South Jersey is known for its picture-perfect vineyards and for producing wines that now regularly rack up awards in international taste tests. What’s even more awesome is that even now, during the pandemic, most of your favorite wineries are open for business. So while the weather’s still mild, you can stroll through the fields, sit for tastings with friends and even do yoga (vinyasa of course) in the vineyards. Raise a glass to the wonderful ways to enjoy the South Jersey wine scene.
Do a tasting tour
You could spend days trying out wines in the many beautiful vineyards just minutes from your home. The Garden State Wine Growers Association makes it easy. The group’s new app uses GPS to get you there and its passport program offers awesome perks.
Covid restrictions: Wineries are following social distancing and sanitation processes, including limiting visitors to 8 per reservation. For details, visit newjerseywines.com.
Sip by the fire
Many wineries have bonfires or outdoor fireplaces where you can enjoy your wine by the warm glow beneath the star-lit sky. Grab your scarf and head to Willow Creek Winery in West Cape May for their next “Fire Pit Friday” on Nov. 13 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm.
Covid restrictions: Reservations are required. For details, visit willowcreekwinerycapemay.com.
Cross the finish line
Lace up your sneakers, do a little stretching and run a half marathon at 8:30 am on Nov. 15. When you’re done, uncork, recover and unwind with wine at the Blue Cork Winery in Williamstown. Sponsored by Run the Vineyards, the Cork High & Bottle Deep half marathon winds down with live music, food trucks and, of course, toasts to the participants. A portion of the proceeds benefits Bianca’s Kids.
Covid restrictions: Limited to 800 runners. For details, visit runsignup.com.
Chillin’ with live music
Once the weekend begins, get ready for some chill music at a number of wineries, like Auburn Road Vineyards, where you can see live music on their vineyard stage. At Tomasello Winery & Banquet Hall in Hammonton, enjoy a 4-course meal paired with award-winning wines and selected operatic arias sung by artists from the Academy of Vocal Arts on Dec. 6 & 13 from 2 to 6 pm. Tickets cost $79.95.
Covid restrictions: Limited space is available for all events. Visit the website of individual wineries for details.
Vinyasa on the vines
Bring a yoga mat and a bottle of water to Bellview Winery in Landisville and enjoy a memorable yoga experience in the vineyards followed by a relaxing savasana and a glass of wine. The 1-hour vinyasa flow begins at 11 am on Nov. 1. The program is beginner friendly and suitable for yogis of all levels. Tickets are $20 and include your glass of wine.
Covid restrictions: Reservations strongly encouraged. For details, visit bellviewwinery.com
Check out a new tasting room
In addition to visiting a local vineyard to sample South Jersey wines, you can also go to a special tasting room set up by some wineries off-site. One of the latest to open is William Heritage Winery’s Haddonfield Tasting Room. The storefront is a more intimate version of the winery’s estate tasting room in Mullica Hill.
Covid restrictions: Online reservations are required. All guests must be 21 or older. For details, visit heritagewinenj.com.
Add breweries to the mix
Can’t decide between the bottle or a barrel? Then split the difference by hitting the Wine & Ale Trail of South Jersey, the first in the state. The 13 wineries and breweries along the picturesque trail are within a 2-hour drive of each other within and around the Pinelands.
Covid restrictions: Breweries are operating with rules similar to those governing wineries. Social distancing is observed and capacity is limited to 25 percent occupancy indoors. For details, visit newjerseywines.com.
Kick off the jolly season with vino
During Thanksgiving weekend, many of your favorite wineries are giving away grapevine wreaths and decorative ornaments, and also offering great discounts on wine as part of the annual Holiday Wine Trail Weekend. Sponsored by the Garden State Wine Growers Association, the event takes place on Nov. 27-29. Among the participating wineries, Amalthea Cellars in Atco will be discounting award-winning wines. For more information, visit individual winery websites.
Please note: Events are subject to change based on state pandemic guidelines. Visit the vineyard websites for the most up-to-date information.
