🍷 A Toast to South Jersey Wine Month

If you think great wine only comes from California, think again β€” South Jersey is quietly becoming one of the country’s most exciting wine regions. Winemaking here isn’t just a business; it’s a family tradition that’s been passed down for generations and perfected on local soil. Over the past decade, small family farms across the southern counties have transformed into thriving vineyards, creating a wine scene that’s as rich in character as it is in flavor.

The South Jersey wine region sits in the heart of the Outer Coastal Plain AVA β€” a 2.25-million-acre stretch of sandy, well-drained farmland that runs from Cape May up through Burlington County. The same soil that’s perfect for blueberries and peaches happens to be perfect for grapes too. Today, more than 30 wineries call this region home, each one putting its own local spin on Old World winemaking.

But what really makes South Jersey’s wine scene special isn’t just the wine β€” it’s the experience. These vineyards are built for laid-back afternoons, live music, fire pits, festivals, and long conversations over a bottle shared between friends. You don’t need to book a flight to Napa or Sonoma β€” just grab your favorite crew and head down a country road.

Atlantic County

⬆️ Click on picture above for website ⬆️

Sharrott Winery β€” Hammonton

Sharrott Winery is where South Jersey wine truly feels elevated. Once a family blueberry farm, it’s now a polished vineyard with a glass-walled tasting room overlooking the vines, live music nearly every weekend, and one of the best firepit patio setups in the region. Their wines consistently earn statewide and national recognition, but the vibe remains local and welcoming β€” the kind of place where you can bring a first-timer and they’ll leave feeling like a wine person. Whether you’re sipping flights at the bar or sharing flatbreads around an outdoor table at sunset, Sharrott nails that perfect balance of upscale and down-to-earth.

πŸ“ 370 S Egg Harbor Rd, Hammonton, NJ
🍽️ Full bistro kitchen with seasonal menus. No outside food permitted.
What to Try: Cabernet Franc for structure and spice, or Coastal Blush for a lighter crowd-pleaser.

White Horse Winery β€” Hammonton

White Horse Winery blends rustic charm with sleek, modern design β€” think vineyard farmhouse meets trendy tasting room. The property spans 60 acres with cozy fire pits, live music, and an atmosphere that somehow feels both peaceful and social at the same time. This is a great place to spend a fall evening β€” glass in hand, music playing, and the scent of wine barrels and firewood in the air. Like many Hammonton wineries, the focus here is quality over flash β€” and the wines, especially their Chambourcin, back that up.

πŸ“ 106 Hall St, Hammonton, NJ
🍽️ Small bites & rotating food trucks. Outside food not allowed.
What to Try: Chambourcin Reserve for a bold, elegant red.

Tomasello Winery β€” Hammonton

Tomasello is a South Jersey icon. Family-owned since 1933, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating wineries on the East Coast and still run by the Tomasello family today. The tasting room feels like a step back in time β€” high ceilings, big barrels, and old-world warmth β€” while the wine list ranges from dry European-style reds to their beloved cranberry and fruit wines. This is where tradition lives. Come for the history, stay for the stories, and don’t be surprised if you leave with a bottle for Thanksgiving dinner.

πŸ“ 225 N White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ
🍽️ Tapas & snacks available. No outside food permitted.
What to Try: Cranberry Wine β€” a New Jersey holiday classic.

Plagido’s Winery β€” Hammonton

A Hammonton favorite and frequent wine competition winner, Plagido’s is a true family farm operation β€” small batch, grown on-site, and crafted with serious pride. The tasting room is modest but genuine, and you’ll often be served by the winemaker or family member themselves. This is where you go when you love wine more than you love hype. If you appreciate handcrafted red wine, this place will win you over quickly.

πŸ“ 570 N 1st Rd, Hammonton, NJ
🍽️ BYO snacks welcome.
What to Try: Estate Cabernet Franc or their signature blends.

Balic Winery β€” Mays Landing

Founded by a Greek immigrant in the 1960s, Balic Winery is one of the oldest and most welcoming stops on the trail. The vibe is pure hospitality: friendly staff, a relaxed setting, and a long list of wines including classics, fruit wines, and European-style blends. It’s a favorite among locals who like their wine tasting casual, comfortable, and served with a story.

πŸ“ 6623 Harding Hwy, Mays Landing, NJ
🍽️ Outside food welcome (no outside alcohol).
What to Try: Blueberry Wine or Pomegranate Wine β€” both made with locally grown fruit.

