, wine, and good times. Ala Carte Gourmet Menu.
Monmouth-Ocean County
4 JGs Winery in Colts Neck is open Feb 9-10 for A Perfectly Choreographed Pairing of Wine and Chocolates.
Fox Hollow Vineyards in Holmdel is teaming with Chocolate Legends for a special wine and chocolate pairing. Enjoy a special selection of award winning wines and gourmet chocolates on the following dates from 11 am – 6:30 pm:
February 7th,8th,9th,&10th
February 14th,15th,16,&17th
Laurita Winery in New Egypt will have three vendors with chocolate products, live music and you can even renew your wedding vows Saturday Feb 9 but you need to sign up in advance at LauritaWinery.com.
Cumberland County
Cedar Rose Vineyards in Millville will be doing a tasting special that is $10 for 5 wines paired with 5 chocolates (in addition to the usual $10 tasting for 8 samples and souvenir glass), and will also have small dessert trays consisting of 4-5 chocolate desserts/candies for $10.
Gloucester County
Autumn Lake Winery in Williamstown will have entertainment in the Greenhouse Lounge each day: Sat 2/9 Medicine Man, Sun 2/10 TJ Fry. Explore our wine list with a $6 tasting or enjoy a special pairing for $10. Find your favorite and take it to a table in a glass or home by the bottle. Reservations not required. They will also keep the party going the following weekend with entertainment Sat 2/16 George A. Johnson, Jr., Sun 2/17 John Rossi.
Cedarvale Winery in Logan Township will be serving their wines paired with chocolate morsels
Coda Rossa Winery in Franklinville – Valentine’s Day Wine Trail Weekend
11:00 to 5:00 Saturday and Sunday – Bring your Valentine and stop by Coda Rossa to enjoy our wines along with some decadent treats at our chocolate fountain. Admission is $12.00, includes tasting of 10 different wines, souvenir glass and chocolate fountain. Outdoor patio will also be open, weather permitting. See you on the trail!
DiBella Winery in Sewell is open Friday-February 8th (2-7pm), Saturday-9th (12-5pm) and Sunday-10th (12-5pm) for a $3 wine tasting along with some tasty chocolates.
Summit City Winery in Glassboro during the Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend, will be treating guests to complimentary snacks and chocolate to pair along with your wine. Their warm and cozy tasting room is a great setting to spend a romantic and relaxing time with your valentine.
William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill is holding their Wine & Chocolate Event on February 16 @ 12:00 pm – February 17 @ 5:00 pm – Attendees will be able to sample 12 wines, enjoy 4 wine and chocolate pairings and listen to live music provided by Dave Kelly. This year we will have three wine stations showcasing our top rated dry estate wines. We have curated four unique pairings that everyone will surely enjoy. Event will feature the finest chocolates from Mecha Artisan Chocolate in Haddon Township and decadent French macarons from La Mademoiselle Macaron in Mullica Hill
Salem County
Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery in Pilesgrove will feature special Valentine’s Day dinners and tasting room specials.
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Auburn Road – Join us for A Four-course Dinner, Live Music, and Special Wine Pairings For Just $39.99! Reservations Required. Seatings between 5:30 and 7:30 pm.
Wine & Chocolate Weekends Feb 9-10 and Feb 16-17– From Noon to 5 pm, enjoy a pairing of selected wines with 1892 artisan chocolates followed by a double chocolate gelato Affogato” – all for only $14!!
February 14th & 15th – Crab, Shrimp, & Spinach Manicotti with Fresh Marinara Sauce
Chestnut Run Farms in Pilesgrove will be open for tastings from 12-5 pm on the Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend.
Monroeville Vineyard & Winery in Monroeville will be offering 5 wine pairings with either cheese or chocolate. $10 will include admission, wine pairing, souvenir glass and sales tax.
Salem Oak Vineyards in Pedricktown will be open Saturday Feb 9 from 12-9 pm and Sunday the 10th from 12-6pm. There will be acoustical entertainment on Saturday night.
Hunterdon County
Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown will offer Sweetheart Tastings. February 6-17th. Option #1 ($60 per couple) features a deluxe wine tasting for two of their handcrafted wines, including the limited production MANGIONE Super Tuscan blend, paired with locally made artisan cheese and chocolates along with a brief and entertaining tour of the winery, oak barrel storage, and equipment where you’ll learn the basics of Beneduce’s winemaking practices and philosophy. A beautiful red rose for your Sweetheart and two etched wine glasses and a trio of delicious chocolates to take home will also be part of the package. OPTION #2 is $100 per couple and scheduled for Saturday evenings only. All of the Option #1 features plus two pre-paid cover charges and reservations at a Group Therapy Live music Session at Beneduce Vineyards are included.
Old York Cellars in Ringoes has a romantic weekend of music, chocolate and wine planned for visitors. In the tasting room sample a selection of award winning wines with an optional chocolate pairing. Live music will be in the Vista Room in Sunday from 12:30 – 4:30pm you can also meet chocolatier Laurie’s Chocolates As a special treat you can get a picture of you and your sweetheart printed on a wine label to commemorate the experience. Old York will also offer the “Sweetest Tabooze” an exclusive seated sampling features a Sparkling Rosé toast and a selection of sweet and savory treats. Each food item will be paired with a wine chosen to enhance the already delectable flavors. Seatings Feb. 9th – 10th at 12:00, 2:00 & 4:00pm $50/Person.
Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes – on Feb 9-10 from noon to 5 pm will showcase complimentary chocolate parings from Sciascia Confections of Ferry Market in New Hope and The Stockton Market. Wine tasting are $10 a person, wines by the glass and bottle available. Additional indoor seating for you to enjoy with your friends and family will be available
In addition to all the great trail events being planned, visitors to New Jersey wineries can also pick up the new edition of the NJ Wine Country Passport. Ask for one on your tasting room visit. Get the winery to stamp the page in the passport. Visit all the wineries and then enter the book into our yearly drawing held Memorial Day weekend to win a trip for two to a renowned wine destination. The passport is also available as an App.
