Cape May Wine Trail
Discover New Jersey's premier wine region. 10+ wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries await in the heart of Cape May County.
New Jersey's Wine Country
Cape May's maritime climate and sandy soil create ideal conditions for wine grapes. What started as a few pioneering vineyards has grown into a thriving wine region with over 10 wineries, several craft breweries, and distilleries - all within a 15-minute drive of beautiful Cape May beaches.
The Tasting Room Experience
Never been wine tasting? Here's what to expect at Cape May's wineries.
Arrival & Check-In
Most wineries have a tasting room separate from production areas. Check in at the bar or host stand. Many offer both indoor seating and outdoor patios.
The Tasting Flight
You'll typically receive 5-6 wines in 1-2 oz pours. The tasting guide walks you through each wine's characteristics. Feel free to ask questions—the staff loves educating visitors.
Tasting Technique
Look at the wine's color against white. Swirl gently to release aromas. Smell before sipping. Take a small sip and let it coat your palate. Spit buckets are provided if you're visiting multiple wineries.
Making Purchases
NJ wines aren't widely distributed, so buy bottles you enjoy at the source. Many wineries offer case discounts (10-20% off). Wine club members often get additional perks.
Tasting Room Etiquette
- ✓It's okay to not finish a pour—dump buckets are normal
- ✓Ask questions! Tasting room staff enjoy sharing knowledge
- ✓Don't wear heavy perfume—it interferes with wine aromas
- ✓Pace yourself if visiting multiple wineries
- ✓Tip $1-2 per person if service is exceptional (not required)
Cape May Wineries
Cape May Winery
Cape May · Est. 1992
Largest and most established. Beautiful grounds with events.
Known for:
Willow Creek Winery
West Cape May · Est. 2006
Farm setting with peacocks. Picnic-friendly.
Known for:
Hawk Haven Vineyard
Rio Grande · Est. 2009
Intimate family winery with award-winning wines.
Known for:
Natali Vineyards
Cape May Court House · Est. 2001
Award-winning Italian-style wines.
Known for:
Turdo Vineyards
Cape May · Est. 2009
Small-batch artisan wines in farmland setting.
Known for:
Jessie Creek Winery
Cape May Court House · Est. 2012
Boutique winery with creative blends.
Known for:
Sample Itineraries
Half-Day Tasting (3-4 hours)
Cape May Winery → Willow Creek Winery
Perfect afternoon. Two contrasting styles with time to enjoy each.
Tip: Start at Cape May Winery for lunch, end at Willow Creek for the farm experience.
Full Wine Day (5-6 hours)
Willow Creek → Hawk Haven → Natali Vineyards → Cape May Winery
Comprehensive tour hitting the highlights. Use a driver!
Tip: Pace yourself - share tastings if doing 4 wineries.
Wine & Beer Day
Cape May Winery → Cape May Brewing → Willow Creek
Best of both worlds for couples who like different things.
Tip: Brewery makes a great lunch stop between wineries.
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
Each season offers a different wine country experience. Here's what to expect throughout the year.
Spring (April-May)
Highlights: Budding vines • Outdoor patio season begins • Wine release events
Weather: Mild days (55-70°F), some rain
Crowds: Moderate - great time to visit
Events: Wine club release parties, Mother's Day brunches
Summer (June-August)
Highlights: Live music weekends • Food trucks • Outdoor seating • Longest hours
Weather: Warm to hot (75-90°F)
Crowds: Peak season - busiest weekends
Events: Sunset concerts, food & wine pairings, harvest prep
Fall (September-November)
Highlights: Harvest season! • Fall foliage • Grape picking events • New vintage releases
Weather: Ideal (55-75°F)
Crowds: Popular but manageable
Events: Harvest festivals, grape stomping, new release parties
Winter (December-March)
Highlights: Cozy tasting rooms • Fireplace seating • Off-peak pricing • Personal attention
Weather: Cold (30-50°F)
Crowds: Lightest - most intimate experience
Events: Valentine's dinners, wine & chocolate pairings, holiday events
Breweries & Distilleries
Not just wine! Cape May has a growing craft beverage scene perfect for mixing into your tasting day.
Cape May Brewing Company
Cape May Airport
Largest craft brewery in South Jersey. Taproom and tours.
Known for: IPA, seasonal releases, Honey Porter
Slack Tide Brewing
Clermont
Small-batch craft beers with shore-inspired names.
Known for: Rotating taps, local vibe
Bucket Brigade Brewery
Cape May Court House
Firehouse-themed brewery with outdoor seating.
Known for: Lagers, ales, family-friendly
Nauti Spirits Distillery
Cape May
Craft spirits including gin, vodka, and whiskey.
Known for: Small-batch spirits, cocktail tastings
Wine Trail Tips
Use a Designated Driver or Tour
Multiple tastings add up. Book a wine tour or designate a driver.
Start Early
Wineries open 11am-12pm. Start early to avoid afternoon crowds.
Eat Before or Between
Pace yourself with food. Some wineries have food; others allow picnics.
Join Wine Clubs
Members often get free tastings and discounts. Worth it if you visit often.
Check Event Calendars
Wineries host live music, food trucks, and special events, especially in summer.
Buy What You Like
NJ wines are hard to find in stores. Buy bottles of what you enjoy at the source.
Pair Your Wine Day with Great Food
Wine tasting works up an appetite. Here are the best options for combining food with your winery visits.
Willow Creek + Picnic
Self-CateredWillow Creek encourages picnics on their farm grounds. Pick up provisions from Cape May's Washington Street Mall (Seaside Cheese Co., Beach Plum Farm) and spread out under the trees.
Cape May Winery + On-Site Dining
On-SiteCape May Winery has food options including cheese boards, flatbreads, and seasonal specials. Stay for live music on summer weekends.
Winery Lunch + Beach Plum Farm
Farm-to-TableBeach Plum Farm Market in West Cape May offers prepared foods, fresh produce, and baked goods. Perfect for assembling a winery picnic basket.
Wine Trail + Lobster House
Post-Wine DinnerCap your wine day with fresh seafood at The Lobster House in Cape May Harbor. Their raw bar and fresh catches pair well with the wines you just tasted.
Make It a Wine Weekend
Stay in Cape May and make it a full wine country experience. Victorian B&Bs offer the perfect romantic pairing with wine tasting. Many accommodations can arrange wine tour transportation.
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