You know New Jersey for its beaches, boardwalks, and maybe even diners. But wineries? That might come as a surprise.
It turns out that the Garden State has a bit of a secret: it’s making some pretty darn good wine. Yep, hidden throughout the state are vineyards producing award-winning bottles.
And these New Jersey wines are so good, they’re even giving the famous California wines a run for their money.
The good news is that in this article, we’ll explore some of the best wineries New Jersey has to offer, from the rolling hills of the north to the sunny shores of the south.
Let’s get started!
1. Balic Winery
The first stop on our tour of NJ wineries is Balic Winery, a family-run gem tucked away in the Pine Barrens of Mays Landing.
Established in the early 1900s and purchased by the current owners in 1966, Balic Winery has been a staple of the Garden State’s wine scene for decades.
This winery stands out because of its unpretentious atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease.
But don’t let the casual vibe fool you – Balic is serious about its wine.
They produce 27 unique wines, ranging from traditional favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon to unexpected gems like huckleberry, pomegranate, and even pumpkin wine.
And for those who prefer a touch of sweetness, you can’t go wrong with their cream red.
So, relax on the porch, soak in the history, and enjoy a taste of New Jersey’s winemaking heritage at Balic Winery.
2. Willow Creek Winery
If you’re searching for the best wineries in NJ with food that’s as delightful as the wine, then Willow Creek Winery in Cape May needs to be on your radar.
When you first arrive, you might wonder if you’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up at a resort! The grounds are just that impressive.
Its vineyards, beautiful gardens, and the main building will take your breath away.
But Willow Creek Winery also has an incredible restaurant; trust me, the food is amazing.
Think gourmet grilled cheese with creamy tomato bisque, a fresh Caesar salad with perfectly grilled chicken, and a crab dip that’s to die for.
Of course, let’s not forget the reason we’re here: the wine! Willow Creek offers an incredible and diverse selection. But if we’re going to give you a recommendation, give their white sangria a try. Nothing goes down better on a summer’s day.
Oh, and one more thing: Willow Creek Winery is also a popular spot for weddings and events.
So, if you’re looking for a venue with stunning views and delicious food, this is it.
3. Cape May Winery & Vineyard
Let’s keep this wine tour rolling with a visit to Cape May Winery & Vineyard.
This winery in NJ has a pretty interesting history, starting as a small Cabernet Sauvignon test plot back in 1989.
Now, it’s a 150-acre farm with eleven different grape varietals!
While they mainly focus on retail, don’t miss out on their tap room.
They’ve got wine flights and even refillable growlers, so you can take your favorites home with you.
And if you’re feeling peckish, they’ve got a daily tapas menu, grill nights, and even Sunday brunch in the summer.
When it comes to the wines themselves, their dry reds, like the Cabernet Franc and Cape May Red Reserve, are worth a try.
But pay attention to their sweet and dessert wines, too, especially the refreshing Lighthouse series.
4. Autumn Lake Winery
Next, we’re heading to Autumn Lake Winery in Williamstown, a winery in NJ that locals love for its relaxed atmosphere and lakeside setting.
And don’t let the name fool you – this place is worth a visit any time of year, not just in the fall.
Amazingly, the winery sits right on the edge of a beautiful lake, and it’s as picturesque as it sounds.
No winery would make it on our list without a great selection of wines, and Autumn Lake Winery doesn’t disappoint on that front.
Some crowd favorites include the Lakeside Blanc, the Per Diem Rose, and the Down Home Red.
And if you’re looking for some entertainment with your wine, you’ve found the right place.
They host various events throughout the year, from live music on the porch to charcuterie-making classes.
So, it’s worth checking their events calendar to see what’s coming up.
5. Hawk Haven Vineyard
You know, sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you least expect. Take Hawk Haven Vineyard, for example.
This place started out as a dairy farm back in 1940, which is kind of wild to think about.
Fast forward a few decades, and they decided to give winemaking a shot. And it turns out they have a knack for it!
Hawk Haven officially opened to the public in 2008 and has been a Cape May favorite ever since.
But here’s what sets them apart from other New Jersey wineries: they know how to create a whole experience. They’ve got live music, food trucks, you name it.
And if you’re into wine-pairing events, you’re in luck. I hear their macaron pairings are amazing.
Now, let’s talk about the wines themselves. Their Methode Ancestrale sparkling wine is a real standout, and their white wines are some of the best in the state.
But don’t worry, red wine lovers, they have plenty for you to enjoy.
So, next time you’re in Cape May, swing by Hawk Haven Vineyard for a taste of history, a lively atmosphere, and some seriously good wine.
6. Valenzano Family Winery
Okay, let’s head to Shamong and check out Valenzano Family Winery.
Now, this place, perhaps the best winery in NJ, is tucked away in the Pine Barrens, so you know it’s got a secluded, peaceful vibe.
But don’t let the location fool you – they’re making some delicious wine here, and they’re doing it with a focus on sustainability.
They even named some of their wines after local landmarks, like the Shamong Blush. How cool is that?
And it’s not just about the wine, either. Valenzano has a real community feel, with events happening all the time.
You can do a guided tasting, which is perfect if you’re new to wine or want to learn more about their process.
They also have a restaurant on-site, the Bari Wine Pub. It serves dishes like Bavarian pretzels, pumpkin gnocchi, filet mignon—the whole shebang.
And hey, if you’re looking for a wedding venue, this place is a real contender. It’s gorgeous, elegant, and has that “something special” that makes it perfect for a big celebration.
7. Unionville Vineyard
Tucked away in Ringoes, New Jersey, Unionville Vineyard is a charming winery that’s been making a name for itself lately.
This Hunterdon County gem is part of the New Jersey Winemaker’s Co-Op, a group of wineries working together to show off the best of what Garden State wines offer.
And Unionville Vineyard is definitely holding up its end of the bargain!
This picturesque vineyard sits on land that was once one of New Jersey’s most famous peach orchards, and that fruit-growing heritage shines through in the quality of its wines.
Speaking of which, try their Hunterdon Mistral Blanc and the Hunterdon Mistral Rose—they’re delicious examples of what this region can cultivate.
Now, let’s talk about what makes Unionville Vineyard special.
For starters, they offer some of the best wine-tasting experiences in NJ from Thursday through Monday, which is perfect for those who want to learn more about the wines and the winemaking process.
And if you’re looking for something more exclusive, you can even book a private group tasting.
But here’s the thing: Unionville is also a fantastic event venue. They host everything from weddings and corporate gatherings to charitable occasions.
With its stunning scenery and elegant atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice.
Discover Your New Favorite Winery in New Jersey
So, you’ve got a taste of some of New Jersey’s amazing wineries. Who knew, right?
As you can tell, the Garden State is full of surprises, and its wine scene is definitely one of them.
You’ve got wineries with a rich history, wineries with stunning views, and wineries pushing the boundaries of winemaking. And the best part is that they’re all right in our backyard.
So, grab your friends, plan a day trip, and discover your new favorite winery.
Cheers to that!
P.S. If you want to explore more of what New Jersey offers, check out the best things to do in Central Jersey.