Cape May Wine Trail
Six wineries in New Jersey's premier wine region. Award-winning vineyards, live music, and well-kept grounds from Cape May to Rio Grande.
New Jersey Wine Country
The Cape May Wine Trail showcases six distinct wineries within minutes of each other, making it easy to experience the best of New Jersey wine country in a single day. The maritime climate—similar to Bordeaux—produces wines that regularly win regional and national competitions.
Whether you're a serious oenophile seeking award-winning Cabernet Francs or a casual sipper looking for a fun afternoon with friends, the trail offers something for everyone. Most wineries feature outdoor seating, live music (especially on weekends), and special events throughout the year.
Book a Cape May Wine Tour
Skip the driving—let someone else handle transportation while you enjoy the tastings.
The 6 Wineries
Cape May Winery & Vineyard
Cape May · Est. 1995
The flagship winery of the Cape May Wine Trail. Award-winning wines, vineyard views, live music on weekends, and special events throughout the year. Their barrel-fermented Chardonnay and Coastal Red are signature pours.
Must try: Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Coastal Red
Best for: First-timers, couples, wine enthusiasts
Hours: Daily 11am-6pm (extended summer hours)
Willow Creek Winery
West Cape May · Est. 2007
One of the most popular destinations on the trail with a large venue, beautiful grounds, and extensive events calendar. Known for 'Fire Pit Fridays' and regular food trucks. Diverse wine selection from dry reds to sweet dessert wines.
Must try: Estate Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin
Best for: Groups, events, bachelorette parties
Hours: Daily 11am-6pm (later for events)
Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
Rio Grande · Est. 2009
Award-winning estate winery with a serious winemaking approach. Premium small-batch wines from their own vineyards. The intimate tasting room and outdoor deck overlooking the vines provide a quieter, more refined experience.
Must try: Cabernet Franc Reserve, Viognier
Best for: Serious wine lovers, couples seeking quiet
Hours: Daily 11am-5pm (6pm weekends)
Natali Vineyards
Cape May Court House · Est. 2001
Italian winemaking traditions in Cape May County. Family-owned winery specializing in Italian varietals like Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Bocce courts and picnic areas add to the Old World charm.
Must try: Sangiovese, Montepulciano
Best for: Italian wine lovers, relaxed afternoon
Hours: Daily 11am-5pm (6pm weekends)
Turdo Vineyards & Winery
North Cape May · Est. 2008
Boutique family winery with personalized tastings and Italian-influenced small-batch wines. Intimate atmosphere with the chance to chat directly with the winemakers. Perfect for those seeking a quieter experience.
Must try: Estate blends
Best for: Couples, boutique wine lovers
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-5pm (6pm weekends)
Jesse Creek Winery
Cape May Court House · Est. 2012
Boutique operation offering personalized tasting experiences and small-batch wines. More intimate setting with focused attention from staff. A hidden gem on the wine trail.
Must try: Seasonal releases
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path seekers
Hours: Fri-Sun 11am-5pm
Suggested Itineraries
Half-Day Classic
4-5 hoursStart at Cape May Winery for the classic experience, move to Willow Creek for the scene, and finish at Hawk Haven for premium wines. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Wineries to visit:
Tips:
• Start by 12pm
• Have lunch before or after
• Designate a driver or book a tour
Best for: First-timers
Full-Day Explorer
7-8 hoursBegin with the boutique wineries for personalized attention, break for lunch in Cape May, then hit the larger wineries in the afternoon for live music and the scene.
Wineries to visit:
Tips:
• Start at 11am
• Plan lunch in Cape May or West Cape May
• Book a wine tour service
Best for: Wine enthusiasts
Romantic Escape
3-4 hoursFocus on the quieter, more intimate wineries. Hawk Haven's vineyard deck at sunset is the best spot on the trail for photos. Follow with bocce at Natali and dinner in Cape May.
