Summertime, and the living is easy…and often outdoors. That’s certainly true at many of our wineries that have moved much of the action outside their tasting rooms. Often guests want to enjoy the fresh air, the sounds of nature, and views of the flourishing vines while sipping on their wine, and sometimes they are content simply sitting at a table and chatting with whomever they’re sharing a bottle with.
Other times, they want something a little more.
New Jersey wineries are all about giving their guests that little more, or a lot more in some cases. They happily ramp up the outdoor activities in the summer, offering everything from yoga in the vines in the morning to dining in the vines in the evening, plus a whole lot more.
You can always find a listing of what’s happening at NJ wineries, indoor and outdoor, on our events page and individual wineries’ websites and social media, but to pique your interest, we have a list of some events that show the diversity of outdoor summer activities at New Jersey wineries.
Hop on the Wine Train
You’ll start and end at the Black River and Western Railroad in Flemington, and during a round-trip train ride, you’ll be treated to a guided tour by a wine ambassador from Old York Cellars on the Hunterdon Wine Express. Halfway through the ride, you’ll transfer to a shuttle that takes you to Old York, where you’ll be treated to a winery lunch under a vineyard tent, with a selection of menu items prepared by the winery’s chef. Before you hop back on the train, you’ll have time to explore the vineyards.
Dinner in the Vineyard
Before summer officially ends, do not miss Auburn Road’s Dinner in the Vineyard on September 17. A farm to table dinner set in the vineyard, Auburn’s owners join their guests on a journey of locally sourced foods paired with wines that winemaker Jules Donnini chooses based on the menu of this 21+ only event. Keep an eye on our calendar for other wineries that may announce dining in the vineyard events throughout the summer.
Stretch it Out
Bellview Winery is doing it. So are Valenzano Winery and Beneduce Vineyards. Basically, all the cool kids are doing it. They’re offering outdoor yoga classes to start your vineyard visit on a flexible note. Stick around after moving and stretching for more positivity in the form of wine, food, relaxation, and the stunning views of wine country.
Get Your Grill On
Spend an evening with Cape May Winery at its Wednesday Grill Nights, evenings filled with great wine, flavorful food, and vineyard vibes. Each week has a seasonal menu—ranging from seafood to steak—crafted by the winery’s chef and culinary team, paired with Cape May wines, available by the glass, carafe, or bottle.
Fire, Music, and Wine
Enjoy the glow of fire pits at Willow Creek Winery during Fire Pit Fridays on the vineyard patio bar, from 4-8pm each week. Local musicians set the mood for the start of the weekend while you enjoy a glass of wine, delicious bites, and views of the sunset at the end of the evening. Fire pits are first-come, first-served.
Meet the Farm Animals
If you’re looking for a family-friendly winery event, Sunday mornings at Saddlehill Cellars are where to be. Its Farm Animal Tour is an educational experience that lets kids and their grown-ups meet the friendly farm animals up close, learn about their vital roles in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and producing high-quality grapes while discovering the sustainable practices of Saddlehill.
Food Trucks, Food Trucks, Food Trucks
Many New Jersey wineries rely on food trucks as part of what they offer their guests, but perhaps no winery does food trucks better than Laurita Winery. It hosts a Food Truck Festival all summer long, with different themes and vendors at each festival. Example: The Greek Food Truck Festival in July will be a family-friendly celebration of Greek Music and Dance with food and dessert trucks, live entertainment, and local vendors.
If you want to be on top of the events happening at the wineries this summer, make sure you’re subscribed to our weekly In the Vines newsletter to keep up with what’s happening in New Jersey wine country.