Renault Winery Resort & Golf β€” Egg Harbor City

Renault is not just a winery β€” it’s an experience. Founded in 1864, it is one of America’s oldest continually operating wineries and now serves as a full resort with a boutique hotel, several restaurants, a golf course, and year-round festivals. Stroll the property with a glass in hand, book a weekend stay, or visit during one of their huge seasonal events like Vintner Wonderland. Renault mixes French heritage with Jersey personality β€” and it’s unlike anywhere else in the state.

πŸ“ 72 N Bremen Ave, Egg Harbor City, NJ
🍽️ Multiple on-site dining options; no outside food.
What to Try: American Champagne or Blueberry Champagne (availability varies seasonally).

Camden County

Saddlehill Cellars β€” Voorhees Township

Saddlehill is South Jersey wine’s new-school moment β€” and it’s stunning. Set on a 70-acre vineyard and lavender farm, this is a polished, thoughtfully designed estate that feels more like a destination retreat than a suburban tasting room. The farmhouse kitchen is fully chef-driven, the wine list is intentional, and the grounds are picture-perfect. From the architecture to the elevated tasting flights, everything here is done with care. This winery is already becoming one of the region’s most sought-after spots for weekend escapes, bridal showers, and upscale date days β€” and it’s just getting started.

πŸ“ 1407 White Horse Rd, Voorhees Township, NJ
🍽️ Full farm-to-table kitchen (no outside food).
What to Try: Estate RosΓ©.

Amalthea Cellars β€” Atco

One of New Jersey’s true wine originals. Founded in 1976 by Louis Caracciolo, Amalthea was built on a dream of creating European-quality wine right here in South Jersey. Nearly 50 years later, it remains an artisanal, old-world gem: ivy-covered, romantic, and full of character. Tastings are intimate and educational; wines are elegant and made with minimal intervention. If you’re the type who loves old barns, Bordeaux-style blends, and hidden-gem vibes β€” this is your spot.

πŸ“ 209 Vineyard Rd, Atco, NJ
🍽️ BYO snacks welcome.
What to Try: Europa V β€” a Bordeaux blend that’s earned national attention.

Gloucester County

⬆️ Click on picture above for website ⬆️

Autumn Lake Winery β€” Williamstown

Autumn Lake is one of the most naturally beautiful wineries in the state. Draped around a sparkling lake and surrounded by rolling hills and forest, it’s the kind of place that makes you exhale as soon as you arrive. Live music, fire pits, tastings under the trees β€” this is wine country at its most relaxed. Wines are handcrafted in small batches, and the property feels like a true escape while still being only minutes from town.

πŸ“ 870 W Malaga Rd, Williamstown, NJ
🍽️ Food trucks on most weekends; outside food allowed only when no trucks are scheduled.
What to Try: Cabernet Franc or Jersey Blush.

William Heritage Winery β€” Mullica Hill

William Heritage is where farm history meets fine wine. The Heritage family farmed peaches and apples here for over 100 years before turning to vines β€” and that shift turned them into one of the most awarded wineries in New Jersey. The tasting room is chic but comfortable, with a big patio overlooking the vineyard and a wine list that appears everywhere from top NJ restaurants to Wine Enthusiast’s β€œTop 100” lists. If you want a South Jersey winery that could hold its own against Napa or Sonoma, start here.

πŸ“ 480 Mullica Hill Rd, Mullica Hill, NJ
🍽️ Cheese boards & light bites available; no outside food.
What to Try: Sparkling RosΓ© or their Bordeaux-style blends.

Blue Cork Winery β€” Williamstown

A family-run vineyard with Greek and Italian roots, Blue Cork is stylish, laid-back, and all about craft. The branding is clean, the tasting area is gorgeous, and the wines are carefully made with a minimalist philosophy. It’s small enough to feel personal, but lively enough to be social when the music and crowds roll in. The perfect place for someone who likes wine β€” but also likes a good vibe.

πŸ“ 109 Blue Bell Rd, Williamstown, NJ
🍽️ Outside food not permitted. House snacks + partner food options available.
What to Try: Chardonnay or the red blends.

DiBella Winery β€” Woolwich Township

Family, farm, and heart define DiBella. What began as a few backyard vines behind a barn has grown into a community favorite β€” and one of the most welcoming tasting rooms in the region. You’ll often meet the owners pouring wine or chatting with guests, and the peaceful farmland setting makes it ideal for low-key weekends.

πŸ“ 229 Davidson Rd, Woolwich Township, NJ
🍽️ BYO snacks welcome; occasional food trucks.
What to Try: Dragon Red β€” smooth, easy, and always a hit.