Wineries to visit:
Tips:
• Time for sunset at Hawk Haven
• Reserve dinner in advance
• Consider a B&B with wine trail package
Best for: Couples
Cape May Wine Styles
The region's maritime climate produces distinctive wines. Here's what to look for:
Chardonnay
Cape May excels at barrel-fermented Chardonnay with buttery, oaky notes.
Try at: Cape May Winery, Hawk Haven
Cabernet Franc
The signature red grape of the region. Medium-bodied with berry and pepper notes.
Try at: Hawk Haven, Willow Creek
Chambourcin
French-American hybrid grape that thrives here. Deep color, smooth tannins.
Try at: Willow Creek, Cape May Winery
Italian Varietals
Sangiovese and Montepulciano with authentic Old World character.
Try at: Natali Vineyards, Turdo Vineyards
Sweet & Dessert
Fruit wines and late harvest styles for those who prefer sweeter options.
Try at: Willow Creek, Cape May Winery
Planning Your Visit
🚗 Getting There
- • Wineries are spread across 15 miles in Cape May County
- • Plan 10-20 minutes between stops
- • Parking is free at all wineries
- • Consider a wine tour service for the full experience
- • GPS addresses are reliable for all locations
📅 Best Times to Visit
- • Weekends: Live music, food trucks, more activity
- • Weekdays: Quieter, more personal attention
- • Fall: Harvest season, grape picking events
- • Summer: Outdoor concerts, extended hours
- • Winter: Cozy tastings, fewer crowds
💡 Pro Tips
- • Most wineries close by 5-6pm—start early
- • Check event calendars for concert/festival dates
- • Join mailing lists for wine club discounts
- • Bring a cooler for purchases (summer especially)
- • Many B&Bs offer wine trail packages
🍽️ Food & Dining
- • Most wineries have cheese/charcuterie boards
- • Willow Creek has food trucks on weekends
- • Plan lunch in Cape May or West Cape May
- • Many Cape May restaurants are BYOB—bring your purchases!
- • Beach Plum Farm (West Cape May) for farm-to-table lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cape May Wine Trail?
The Cape May Wine Trail is a collection of six wineries in Cape May County: Cape May Winery, Willow Creek Winery, Hawk Haven Vineyard, Natali Vineyards, Turdo Vineyards, and Jesse Creek Winery. Each offers tastings, many have live music and events, and together they showcase New Jersey wine country.
How much does wine tasting cost on the Cape May Wine Trail?
Wine tastings typically range from $12-28 per person depending on the winery and flight selected. Most offer standard flights (5-6 wines) for $12-18 and premium/reserve flights for $20-28. Some include a souvenir glass.
Are the Cape May wineries open year-round?
Yes, all six wineries on the Cape May Wine Trail are open year-round. Hours vary by season—summer hours are typically 11am-6pm daily, while winter hours may be shorter with some weekday closures. Check individual winery websites for current hours.
Can I visit all 6 wineries in one day?
You can visit 3-4 wineries comfortably in a full day, leaving time to enjoy each tasting and the grounds. If you want to visit all 6, plan for a leisurely two-day wine trail experience. Many visitors combine 2-3 wineries with lunch and dinner in Cape May.
Do the Cape May wineries have food?
Most wineries offer cheese and charcuterie boards, crackers, and light snacks. Willow Creek frequently has food trucks on weekends. For full meals, plan to dine in Cape May or West Cape May between tastings.
Are there wine tours available?
Yes! Several tour companies offer wine trail transportation, allowing you to visit multiple wineries without driving. This is recommended for groups. Some B&Bs also arrange wine trail packages with transportation included.
Get Wine Trail Updates
Festivals, new releases, and special events delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Plan Your Cape May Wine Trip
wine tours
★ 4.7+ rating • Free cancellation
Book Your Stay
Find hotels, vacation rentals, and B&Bs in Cape May
Check Cape May AvailabilityPowered by Booking.com
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more