Jersey Shore Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
From nationally acclaimed craft breweries to scenic wine trails. Your complete guide to craft beverages from Sandy Hook to Cape May.
AC Beer & Music Festival
One of the East Coast's premier craft beer events. 100+ breweries, live music, unlimited sampling. 18,000 attendees. The ultimate celebration of craft beer at the Jersey Shore.
Find by Type
Breweries
Craft breweries with tasting rooms, tours, and local IPAs.
24 locations
Wineries
Vineyards and wine tasting rooms, many along the Cape May Wine Trail.
11 locations
Distilleries
Craft spirits, rum, whiskey, and gin with tastings and tours.
5 locations
Featured Venues
Kane Brewing
Asbury Park
Kane Brewing is one of the most respected craft breweries in the country. Their Head High IPA has achieved cult status among beer enthusiasts, and their rotating releases sell out quickly. The taproom is a destination for serious craft beer lovers.
Must Try
- ✓Nationally acclaimed craft brewery
- ✓Head High IPA is legendary
- ✓Limited releases sell out fast
Tip: Check their release schedule online. Limited cans sell out within hours.
Cape May Brewing Company
Cape May City
Cape May Brewing Company is the premier craft brewery at the Jersey Shore. Located at the Cape May Airport, the expansive facility features a huge tasting room, outdoor beer garden, and regular live music events. Their IPAs and seasonal releases are local favorites.
Must Try
- ✓Largest Shore brewery
- ✓Regular live music
- ✓Award-winning IPAs
- ✓Dog-friendly garden
Tip: Friday evenings feature live music in the beer garden during summer.
Cape May Winery
Cape May City
Cape May Winery is the flagship of the Cape May Wine Trail. The oceanview tasting room, summer concert series, and award-winning wines make it a must-visit destination.
Must Try
- ✓Largest Cape May winery
- ✓Summer concert series
- ✓Ocean views
- ✓Vineyard tours
Tip: Book tastings on weekends. Summer concert series is excellent.
Carton Brewing
Atlantic Highlands
Carton Brewing is known for pushing boundaries with creative styles while also nailing classic recipes. Their Boat Beer session ale is perfect for a day on the water. The Atlantic Highlands location offers great views and a chill vibe.
Must Try
- ✓Boat Beer is a Shore classic
- ✓Creative brewing styles
- ✓Near Sandy Hook Bay
Tip: Great stop before or after Sandy Hook. Grab some cans for the beach.
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall
Atlantic City
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall is craft beer paradise with 100+ rotating taps featuring local and national craft brews. The huge outdoor beer garden is an Orange Loop anchor.
- ✓100+ craft beer taps
- ✓Huge beer garden
- ✓Dog-friendly patio
- ✓Orange Loop anchor
Tip: Sunday sessions in the beer garden are an AC institution.
Willow Creek Winery
Cape May City
Willow Creek Winery offers a more intimate tasting experience with their famous "Fire Pit Fridays" and farm-to-table approach. Beautiful grounds for relaxing afternoons.
Must Try
- ✓Fire Pit Fridays are famous
- ✓Farm-to-table approach
- ✓Beautiful grounds
Tip: Don't miss Fire Pit Friday - book ahead in summer.
Breweries by County
🍺 Monmouth County(9 breweries)
Home to nationally recognized Kane Brewing and Carton Brewing, plus the vibrant Asbury Park craft beer scene.
Kane Brewing
Brewery • Asbury Park
Kane Brewing is one of the most respected craft breweries in the country. Their Head High IPA has achieved cult status among beer enthusiasts, and their rotating releases sell out quickly. The taproom is a destination for serious craft beer lovers.
Signature Products
- ✓Nationally acclaimed craft brewery
- ✓Head High IPA is legendary
- ✓Limited releases sell out fast
Best For
Tip: Check their release schedule online. Limited cans sell out within hours.
Carton Brewing
Brewery • Atlantic Highlands
Carton Brewing is known for pushing boundaries with creative styles while also nailing classic recipes. Their Boat Beer session ale is perfect for a day on the water. The Atlantic Highlands location offers great views and a chill vibe.
Signature Products
- ✓Boat Beer is a Shore classic
- ✓Creative brewing styles
- ✓Near Sandy Hook Bay
Best For
Tip: Great stop before or after Sandy Hook. Grab some cans for the beach.
Dark City Brewing
Brewery • Asbury Park
Dark City Brewing is part of the Asbury Park renaissance, combining craft beer with live music and local art. The downtown location makes it perfect for bar-hopping, and they often host events and concerts.