Cedarvale Winery β€” Logan Township

A true farm-to-glass operation, Cedarvale sits on an 80-acre family farm that’s been in operation for generations. The tasting room is cozy and casual, often filled with locals sharing stories over glasses of dry whites and earthy reds. It feels personal because it is β€” the wine is grown and made by the same people greeting you at the bar.

πŸ“ 205 Repaupo Station Rd, Logan Township, NJ
🍽️ BYO snacks encouraged; great for charcuterie boards.
What to Try: Vidal Blanc or Chambourcin.

Summit City Farms & Winery β€” Glassboro

Part winery, part music venue, part community hangout β€” Summit City is never boring. With a huge events calendar packed with live music, karaoke nights, seasonal parties, and themed dinners, it’s one of the most social places to drink wine in Jersey. The wines range from dry European varietals to sweet blends and fruit wines, so there truly is something for everyone.

πŸ“ 500 University Blvd, Glassboro, NJ
🍽️ Small plates and light bites available; outside food allowed most days.
What to Try: American Chardonnay.

Salem County

⬆️ Click on picture above for website ⬆️

Auburn Road Vineyards β€” Pilesgrove

Auburn Road isn’t just a winery β€” it’s an experience built on slowing down and savoring the moment. Inspired by European cafΓ©s and Italian enotecas, the space is cozy, candlelit, and filled with touches of rustic romance. Every Friday night, the winery turns into a live music and dinner destination for β€œWhat’s For Dinner Friday,” where guests gather for chef-made meals among the vines. Fire pits, trails, gardens, and glowing string lights make this one of the most atmospheric spots in South Jersey. Auburn Road is what happens when wine, food, and philosophy come together β€” and yes, the wine is just as thoughtful as the place.

πŸ“ 117 Sharptown Rd, Pilesgrove, NJ
🍽️ Full kitchen serving flatbreads, cheese boards, pasta & event dinners. Reservations recommended for Fridays.
What to Try: The Good Karma β€” a smooth red blend that sums up the spirit of the place.

Salem Oak Vineyards β€” Pedricktown

Named after the legendary 600-year-old Salem Oak tree, this family-owned vineyard embodies small-town charm and community pride. With its cozy tasting room, open farmland views, and live music nights, Salem Oak feels like the kind of place you stumble upon and then can’t stop telling people about. Their wines lean approachable and fruit-forward, making this a great stop for wine newbies and casual sippers. If you want a place where you can drink wine, watch the sunset, and feel like a local β€” this is it.

πŸ“ 60 N Railroad Ave, Pedricktown, NJ
🍽️ Small bites + charcuterie available; outside food welcome.
What to Try: Mathis Blend.

Chestnut Run Farm β€” Pilesgrove

Chestnut Run is truly unique β€” instead of grapes, they specialize in Asian pear, apple, and other fruit wines grown directly on their farm. The production is small, intentional, and based entirely on fruit they grow themselves. Tastings are relaxed, personal, and often hosted by the growers themselves. If you’re looking for something different, delicate, and unmistakably local, this hidden gem will blow your expectations.

πŸ“ 66 Stewart Rd, Pilesgrove, NJ
🍽️ BYO snacks; farm stand occasionally open during harvest.
What to Try: Asian Pear Wine β€” crisp, subtle, and unlike anything else in New Jersey.

Cumberland County

⬆️ Click on picture above for website ⬆️

Bellview Winery β€” Landisville

Bellview Winery is deep-rooted South Jersey β€” a century-old farm turned winery, run by the Quarella family for four generations. The tasting room is friendly and unpretentious, with picnic tables under trees, lawn games, vineyard events, and a steady calendar of festivals and live music. Bellview also grows and bottles some lesser-known varietals like BlaufrΓ€nkisch and Coeur d’Est β€” giving their lineup a fresh twist on traditional Jersey wine.

πŸ“ 150 Atlantic St, Landisville, NJ
🍽️ Cheese boards + snacks available; outside food welcome.
What to Try: BlaufrΓ€nkisch β€” a spicy medium-bodied red you won’t find many places in the U.S.

Cedar Rose Vineyards β€” Millville

Founded by two lifelong friends, Cedar Rose is one of the region’s newest wineries β€” but it already feels like a classic. Built with sustainability in mind and surrounded by cedar trees and rose-colored soil, the property is peaceful, earthy, and full of character. The tasting room blends rustic wood with modern design, and weekend events include live music, food trucks, and wine flights overlooking the vines. Cedar Rose nails that cozy fall vibe while still feeling fresh and young.

