The Best New Jersey Wineries

A fine wine can make an evening that much better. A fine winery, however, can be the perfect weekend destination. New Jersey has a number of respected wineries, many of which are great choices for a weekend tour or afternoon tasting. When considering a winery visit in New Jersey, these five destinations should be at the top of the list.

1. Cape May Winery. The Cape May Winery is popular with tourists, and it is not hard to see why. The winery has three tasting rooms and a spectacular deck that overlooks the vineyard. Cape May has flourished thanks to its broad appeal. While some wineries strive to find a niche and stick to that, the Cape May Winery has taken a wider approach. The vast grounds cover 150 acres, which allows the winery to grow sixteen varieties and produce more than twenty different wine styles. In particular, the Merlot and Chardonnay are especially well received. The Cape May Winery hosts tastings, tours and other private events.

2. Laurita Winery. Located in New Egypt, Laurita’s has all the finishes of an exclusive winery without the steep prices. Laurita’s offers a wide range of tastings, creating unique experiences that are not typically available elsewhere. However, every guest can afford the wine there, making it a popular choice for all types of wine connoisseurs. As part of the overall experience at Laurita’s, tastings are complemented with other entertainment as well, and Laurita’s has hosted everything from musical performances to movie nights and more. Laurita’s also has a gourmet deli, which can make any wine tasting even more delicious.

3. Alba Winery and Vineyard. Alba is an inclusive food and drink experience. This impressive winery not only produces fine wines but it also provides catering for a wide range of events. As if that were not enough, Alba also has its own gallery and can offer customers an enviable selection of upscale cigars. Every employee at Alba is fully dedicated to the job, which is why the tours and tastings are so popular. When it comes to the wine, Alba has had particular success with its dessert and sparkling variations, and its white wine has won industry awards. Alba Vineyard and Winery is located in the Village of Finesville in Milford.

4. Unionville Vineyards. Unionville stands out for its history. Sections of the winery were built in 1858, and much of the vineyard is considered part of New Jersey’s Farmland Preservation Program. The current ownership has been operating the Unionville Vineyards for 20 years, and in that time, Unionville has been established as one of the most trusted vineyards in the state. Even with this, Unionville’s best days may be ahead thanks to the work of Cameron Stark, who produced a 2010 Pheasant Hill Chardonnay that is bringing fresh attention to the wine scene in New Jersey.

The only thing better than a fine wine is a better winery. Visit any of these wineries for an unforgettable experience.