While Cape May County is known for its vibrant vintage houses, pristine beaches and novelty shops, it’s also an oasis for wine lovers. With a handful of vineyards with their own wine tasting tours, guests will find plenty of places to visit and indulge in their favorite drink. From tasting merlots fresh out of the barrel, to participating in wine parties, to enjoying sangria on the beach, here are some of the best wineries in Cape May, New Jersey.

With four vineyards, three tasting rooms, an upstairs deck and a charming patio, Cape May Winery is a great place to relax and savor a glass of wine. Guests are offered over 20 different wine types like Chardonnay and French Oak that have been aged for 16 months. After tasting several drinks, wine lovers can enjoy a tour and get a behind-the-scene look at winemaking. Cape May Winery’s tasting and tours are open year-round.

 

Enjoy a taste of American Kestrel or Red Tailed Rose at Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery. Like the name suggests -- the winery is also a haven for hawks that soar overhead in the area. Wine tasting, tours and special events with live music are hosted annually at Hawk Haven. Be sure to swing by on the weekend for Sangria Sundays or Saturdays on the Crushpad specials. Among the popular wines at Hawk Haven are European-style Quill and Talon, Petit Verdot and Albarino.

 

With an atmosphere to make anyone feel like they’re in Abruzzo, Italy, Jessie Creek Winery takes pride in its delicately hand harvested grapes and inexpensive wine tours. Oenophiles can taste the award-winning Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with partaking in grape picking and observing the processing of wine. The winery is also conveniently located next to a historic mid-1800s bed and breakfast inn, allowing guests to expand their stay if they wish.

 

Only 20 minutes from Cape May County’s beaches, Natali Vineyards is a popular place for special events and parties. With almost 40 wines available, guests can attend special wine tasting events and taste hints of blueberries or cherries from local gardens. It’s also advised for wine lovers to bring their own lunch to have a fun picnic in the scenic vineyard with their favorite drink.

 

Overlooking the ocean, Willow Creek Winery is a 50-acre vineyard that is blessed with the climate of Bordeaux. Guests can enjoy the 12,000 square foot tasting room for hours before embarking on a eco-tour. Occasional events with live music, picnics and wine classes are held at Willow Creek. Wine tours are available daily and visitors can enjoy their glass of Pinot Noir while admiring the stunning vineyard from their seats.

 

Visitors can sample some of the best Cape May County wines at local restaurants like 5 West Pub, Bella Vida Cafe, The Grange at Historic Cold Spring Village and Tisha’s Fine Dining. So book a reservation for lunch, order a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and test your taste buds if you can figure out which ingredients are used in Cape May’s finest wines.