Amazing Wineries and Vineyards to Visit in New Jersey This Summer
- Pinto Carpentry
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
One of the wonderful things about running a family-owned business in New Jersey is getting to see so many different regions of our great garden state. We may be the butt of many jokes to “out of towners”, but it’s clear that our state really doesn’t deserve the hate! From beautiful beaches and boardwalks to bustling farmer’s markets and wineries, there’s so much to see and do here in New Jersey. On today’s blog, we’re sharing some wonderful family-friendly vineyards to explore, just in time for Memorial Day weekend and the pending summer vacation break.
As an added bonus, many of these venues are family-friendly, and some even allow well-mannered dogs in tow, making it a great day out with the entire family – get a little fresh air and reduce that screentime, folks!
Come and fall in love with New Jersey as much as we have while traveling through each town and city installing handrails and stairs; we bet you’ll take as much pride in living and working here as we do, too. You don’t have to travel all the way to the West Coast to taste some of the finest wines available – let’s explore the amazing wineries and vineyards in New Jersey on National Chardonnay Day!
Tomasello Winery in Freehold and Hammonton - Located in Wemrock Orchards Country Store in Freehold, the Tomasello Winery Tasting Room is open Monday through Wednesday from 10AM to 5PM, Thursday through Saturday 10AM to 6PM, and on Sundays from 10AM to 5PM. At the Hammonton Vineyard Location, you can enjoy live music as part of the “Sips and Sounds” series on select Saturdays and Sundays, after taking a tour of the vineyards. Learn how the wines are made, explore expert charcuterie and cheese pairs, and a special tapas menu Friday through Sunday. Tasting room hours at the Hammonton Location are Monday through Thursday from 10AM to 5PM, Fridays from 10AM to 7PM, Saturdays 10AM To 7PM and Sundays 11AM to 6PM.
Cream Ridge Winery in Cream Ridge - This family owned and operated winery specialized in small batch, handcrafted wines on a sustainable 14-acre farm. It’s a dog-friendly venue, provided your dog is leashed and well mannered, but they’re not allowed in the indoor space unless they’re a working service dog. Families are welcome, including the kiddos, but guests under 21 will not be permitted in the tasting bar and kids must be supervised at all times. While there is no on-site kitchen the Winery does offer select pre-packaged goods such as meat & cheese, specialty dips and honeys, crackers and chips, and chocolates that you can pair with your wine flights. Picnicking is encouraged, with a BYO lawn chair and blankets policy, and pop-up tents are allowed for large groups! You’ll have an opportunity to walk through the vineyards and explore and take photos, as well as learn how the wine is made and the history of the venue.
Working Dog Winery in Hightstown - If you’re looking for a wonderful way to spend your weekend, this is the winery for you! Open on Thursdays from 2PM to 8PM, Fridays from 12PM to 8PM, Saturdays from 11AM to 8PM, and Sundays from 11AM to 7PM, with a BYO light bites and snacks policy. Families are welcome to bring kids on Saturdays and Sundays on the lawn area, and dogs are welcome on the lawn but must be leashed and well-mannered at all times. During the Spring and Summer especially, the venue offers a wide array of special events including Live Music, Food truck festivals, Paint and Sip events, Trivia Night, Wine Glass Paint classes, and more.
Fox Hollow Vineyards in Holmdel - This winery is open 7 days a week with extended hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can purchase wine by the glass and pair it with any of the gourmet appetizers, sandwiches, cheese boards, charcuterie and more. Tastings flights are available with your choice of 4 wines per flight, and can be categorized by White Wine, Rose Wine, Red Wine, Sweet Wines, and specialty seasonal pairings. May and June have a full schedule of live music on Fridays, Sayturdays, and Sundays, perfect for enjoying the fresh summer breeze while sipping some fine wines. Special events such as Trivia Nights are held on scheduled dates, currently Thursday June 12th, August 14th, and October 2nd. Happy Hour is available on Monday through Thursdays from 4:30-5:30. Enjoy a nice breezy afternoon on the vineyard grounds, or cozy up next to the fire pits for a quiet evening of relaxation and chocolate with wine pairings. This venue is restricted to 21+ only, so you’ll need to leave the kids with grandma for a parents date night instead.
Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes - Nestled in the scenic countryside of Hunterdon County, this property offers multiple vineyards with tasting rooms and snacks. The boutique Tasting Room offers flights Thursday through Monday from 12PM to 4PM, and you should expect to spend about 45 minutes to an hour on the experience. Picnicking is encouraged, but tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis; parties of less than 7 may enjoy the lawns at their leisure. Children are welcome at the picnic areas but must be accompanied at all times, and while they’re allowed in the Tasting Room they must be chaperoned. Dogs are allowed, but they must be quiet, well-behaved and always on leash – they’re not allowed in the tasting room. You’re welcome to BYO picnic to share with friends and family to make a day of it! This winery offers a plethora of fun events and live music including the Summer Kick Off event on June 15th from 12-5PM, a 4th of July celebration and cookout, a Lobster Bake, Oyster Fest, and much more!
Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington - Following in the tradition of Greek and Italian winemakers and carrying the family history from Europe, the Neri Family brings old-world authentic flavor to New Jersey. The winery is open Monday through Thursday from 11AM to 3PM, Friday and Saturday from 12PM to 9PM, and Sundays from 1PM to 6PM. Live Music and Wine events (purchased by the glass or by the bottle) are available on Fridays from 5:30-8:30, Saturday from 1-4 and 5:30 to 8:30, and Sundays from 2:30 to 5:30 with rotating local acts. Wine Tastings can be reserved for groups of 10-20 guests in advance of your visit, or you can purchase a flight of 4 wines for a sample, but flight options may not be available during peak hours. Private tours are available for groups of 10 or more. The winery offers a pizza and light fare menu along with options for non-alcoholic beverages as well. The venue is family friendly and dog friendly; dogs must be well-mannered and leashed at all times and be dog/people friendly, and children must be supervised at all times and may not wander the grape vines. Outdoor seating is available but guests are welcome to BYO picnic blankets and chairs if they wish. More wonderful New Jersey wineries to visit: