Guide to The Best
New Jersey Wine Festivals & Events:
2025 Edition

Whats Makes New Jersey Wineries and NJ Wine Festivals Special?

New Jersey wineries and wine festivals are special and unique for several reasons that stem from their history, climate, culture, and community:

• New Jersey offers a surprising diversity of soil types and microclimates across its wine regions (Outer Coastal Plain, Warren Hills, and others). This allows for a broad range of grape varietals to thrive—from European vinifera like Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay to hybrids and native varieties. The Outer Coastal Plain AVA, in particular, has conditions similar to parts of Bordeaux, France.
  
• Most New Jersey wineries are family-owned and operate on a small or mid-size scale, allowing for handcrafted, small-batch wines with a focus on quality over mass production. This creates a more intimate experience for visitors and often allows for unique experimental blends not commonly found elsewhere.
  
• Despite being lesser-known nationally, New Jersey wines have earned high scores in blind tastings and international competitions, occasionally outscoring wines from more established regions. This underdog status adds an element of surprise and pride to the local wine scene.
  
• New Jersey wine festivals are known for their community-oriented vibe. They often feature: Local food vendors and farm-to-table pairings, Live music and arts, emphasizing regional culture, Family-friendly activities, not just wine tasting.
  
• Direct interaction with winemakers, making it more personal than large, commercial wine expos.
  
• Being close to New York City and Philadelphia, NJ wineries offer an easy and appealing wine country getaway for urban residents without the need for cross-country travel to Napa or Finger Lakes.
  
• New Jersey has a deep history with winemaking, dating back to colonial times. Fot example, Renault Winery (established in 1864) is one of the oldest in the U.S. and still operates today, preserving old-world traditions.

2025 Multi-Date Wine Festivals, Wine Tasting Events, and Vineyard Tours

Hunterdon Wine Express
July 12 & 13, August 23 & 24, September 6 & 7, 2025
Boarding at the
Flemington train station
80 Stangl Rd,
Flemington, NJ
Your journey begins at the Flemington Train Station where a wine ambassador from Old York Cellars will greet you for a guided tour. Upon arriving at the Ringoes station, you'll board a shuttle to the winery for an unforgettable Wine, Charcuterie, Cheese, and Chocolate Pairing Experience, followed by a delightful lunch. A member of the winery team will lead you through a curated tasting of award-winning wines, perfectly paired with artisan meats, cheeses, and handcrafted chocolates from local chocolatier, The Fudge Shoppe. Afterward, savor a delicious winery lunch featuring a selection of expertly crafted dishes from our Chef. Before heading back, take some time to explore the scenic vineyard. Then, board the shuttle back to the Ringoes station, where your Hunterdon Wine Express experience concludes with a relaxing train ride back to Flemington.

Tours with the Winemakers
July 25th, August 15th, September 12th, 2025
Auburn Road Vineyards
117 Sharptown Road
Pilesgrove, NJ
Co-owner, Scott, guides you through the journey of how wine is made and grapes are grown at Auburn Road. On this intimate, relaxed and interactive tour, there is a little bit to learn, tons of questions to discuss, lots of stories to tell and, of course, plenty of wine to be tasted as we follow the path of the grape as it becomes wine winding through the Vineyard to the Production Room, then to the Barrel Room and finally into the Enoteca. Then enjoy a premium wine tasting and food pairing in Auburn Road's beautiful Garden House featuring artisan cheeses, olives and house-baked flatbread.
Tour takes approximately 2 hours leaving plenty of time after to stay for some pizza and maybe a little more wine. Tours are also available by appointment by contacting info@auburnroadvineyards.com at least one week before your visit at $55 per person.

Upcoming 2025 New Jersey Wine Festivals, Events, and Vineyard Tours

Cheers in Chester Beer, Wine, and Spirits Festival
Saturday, July 26, 2025; 3pm-7pm
Municipal Field
134 Main St.
Chester, NJ
Cost: General admission - $60 Includes 5 ounce sample cup, samples of beer & wine, great music and access to delicious food, vendors & merchandise. Ticket prices increase to $65 on July 13 and again on July 20 to $70. $75 at the door.
This festival features over 100 cratft brews, wine, & spirit samples with food and live music.

