New Jersey Wine Festivals and Events: 2024 Edition
New Jersey is well known for its tomatoes, white corn, peaches, and cranberries, but there is more.
With more than 50 wineries, New Jersey wines are fast becoming internationally recognized as premium wines.
The Garden State wine industry has received countless awards locally, nationally and internationally, and is now a significant part of the New Jersey agricultural sector.
Ideal grape varietals for New Jersey wineries are largely dictated by the weather and terrain that characterizes NJ wine country.
Classifications have been implemented by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) designating American Viticultural Areas (AVA) as a specified grape-growing area with distinct geographic features, and labeling requirements.
In order to use the designation of an AVA on the label at least 85% of the grapes must come from that region.
New Jersey has three federally designated American Viticultural Areas with operating wineries: The Outer Coastal Plains, Cape May Peninsula, and Warren Hills. However, a fourth AVA the Central Delaware Valley AVA (covering parts of Mercer and Hunterdon counties near the Delaware River exists with no NJ operating wineries).
The three New Jersey AVAs with operating wineries include:
- Outer Coastal Plain in the southern half of the state, includes all of Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic, and Ocean counties and portions of Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, and Monmouth counties. Characterized with sandy soil, extensive sunshine, relatively mild winters, and a relatively long growing season. Most of the NJ wineries are in this area and produce some of the best red wines in NJ.
- Cape May Peninsula is entirely contained within the larger Outer Coastal Plain AVA but is distinguished from it primarily by a more moderate temperature, providing for a longer growing season.
- Warren Hills area in Warren County. Being further north and in a higher elevation, it has a colder climate and shorter growing season. White wines do better here than in the two other areas.
While there are more than 40 varieties of wine growing in New Jersey, the top ten NJ wines produced are:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Syrah, and Concord
Note: Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.
Multi-Date Wine Festivals, Wine Tasting
Events, and Vineyard Tours
Hunterdon Wine ExpressApril 13th, May 18th, June 8th & 9th, July 13th & 14th July 27th, 28th, August 17th & 18th August 24th & 25th , and September 14th, 2024; 11:15 AM to 3:40 PM (rain or shine)
Boarding at the
Flemington train station
33-99 Stangl Rd
Flemington, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: $99 per person
This continuing event features a round trip excursion on the historic Black River & Western Railroad from Flemington, NJ to Old York Cellars Winery in Ringoes, NJ, to enjoy a wine tasting and lunch with the picturesque vineyard views.
Upcoming Wine Festivals, Wine Tasting Events,
and Vineyard Tours
Riverview Beach Park Wine FestivalMay 18, 19, 2024; 12:00pm - 5:00pm
9 N Broadway
Pennsville, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This event features award winning wines, fabulous food trucks, live music & artisan crafters.
Pour into Summer Wine Festival
June 8, 9, 2024: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
ShoreTown Ballpark
2 Stadium Way
Lakewood, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Advanced Tickets: $20 includes souvenir wine glass & sample/sales of NJ wines Gate
Price: $25 includes souvenir wine glass & sample/sales of NJ wine. Spectators & those Under 21: Free
This event features a sampling of wines from vineyards across the state, with tasty food, live music and artisan crafters.
Blues, Wine & BBQ
June 22, 23, 2024: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Gloucester County 4H Fairgrounds
725 Bridgeton Pike
Mulllica Hill, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Samplers $20 Advance | $25 at the Gate (cash only) Full price Admission includes wrist band, souvenir wine glass, sampling & sales of many New Jersey wines
Non-Samplers $5 at the Gate (cash only), Under 21 Free
This event features a feast of one of top rated BBQ, paired with some of the best New Jersey wines, and blues music. Also, a variety of local artisan crafters displaying their works.
Italian Festival & Wine Tasting
Saturday, Sunday, July 27th, 28th, 2024
Monmouth Park Racetrack
Oceanport Avenue
Oceanport NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: admission is $6. Kids 12 and under are free. General parking is free
This event features Italian wine tasting with participation by some of the area's top restaurants, delis, and food trucks, Attendees will get to enjoy live music both days, plus free family fun day activities in the picnic area on Sunday. The event begins with Food trucks at 11am, followed by live racing at 12:50pm.
WineFest 2024
September 21 & 22, 2024
Valenzano Winery Festival Grounds
1318 Old Indian Mills Rd
Shamong, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This event features 175 locally produced wines from local wineries showcasin their new vintages.
They will also feature food trucks, a craft bazaar with over 50 local crafters and artists, and entertainment and live music on two 2 stages.
Grand Harvest Wine Festival
October 12, 13, 2024: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
73 Kahdena Rd
Morristown, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: $5 (cash only at the gate)
This fall event features a wine festival in a picturesque setting. Attendees will get to enjoy food trucks, artisan crafters, entertaining live music, and wines from over 12 New Jersey Wineries for you to sample and purchase.
