it’s one of four local vineyards less than 20 minutes from the beach! Join in the grape harvest in the fall or stop by any time for tours and a taste of beach plum or blueberry wine. 221 North Delsea Drive, (mile post 12.9 Rt. 47 North), Cape May Court House. 609-465-0075 or
www.natalivineyards.com Willow Creek Winery, is surrounded by gardens where eight varietals are grown. Enjoy a wine tasting, a picnic in the vineyard or even wine making classes. Tour the gardens designed by professionals from the world famous Longwood Gardens. Another plus? Willow Creek is within walking or biking distance from almost anywhere in Cape May. 168 Stevens St., Cape May. 609- 425-9067
www.willowcreekwines.net
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Southwind Vineyard, is another of South Jersey’s newest vineyards that is specializing in making wines in the Bordeaux style. The vineyard also produces grapes for Merlot, Chardonnay and Viognier wines. Try the Bloody Hand Cabernet Sauvignon or the Blanc de Noir, a white wine made from red grapes. 385 Lebanon Road, Bridgeton 856-455-2039
www.southwindsvineyardllc.com Swansea Vineyard, Shiloh: Wines at Swansea Vineyards are handcrafted in small batches that ensure quality and flavor. One
of the area’s newest wineries, Swansea is already producing award-winning wines. The tasting room is open weekends or by appointment. Sample their Garden State peach and apple wines, or how about Black- berry Breeze? 860 Main St., Shiloh 856- 453-5778 or
www.swanseavineyards.com
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Plagido’s Winery, Hammonton: A family-owned business, Plagido’s uses estate-grown grapes
to create award-
winning wines. Visit the Tuscany-themed tasting room, open daily or by appointment for
special occasions. 570 N. First
Road, Hammonton 609-567-4633 or
www.plagidoswinery.com Dimatteo Vineyards, Hammonton: A family owned and operated winery. 779 11th St., Hammonton 609-567-3909 or
www.dimatteowinery.com Balic Winery, Mays Landing: After a sip of Alexander the Great, it’s apparent that Balic Winery is definitely producing American wines with a European accent, thanks to Savo Balic, a vine grower from the Adriatic Sea region and the founder of the winery. Made from Vranac (“black stallion” in Yugoslavian) grapes, the wine has been the top seller since it was introduced in 2002. 6623 Route 40, Mays Landing 609- 625-2166 or
www.balicwinery.com
What ’ s brewing? THERE IS NO HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION that Ben Franklin ever said “beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy,” although it does sound like something the portly old guy might have uttered while enjoying a pint or two in a Philadelphia tavern centuries ago. But if Ben visited Southern New Jersey today there’s no doubt he’d utter that phrase -–or something similar – as he raised a glass of Cape May Stout brewed right here along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Cape May Brewery, the county’s first microbrewery, has been in business less than two years and is
already providing three beers – Cape May Stout, Cape May Wheat and a Cape May IPA, all available at Cabana’s on the beach front in Cape May. The beers are made in small batches, according to the men who own the business, brew the beer and do whatever else needs to be done. The brewery is at 1288 Hornet Road at the Cape May County Airport off Breakwater Road. Check the website for tours, tastings and other information.
www.capemaybrewery.com
And speaking of Ben, in 1756 he organized the Pennsylvania Militia and used the original Tun Tavern In
Philadelphia as a gathering place to recruit a regiment of soldiers. Today, Atlantic City’s Tun Tavern continues the history of brewing great beers including Devil Dog Pale, Leather Neck Stout, named after the Marines, a Tun Light and several other choices. Tun Tavern has long been a fixture in Atlantic City and is across from the Convention Center.
www.tuntavern.com
Tuckahoe Brewing Company, a nanobrewery, opened this year with beers whose names reflect the
area – Marshallville Wit, Head of the River Amber Ale and a DC (for Dennis Creek) Pale Ale, the brewery’s flagship beer. The brewery expects their beers to be available at some local restaurants and to be open for tours this year with beers. Check
www.tuckahoebrewing.comfor the latest on what’s happening.
Turtle Stone Brewing Company on Elmer Road in Vineland expects to open in 2012 and will be capable
of a 15-barrel operation with plans to brew a Blond Ale that incorporates locally grown ingredients including honey, jasmine flowers and green tea providing a very floral craft beer experience. Turtle Stone owners also envision a craft brewed with local strawberries, vanilla beans and cocoa nibs and perhaps even seasonal sweet potato beer with spices and maple syrup for the fall.
www.turtlestonebrewery.com
For many beer drinkers, their favorite beer is any beer they haven’t tried yet... so belly up to the bar and order a Cape May IPA or a Leather Neck Stout.
58 S O U T H E R N N E W J E R S E Y V A C A T I O N E R
Bellview Winery, Landisville: Try the seasonal favorites – maybe the dandelion wine in the spring or the winter spice when there’s a chill in the air – along with selections from dry reds and whites to port and sparkling wines. The 2007 Cristallina, a version of ice wine, won the 2009 New Jersey Governor’s Cup for Best Dessert Wine. Nestled in the New Jersey Pinelands. Watch the wine-making, bring a picnic or attend one of the winery’s special events. 150 Atlantic Avenue, Landisville 856-697-7172 or
www.bellviewwinery.com Sylvin Farms, Galloway Township: These wines are available only at festivals or at the winery where several cabs, pinots, merlot and a sparkling blanc de noir are produced.
www.sylvinfarmswinery.com Tomasello Winery, Hammonton: In February 1933, when Frank Tomasello heard the federal government was repealing Prohibition, he jumped in his truck and drove through a snowstorm to Washington, D.C., to be one of the first in line for a winery license – Tomasello Winery’s license is number 68. The first wines that Frank made – Ranier Red, Ranier White and Ranier Rose (named after his wife’s maiden name) were a huge success and, in fact, are still being made today along with 35 varieties including Chardonnay, Cape May white, Cabernets, Merlot and brandy for red wine connoisseurs. Visit the elegant Vintners Room for outstanding cuisine and award-winning wines, opera galas and wine tastings. 225 White Horse Pike, Hammonton 1-800-MMM-WINE or
www.tomasellowinery.com Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City: Wine making has been part of New Jersey’s history since colonial times, even before Renault Winery,
the second-oldest continually
operating winery in the country, was established in the 1860s. The winery still has that old-world look with rows of grape vines twined around trellises, huge oak barrels, a display of antique glasses dating to medieval times and vintage wine-making equipment. Tours are available daily and wines can be purchased in the gift shop. 72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City 609-965- 2111 or
www.renaultwinery.com Something to ponder as you pop the
cork and pour a splash... last year New Jersey wineries sold nearly 400,000 gallons of wine... so kick back, wine down and enjoy our great Garden State vineyards and wines! ■
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