Wherever you are in New Jersey, a winery awaits less than an hour away. Between the 80+ grape varieties under vine, and the 50+ licensed wineries, you could hit a new place every week and never drink the same wine twice for a full year.
If you’re hoping to expand your viticultural horizons this year—or give the gift of wine love to someone on your nice list—we have a delicious grab bag of ideas that will help you sleigh the gifting season.
Library Wine Tasting at Bellview Winery
Bellview Winery is perched on land the Quarella family has been farming for a century. The winery opened in 2000 and has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike for the estate-grown white, red and fruit wines.
There’s no better way to take a fast deep dive into wine than through a library tasting. The judiciously priced ($20 per person) tasting at Bellview consists of six cellared wines and current vintages, and a cheese plate. By comparing recent releases and wines that have been aged with care, you’ll get a sense of how these grapes evolve over time.
Staff members guide the experience, and can answer questions. Make reservations ahead of time, and plan to go on the weekend, when staffers have the time to devote to one-on-one tastings. Call (856) 697-7172 to reserve a day and time.
Brunch at Salem Oak Vineyards
The small, family run Salem Oak Vineyards is within 40 minutes of both Philadelphia and Wilmington, but a world away. It has become a top draw for lovers of locally made wines and ethereal French Toast and eggs. French Toast and eggs? Indeed.
Brunch originated as a pre-hunt breakfast in Britain. The array of sweet and savory delights, preferably washed down with locally produced wine, are still, centuries later, a delicious way to celebrate friendship, love, and the holidays—and mentally prepare yourself for the week ahead.
Salem Oak Vineyards offers one of the best brunches in the state. Perennial favorites include the Bacon, Egg and Cheese on P City Bakery bread with a side of tater tots, Banana Fosters Stuffed French Toast and Breakfast Nachos—a decadent pile of scrambled eggs, bacon, veggies and queso on tortilla chips. Don’t forget the Sangria pairing. Make a reservation by calling (856) 889-2121.
Browse Art at Jessie Creek Winery
Jessie Creek is set between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, which helps ensure the five acres of vines get year-round spa treatment. (They stay cool in the summer, and warm in the winter, thanks to the wonders of the nearby bodies of water.)
While Jessie Creek has rightfully earned a reputation for small-batch wines (don’t miss the Pinot Gris or Chambourcin), just as many fans stream in for the rotating series of live music and other events.
Jessie Creek is a supporter of all things Garden State—including the artists who work and thrive here. The Gallery at Jessie Creek offers a rotating display of work made by artists, with a party on the first weekend of every month debuting the latest exhibition, with the artist, a featured wine, light fare and live music.
Call (609) 536-2023 to get the scoop on the next opening.
Food Truck Fest Season Passes From Laurita Winery
Laurita Winery’s name is a portmanteau of owner Randy Johnson and Ray Shea’s mothers, Laura and Rita. The estate grown wines are a draw in and of themselves, but Laurita Winery’s annual Food Truck Fest has become a legend, with weekends from April through November being devoted to the Garden State’s best food trucks.
The winery’s food truck passes sell out every year, so buy now before they get snapped up. The season pass is $53.31 per person (just $50 now through New Year’s Eve) and includes entry to at least 10 events.
Call Laurita Winery at (609) 752-0200 for more information on the Food Truck Fest, or any of its other crowd-pleasing holiday gifts.
Explore Bordeaux With Sharrott Winery
Sharrott Winery offers regular live music, paint nights, trivia nights and other events for its large following of wine and fun lovers.
But one event takes the cake in terms of giftability. Keep in mind, this gift is a special occasion, nice-list only, once-in-a-lifetime gift. Larry and Eileen Sharrott are hosting a Chateaux, Rivers & Wine Cruise for eight days on Viking, from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion.
The sailing dates are May 4-May 11, 2025, with visits to vineyards, farms and forests, a truffle hunt, a Cognac blending session, oysters by the sea and so much more. All told, you’ll cruise for eight days, go on six guided tours, visit three UNESCO World Heritage sights and enjoy a diverse cultural curriculum that will leave you feeling (almost) like a native.
Call (609) 567-WINE for more information on the epic sail, and other events at the Hammonton winery.
