Wine Tastings & Tours at Cape May Winery, NJ - Philadelphia

Wine Tastings & Tours at Cape May Winery, NJ

Philadelphiaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated activities

Overview

Cape May Winery & Vineyard delivers a year-round schedule of wine tastings, tours, and seasonal events along New Jersey’s southern coast. Discover a coastal vineyard experience that pairs estate-grown wines with lively summer grill nights and educational tours.

Details

Cape May Winery & Vineyard offers an authentic vineyard experience on New Jersey’s southern shore, just steps from the Atlantic breeze and historic Cape May town center. Operating year-round, this destination provides a diverse calendar of wine-related experiences that engage both casual visitors and seasoned oenophiles. The vineyard’s reputation rests on its estate-grown grapes, processed and transformed into a well-rounded portfolio of wines, spanning reds, whites, ports, and vermouths, crafted with care and regional character.

From April to October, visitors can join the Sunday through Thursday Educational Wine Tastings paired with table reservations, ideal for savoring detailed narratives behind each varietal. These sessions highlight the agricultural roots of the vineyards while offering a chance to sample wines alongside tapas-inspired small plates—a pairing praised for enhancing the tasting experience. Fridays usher in lively Summer Grill Nights, opening the patio for warm-weather dining paired with live music and vibrant crowds.

Saturdays cater to larger groups from spring through fall, with dedicated tables and specialized tasting sessions. The colder months from November through March maintain group-friendly seating, ensuring the winery stays a social hub regardless of season. A standout feature is the Cape May Winemaker Tour, which invites visitors behind the scenes for a walk through the winemaking process, from vine to bottle, combining education with sensory delight.

The setting recalls a Napa Valley vibe but with New Jersey’s unique coastal climate, influencing grape characteristics and wine notes. With dog-friendly designated areas and a welcoming atmosphere, Cape May Winery & Vineyard has steadily earned local and visitor acclaim. It’s more than just wine; it’s a gathering space blending outdoor enjoyment with artisan craft—making it a must-visit in the region's growing outdoor lifestyle and agritourism scene.

Adventure Tips

Reserve Tables in Advance

Weekends and summer grill nights fill quickly — book ahead to secure your preferred seating.

Ask About Dog-Friendly Areas

Dogs are welcome in designated outdoor sections; check with staff upon arrival for seating options.

Try the Port and Vermouth Sampler

Unique to Cape May Winery, sampling these fortified wines offers new flavors beyond traditional varietals.

Plan for Weather

Outdoor seating is common — bring layers or sun protection depending on the season for comfort.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Port and vermouth sampler unique to this winery
  • Vineyard paths offering close-up views of the grapevines and surrounding foliage

Wildlife

  • Local songbirds frequent the vineyard grounds
  • Occasional deer sightings in the adjacent forested areas

History

Cape May Winery is part of the region’s growing tradition of coastal vineyards, blending New Jersey’s agricultural heritage with modern winemaking that flourished in recent decades.

Conservation

The vineyard practices sustainable farming to preserve soil health and minimize environmental impact in this delicate coastal ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour before sunset
Early morning light
Overcast days for even lighting

Best Viewpoints

  • Patio overlooking the vineyard rows
  • Inside tasting room near large windows
  • Walking paths adjacent to grapevines

What to Photograph

Rows of grapevines
Wine glasses with sunset light
Live music events on summer grill nights

Recommended Gear

Sun Hat

Essential

Protection during outdoor summer grill nights and patio tastings.

summer specific

Light Jacket

Essential

Keeps you comfortable during cooler evenings and variable weather.

spring|fall|winter specific

Comfortable Footwear

Essential

For walking around vineyard grounds and winery tours.

Water Bottle

Stay hydrated especially if sampling alcohol and spending time outdoors.

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