πŸ“ 431 Kenyon Ave, Millville, NJ
🍽️ Food trucks on weekends + small bites; outside food welcome.
What to Try: Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

Terra Nonno Winery β€” Millville

Terra Nonno (β€œGrandfather’s Land”) is a family winery rooted in Italian heritage and love for the land. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with vines wrapping around a country-style tasting patio where you can listen to acoustic music and sip wine under the open sky. The winemaking is hands-on and focused on balance and simplicity. Small, personal, and full of heart β€” Terra Nonno is the kind of place where guests quickly become friends.

πŸ“ 370 Garrison Rd, Millville, NJ
🍽️ BYO snacks; frequently hosts food trucks.
What to Try: Godfather Blend.

Cape May County

⬆️ Click on picture for website ⬆️

Cape May Winery & Vineyard β€” Cape May

One of the oldest and most revered wineries in the state, Cape May Winery pairs elegance with approachability. The multi-level tasting room features barrel-lined walls, cozy seating, and outdoor decks overlooking 70+ acres of vines. They offer self-guided tours, weekend brunch, and seasonal menus that make it feel like a coastal resort for wine lovers. If you want classic winery vibes near the shore, this is the spot.

πŸ“ 711 Townbank Rd, Cape May, NJ
🍽️ Full kitchen with small plates, tapas & brunch. Reservations recommended.
What to Try: Cape May Chardonnay β€” buttery, bright, and perfect with seafood.

Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery β€” Rio Grande

Hawk Haven is a family-run vineyard just minutes from the beach, combining Cape May relaxation with serious winemaking credibility. The tasting room and patio are full of charm, with string lights, live acoustic music, and frequent food truck pairings. Their wines are well-balanced and thoughtfully crafted, with reds that surprise even California loyalists. Hawk Haven is lively in summer and cozy in fall β€” a must-stop on any Cape May wine trip.

πŸ“ 600 S Railroad Ave, Rio Grande, NJ
🍽️ Cheese boards + rotating food trucks; outside snacks allowed.
What to Try: Flying Press Red Blend.

Willow Creek Winery β€” West Cape May

Willow Creek is jaw-dropping. A 50-acre estate with a cathedral-style tasting room, lush landscaping, fire pits, pergolas, gardens, and even peacocks roaming the grounds. It’s the most visually stunning winery in the state, hands-down. A working farm and vineyard, Willow Creek produces estate wines and farm-to-table dishes and hosts major events like Fire Pit Fridays and festivals. It’s equal parts stunning, social, and romantic.

πŸ“ 168 Stevens St, West Cape May, NJ
🍽️ Full kitchen featuring farm-to-table fare; no outside food.
What to Try: Wilde Cock Prestige Red.

Turdo Vineyards & Winery β€” Cape May

Small, boutique, and beloved by wine obsessives, Turdo is all about estate-grown Italian varietals not commonly found in the U.S. Every bottle is grown, produced, and bottled on-site, and the owners are often the ones pouring your wine. The tasting room is intimate and peaceful, with views that feel like a slice of Tuscany by the shore. It’s one of NJ’s most consistently high-quality producers β€” and still humble.

πŸ“ 3911 Bayshore Rd, Cape May, NJ
🍽️ BYO snacks allowed; light bites sometimes available.
What to Try: Nero d’Avola β€” rich, silky, and rarely produced outside Sicily.

Jessie Creek Winery β€” Cape May Court House

A serene winery right next to a charming B&B, Jessie Creek blends wine, art, and hospitality. Their events often include artisan markets, acoustic music, and gallery showcases β€” making it a natural fit for creative, relaxed visitors. The grounds are beautifully kept and the wines are approachable and enjoyable, with lots of local regulars.

πŸ“ 1 North Delsea Dr, Cape May Court House, NJ
🍽️ BYO snacks welcome; cheese plates sometimes available.
What to Try: Coastal White or Red.

Natali Vineyards β€” Cape May Court House

An easy-going vineyard with coastal breezes and European-style wines. Natali’s tasting room feels like a local hangout, and their wine selection includes varietals you don’t see everywhere, like AlbariΓ±o. It’s a quieter stop and a perfect addition to a Cape May wine trail day.

πŸ“ 221 N Delsea Dr, Cape May Court House, NJ
🍽️ BYO snacks; light bites available.
What to Try: Cabernet Franc Reserve.

Burlington County

Valenzano Family Winery β€” Shamong

One of South Jersey’s largest and most recognized wineries, Valenzano is the heart of Burlington County wine. The property spans over 100 acres of protected farmland and hosts huge events like Wine Fest and Food Truck Festivals. The tasting room is modern and welcoming, the wine list is big, and options range from dry classics to fruit-forward favorites. This is where wine meets South Jersey culture β€” fun, friendly, and accessible.