Signature Products
- ✓Part of Asbury Park revival
- ✓Live music venue
- ✓Great for groups
Best For
Tip: Check their event calendar for live music nights.
Beach Haus Brewery
Brewery • Belmar
Beach Haus Brewery focuses on German-style lagers and traditional brewing methods. The family-friendly biergarten is a chill alternative to Belmar's party scene. Food trucks on weekends.
Signature Products
- ✓German-style brewing
- ✓All-ages biergarten
- ✓Year-round operation
Best For
Tip: Great afternoon option before the Bar A/D'Jais crowd arrives.
Asbury Park Brewery
Brewery • Asbury Park
Asbury Park Brewery offers a beachy, relaxed atmosphere just blocks from the boardwalk. Great for post-beach beers with their approachable lineup of ales and lagers.
- ✓Walking distance from beach
- ✓Dog-friendly outdoor space
- ✓Relaxed vibe
Best For
Source Brewing
Brewery • Colts Neck
Source Brewing is a farm brewery set on beautiful grounds in Colts Neck. They host events throughout the year and offer a peaceful escape from the beach crowds.
- ✓Beautiful farm setting
- ✓Event space
- ✓Peaceful atmosphere
Best For
Bradley Brew Project
Brewery • Bradley Beach
Bradley Brew Project is a community-focused brewery featuring rotating local artists and creative beer styles. The cozy space is perfect for casual hangs.
- ✓Local artist features
- ✓Community vibe
Best For
Jughandle Brewing
Brewery • Tinton Falls
Jughandle Brewing celebrates New Jersey with themed beers and a fun taproom. Their names pay homage to Garden State quirks.
Signature Products
- ✓NJ-themed beers
- ✓Fun names
Best For
Belmar Brewing
Brewery • Belmar
Belmar Brewing Company focuses on reviving pre-Prohibition style recipes with a modern twist. The taproom is a chill alternative to the party bars on the other side of town.
- ✓Pre-Prohibition recipes
- ✓Beach town setting
Best For
🍺 Ocean County(4 breweries)
Award-winning Icarus Brewing and LBI's only brewery make Ocean County a craft beer destination.
Icarus Brewing
Brewery • Lakewood
Icarus Brewing has earned national recognition for their hazy IPAs and creative styles. Their limited releases develop cult followings, and the taproom is worth the drive from the beach.
Signature Products
- ✓Award-winning hazy IPAs
- ✓Cult following
- ✓Limited releases sell fast
Best For
Tip: Follow them on social media for can release announcements.
Ship Bottom Brewery
Brewery • Beach Haven
Ship Bottom Brewery is Long Beach Island's only craft brewery. A must-stop for beer lovers staying on the island.
- ✓Only brewery on LBI
- ✓Beach town vibe
Best For
Tip: Only craft brewery on the island - don't miss it if you're on LBI.
Backward Flag Brewing
Brewery • Lacey Township
Backward Flag Brewing is a veteran-owned brewery celebrating military service with patriotic themes. A portion of proceeds supports veteran causes.
- ✓Veteran-owned
- ✓Supports veteran causes
Best For
Spellbound Brewing
Brewery • Mount Holly
Spellbound Brewing produces award-winning beers available throughout NJ. Worth visiting the source if you're in the area.
- ✓Award-winning
- ✓Available throughout NJ
Best For
🍺 Atlantic County(5 breweries)
Atlantic City's Orange Loop anchors a growing craft beer scene with Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall's 100+ taps.
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall
Brewery • Atlantic City
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall is craft beer paradise with 100+ rotating taps featuring local and national craft brews. The huge outdoor beer garden is an Orange Loop anchor.
- ✓100+ craft beer taps
- ✓Huge beer garden
- ✓Dog-friendly patio
- ✓Orange Loop anchor
Best For
Tip: Sunday sessions in the beer garden are an AC institution.
Tuckahoe Brewing Company
Brewery • Egg Harbor Township
Tuckahoe Brewing offers a large taproom with excellent wood-fired pizzas made on-site. A great stop on the way to or from the shore.
Signature Products
- ✓On-site wood-fired pizza
- ✓Large indoor space
- ✓Event friendly
Best For
Tip: The wood-fired pizza is legit. Great combo with their IPAs.
Little Water Brewing
Brewery • Atlantic City
Little Water Brewing is Atlantic City's first and only production craft brewery. Located near the Orange Loop, it's a great addition to an AC bar crawl.
Signature Products
- ✓AC's first craft brewery
- ✓Near Orange Loop bars
Best For
Tip: Combine with Orange Loop bar crawl - it's right there.
