New Jersey has a thriving wine industry, with dozens of wineries concentrated in the rolling hills of Hunterdon and Warren counties in the northwest, the Delaware River valley, and the Outer Coastal Plain in the south, down to Cape May. Some, like Renault Winery near Egg Harbor City, founded in the 1860s, rank among the oldest continuously operating wineries in the country. Many northern wineries are within about an hour to an hour and a half of Manhattan — perfect for a chauffeured tasting day.

Wine regions

Region Where Character
Warren Hills AVA Northwest NJ Cooler hills, crisp whites and reds
Central Delaware Valley AVA Along the Delaware River Shared with Pennsylvania
Outer Coastal Plain AVA South Jersey Sandy soils, maritime climate
Cape May Peninsula Southern tip Coastal vineyards near the beaches

A little history

New Jersey grew grapes in colonial times, and the state’s wine industry revived strongly from the 1980s onward. Today its wineries win national awards and host concerts, festivals and farm events.

Planning a winery day

  • Choose one region and visit three or four wineries.
  • Reserve tastings, especially for groups.
  • Ask about group and vehicle policies — some wineries restrict large groups or party vehicles.
  • Eat lunch at a winery that serves food or in a nearby town like Lambertville or Clinton.

Why a chauffeur

A chauffeur means no one has to skip the tastings. SUVs suit small groups; a Sprinter suits larger parties. Read Lambertville and New Hope, North Fork wine country and our hourly service.

Festivals and events

Many New Jersey wineries host weekend music, harvest festivals and holiday events from spring through fall. These can be crowded, so plan transportation and reservations in advance — and remember that parking at popular events can be limited.