πŸ“ 1090 Route 206, Shamong, NJ
🍽️ Full-service bistro on-site; no outside food during food service hours.
What to Try: Shamong Red or Jersey Devil White.

Iron Plow Vineyards β€” Columbus & Mount Holly

Iron Plow splits its personality between its peaceful rural vineyard in Columbus and its cozy, music-driven downtown tasting room in Mount Holly. Owned by the Walder family, the winery focuses on minimal-intervention wines with real personality. The atmosphere is always relaxed β€” a great spot for acoustic sessions, group hangs, or simply taking a break on a Sunday afternoon.

πŸ“ Vineyard: 26750 Mt Pleasant Rd, Columbus, NJ
πŸ“ Tasting Room: 124 High St, Mount Holly, NJ
🍽️ Cheese plates + snacks available; food trucks at the vineyard.
What to Try: Black Horse Red Blend.

Laurita Winery β€” New Egypt

Laurita is a South Jersey landmark β€” a massive vineyard and event destination built on a 250-year-old farm. Known for its sprawling views, festival weekends, food trucks, and seasonal fireworks, it’s one of the most social wineries on the East Coast. But behind the events, Laurita is also a sustainable farm operation that produces quality estate wines and beautifully blends history with hospitality.

πŸ“ 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ
🍽️ Full kitchen and food trucks during events; no outside food during festivals.
What to Try: Tailgate Red.

South Jersey Wine Trails

Your Guide to Perfect Day Trips Through Local Wine Country

Whether you’re planning a casual Saturday with friends, a date day, or a full tasting adventure, these curated winery routes make it easy to sip your way through South Jersey β€” without wasted miles or guesswork. Each trail is based on real geographic clusters, verified hours, food options, and overall vibe.

πŸ‡ THE HAMMONTON WINE TRAIL

Perfect for: First-timers, live music, classic SJ wine country vibes
Stops:

  1. Sharrott Winery

  2. White Horse Winery

  3. Plagido’s Winery

Optional Add-Ons: Tomasello (if you want to extend), Balic (if you like fruit wines)
Why it works: All wineries are within minutes of each other, offer very different experiences, and are open year-round.

🌾 THE COUNTRYSIDE LOOP

Gloucester β†’ Salem County
Perfect for: Farm scenery, cozy tastings, laid-back afternoons
Stops:

  1. William Heritage Winery

  2. DiBella Winery

  3. Auburn Road Vineyards

Why it works: This route blends polished wine, rustic charm, and dinner-worthy vibes β€” easy and scenic.

🌊 CAPE MAY COASTAL TRAIL

Perfect for: Shore weekends, Instagrammable locations, foodie pairings
Stops:

  1. Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery

  2. Cape May Winery & Vineyard

  3. Willow Creek Winery

Optional Add-Ons: Turdo Vineyards (tiny, boutique), Jessie Creek (artsy, mellow)
Why it works: Short distances, totally different settings, and all extremely visitor-friendly.

🍁 HIDDEN GEM TRAIL

Cumberland + Salem County
Perfect for: Locals, small-batch wines, country roads, no crowds
Stops:

  1. Bellview Winery

  2. Cedar Rose Vineyards

  3. Terra Nonno Winery

Why it works: These are all owner-operated, authentic, and represent the quieter side of South Jersey wine country β€” without the tourist traffic.

🐴 BURLINGTON & CAMDEN DISCOVERY TRAIL

Perfect for: Larger groups, upscale vibes, event-friendly spaces
Stops:

  1. Saddlehill Cellars (start with lunch + estate wines)

  2. Amalthea Cellars (historic, rustic, European style)

  3. Valenzano Winery OR Laurita Winery (depending on event schedule)

Why it works: A balanced mix of modern, traditional, and social winery experiences β€” close enough to pair with dinner in Collingswood, Cherry Hill, or Haddonfield.

New Jersey Wine Month is more than a celebration of local wine β€” it’s a tribute to the farmers, families, winemakers, and dreamers who turned South Jersey into one of the most exciting wine regions on the East Coast. Whether you’re sipping by the vines in Hammonton, catching a sunset in Cape May, or discovering a hidden gem down a country road, every glass tells a story of passion, patience, and Jersey grit.

So grab your favorite people, plan your route, and make a day (or three) of it. And if you loved this guide β€” don’t keep it to yourself! Forward it to a friend, share it on social, and let’s keep supporting the small businesses and local vineyards that make our corner of New Jersey shine.

Cheers to fall weekends, full glasses, and South Jersey wine country. 🍷
β€” Tyler and SJW Crew

Keep an eye out. We are back this Thursday with our regular scheduled events issue.

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