Somers Point Brewing Company
Brewery • Somers Point
Somers Point Brewing offers beautiful bay views from their outdoor deck. A scenic spot for sunset beers.
- ✓Bay views
- ✓Great sunset spot
Best For
Hidden Sands Brewing
Brewery • Egg Harbor City
Hidden Sands Brewing brings beach vibes inland with their themed taproom and rotating selection of craft beers.
- ✓Beach vibe inland
- ✓Rotating selection
Best For
🍺 Cape May County(6 breweries)
Cape May Brewing Company leads a vibrant scene of farm breweries and beach town taprooms.
Cape May Brewing Company
Brewery • Cape May City
Cape May Brewing Company is the premier craft brewery at the Jersey Shore. Located at the Cape May Airport, the expansive facility features a huge tasting room, outdoor beer garden, and regular live music events. Their IPAs and seasonal releases are local favorites.
Signature Products
- ✓Largest Shore brewery
- ✓Regular live music
- ✓Award-winning IPAs
- ✓Dog-friendly garden
Best For
Tip: Friday evenings feature live music in the beer garden during summer.
Slack Tide Brewing
Brewery • Cape May City
Slack Tide Brewing is a farm brewery offering a more relaxed alternative to the bigger operations. Great outdoor space with food trucks most weekends.
- ✓Farm setting
- ✓Chill atmosphere
- ✓Food trucks
Best For
Mudhen Brewing Company
Brewery • Wildwood
Mudhen Brewing brings craft beer to Wildwood with a location near the boardwalk action. Beach vibes and approachable brews.
- ✓Near Wildwood boardwalk
- ✓Beach atmosphere
Best For
Bucket Brigade Brewery
Brewery • Cape May Court House
Bucket Brigade Brewery brings a firefighter theme to craft beer, with a strong community focus. Named for the bucket brigades of early firefighting.
- ✓Firefighter theme
- ✓Community focused
Best For
Cold Spring Brewery
Brewery • Cape May City
Cold Spring Brewery is located in the historic Cold Spring Village, offering craft beer in a unique historical setting.
- ✓Historic Cold Spring Village location
Best For
Triple B Farms Brewery
Brewery • Woodbine
Triple B Farms Brewery offers a farm brewery experience in Cape May County. Family-friendly with lots of outdoor space.
- ✓Farm setting
- ✓Family-friendly
Best For
The Cape May Wine Trail
Six wineries within a short drive of Cape May proper make up the Cape May Wine Trail. The region's sandy soil and coastal microclimate create excellent conditions for growing grapes. Pick up a passport at any participating winery for discounts and stamps at each stop.
Cape May Winery
Winery • Cape May City
Largest Cape May winery with ocean views and summer concerts.
Willow Creek Winery
Winery • Cape May City
"Fire Pit Fridays" and farm-to-table experience.
Hawk Haven Vineyard
Winery • Cape May City
Award-winning sustainable winery with unique varietals.
Natali Vineyards
Winery • Cape May Court House
Italian varietals and bocce courts.
Turdo Vineyards
Winery • Cape May City
Family-owned with intimate tastings.
Jesse Creek Winery
Winery • Cape May Court House
Boutique winery with personalized service.
Other Wineries
Beyond the Cape May Wine Trail, historic wineries and event venues offer unique tasting experiences across the Shore region.
Renault Winery
Winery • Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery is New Jersey's oldest winery, operating since 1864. The property includes a hotel, golf course, and multiple dining options. A full resort experience.
Signature Products
- ✓Operating since 1864
- ✓Full resort property
- ✓Golf course
- ✓Historic tours
Best For
Tip: Book a tour to learn about NJ wine history. Stay overnight for the full experience.
Laurita Winery
Winery • New Egypt
Laurita Winery sits on a 50-acre estate and hosts major concerts and events throughout the season. One of the most popular event venues in the area.
- ✓50-acre estate
- ✓Major concert venue
- ✓Large event space
Best For
Tip: Check their event calendar - they host major concerts all summer.
Tomasello Winery
Winery • Hammonton
Tomasello Winery has been family-owned for five generations and is the largest winery in New Jersey. Known for their fruit wines and wide distribution.
Signature Products
- ✓Five generations family-owned
- ✓Largest NJ winery
- ✓Excellent fruit wines
Best For
Plagido's Winery
Winery • Hammonton
Plagido's Winery is a family-owned operation in Hammonton's wine country. Regular events and live music throughout the season.