Italian Festival & Wine Tasting
Saturday, Sunday, July 26th, 27th, 2025
Monmouth Park Racetrack
Oceanport Avenue
Oceanport NJ
Cost: General parking is free and admission is just $6. Kids 12 and under are always free.
This event features mouth-watering Italian favorites from over a dozen of the area's top restaurants, delis, and food trucks. Pair your favorite dish with a sampling of great wines at our Italian wine tasting event, presented by Opici Wines & Spirits. Live music Saturday and Sunday. Free family fun day activities in the picnic area on Sunday. Kids 12 and under are always free.

Edison's Food, Wine & Beer Festival
Saturday, August 16, 2025; 4 PM - 10 PM
926 Amboy Avenue (under the Tent)
Edison, NJ
Cost: $5, Kids under 10 are Free
This annual family event features Wine & Craft Brewers including Edison's Cypress Brewery, face painting and activities for the kids, live entertainment, local vendors, artists, and more.

Wine Down Summer
August 23, 24, 2025: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Red Bank Battlefield Park
National Park, NJ
The event features wine sampling, live entertainment, and crafters.

Wine On The Beach Festival
Saturday, September 6th, 2025; @7pm
Grant Avenue Beach
Seaside Heights, NJ
Cost: Free admission
This annual event features more than a dozen wineries and numerous food venues. Guests will also be able to attend wine related seminars and presentations. Concerts on the Beach Stage precede the wine festival at 3pm with live music.

22nd Annual Winefest NJ 2025
September 20, 21, 2025: Noon - 5pm: Rain or shine
Valenzano Winery Festival Grounds
1318 Old Indian Mills Rd
Shamong, NJ
This event features 180+ locally produced wines from 14 of New Jersey's favorite wineries. The festival will be enhanced with food trucks, live entertainment, crafters, a beer garden. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, umbrella and your corkscrew.

Stafford Fall Harvest & Wine Festival
October 11, 12, 2025: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Heritage Park
Manahawkin, NJ
Cost: $20 Advance. $25 Gate Price (cash only). Admission includes wine glass, sampling & sales of New Jersey wines. Spectartors free.
Event features live music, crafters, food trucks, and of course, showcasing of NJ wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question
How many wineries are there in New Jersey?

Answer
New Jersey is home to over 50 wineries, spread across several wine trails in the state.

Question
Where are the main wine regions in New Jersey?

Answer
The state features two main American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): the Outer Coastal Plain AVA in the southern part of the state and the Warren Hills AVA in the northwestern region. Many wineries are also located in Central Jersey.

Question
What types of wine does New Jersey produce?

Answer
New Jersey wineries produce a variety of wines, including reds, whites, rosés, sparkling wines, and dessert wines. Popular grape varieties include Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

Question
What is the best time of year to visit New Jersey wineries?

Answer
The wineries are enjoyable year-round, but the fall harvest season offers beautiful vineyard views and special events. Spring and summer are also popular for outdoor seating and live music events.

Question
Are New Jersey wineries accessible for individuals with disabilities?

Answer
Most wineries make an effort to be accessible, but it’s a good idea to inquire about specific accommodations in advance.

Question
Are there non-alcoholic options available?

Answer
Some wineries provide non-alcoholic beverages like juice or sparkling water, especially during events.

Question
Can I book a private event at a winery?

Answer
Many wineries offer private event spaces for weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings. Contact the winery for details on availability and pricing.

Question
Are there guided wine tours in New Jersey?

Answer
Yes, guided tours are available, either through individual wineries or organized wine trails.

Question
Do New Jersey wineries have food options?

Answer
Some wineries have on-site kitchens or partner with food trucks, while others may allow you to bring your own picnic. Confirm the policy with the winery before your visit.

Question
Are New Jersey wineries focused on sustainable practices?

Answer
Many wineries in New Jersey emphasize sustainability, using eco-friendly farming practices and supporting local communities.

Question
Do wineries in New Jersey produce organic wines?

Answer
A few wineries may offer organic wines, but organic certification can vary. Contact individual wineries for specific details.

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