- ✓Family-owned
- ✓Regular events
Best For
Cream Ridge Winery
Winery • Cream Ridge
Cream Ridge Winery is the oldest winery in Central New Jersey, offering tastings in a historic setting.
- ✓Oldest in Central NJ
- ✓Historic property
Best For
Distilleries
The craft spirits movement has arrived at the Shore. From award-winning gin to small-batch bourbon, these distilleries offer tastings and tours.
Cape May Distillery
Distillery • Cape May City
Cape May Distillery produces small-batch spirits using local botanicals. Their gin has won multiple awards, and the tasting room offers flights and cocktails.
Signature Products
- ✓Award-winning gin
- ✓Local botanicals
- ✓Tasting flights
Best For
Tip: Try a flight to sample across their range.
Nauti Spirits
Distillery • Cape May City
Nauti Spirits specializes in rum and vodka with a fun, nautical vibe. Their Thursday open mic nights are a local favorite.
Signature Products
- ✓Rum specialists
- ✓Thursday open mic
- ✓Fun nautical vibe
Best For
Tip: Thursday open mic nights are a blast.
Little Water Distillery
Distillery • Atlantic City
Little Water Distillery brings craft spirits to Atlantic City with a full cocktail bar showcasing their products.
- ✓AC's craft distillery
- ✓Full cocktail bar
Best For
Jersey Spirits Distilling
Distillery • Fairfield
Jersey Spirits Distilling focuses on American whiskey styles, producing bourbon and rye in small batches.
Signature Products
- ✓Whiskey specialists
- ✓Small-batch production
Best For
Beach Whiskey
Distillery • Somers Point
Beach Whiskey produces flavored whiskeys with a shore-inspired twist. Perfect for beach cocktails.
Signature Products
- ✓Flavored whiskeys
- ✓Beach-themed
Best For
Craft Beverages by Region
Northern Shore
Sandy Hook to Point Pleasant
Craft beer powerhouses with Kane and Carton leading the way.
- • Kane Brewing (Ocean Township)
- • Carton Brewing (Atlantic Highlands)
- • Dark City Brewing (Asbury Park)
Kane and Carton are nationally recognized craft breweries.
Central Shore
Seaside Heights to LBI
Beach town breweries perfect for post-surf pints.
- • Beach Haus Brewery (Belmar)
- • Icarus Brewing (Lakewood)
- • Ship Bottom Brewery (LBI)
Icarus regularly wins national awards for their hazy IPAs.
Southern Shore
Atlantic City to Sea Isle City
Growing scene with Atlantic City anchoring the craft beer culture.
- • Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall (Atlantic City)
- • Tuckahoe Brewing (Egg Harbor Township)
- • Renault Winery (Egg Harbor City)
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall has 100+ rotating taps.
Cape May Region
Cape May to Wildwood
The heart of Shore craft beverages with wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
- • Cape May Brewing Company
- • Cape May Winery
- • Cape May Distillery
The Cape May Wine Trail features 6 wineries within a short drive.
Planning Tips
Designated Driver
Many wineries and breweries are spread out - plan your transportation or book a tour.
Wine Trail Passport
The Cape May Wine Trail offers a passport program with discounts at participating wineries.
Dog-Friendly Spots
Many breweries welcome leashed dogs in outdoor areas. Check before you go.
Food Options
Some venues allow outside food or have food trucks. Wineries often have cheese plates.
Growler Fills
Bring your own growler for fills at most breweries. Great way to bring the Shore home.
Book Tours Ahead
Distillery and winery tours often require reservations, especially on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best breweries at the Jersey Shore?
Top breweries include Kane Brewing and Carton Brewing in Monmouth County (both nationally acclaimed), Cape May Brewing Company in Cape May County, Icarus Brewing in Ocean County, and Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar. Each offers unique styles and experiences.
What is the Cape May Wine Trail?
The Cape May Wine Trail is a collection of six wineries in and around Cape May County: Cape May Winery, Willow Creek Winery, Hawk Haven Vineyard, Natali Vineyards, Turdo Vineyards, and Jesse Creek Winery. They offer a passport program for discounts at each stop.
Are Jersey Shore wineries good?
Yes! Cape May County has become a legitimate wine region with a climate similar to parts of France. The sandy soil and coastal breezes create excellent conditions for growing grapes. Award-winning wines come from several local vineyards, particularly Hawk Haven and Willow Creek.
Can I bring my dog to Jersey Shore breweries?
Many breweries allow dogs in outdoor areas. Cape May Brewing Company, Beach Haus Brewery, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, and Ship Bottom Brewery are all dog-friendly. Always check the specific venue before bringing your pet.