Best Wineries and Vineyards to Visit This Summer in New Jersey

One of the many latest and greatest things to do in the summer is to visit wineries. It can be romantic, informative, relaxing and for those of us who love to sample, there couldn't be a better place to enjoy a summers day. I am going to share with you some the best wineries and vineyards to visit in the east coast region. I very well know that California has been synonymous with wine for many years, but the east coast is making its' way into the old art of wine making.

The first winery on our wine trail is the Silver Decoy, located in Mercer County New Jersey. The winery is open to the public on Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. If you are planning for a tour then be sure to call in advance for tour times. The wines from this vineyard have won medals in the yearly NJ Wine Competitions. One of my favorite is the Raspberry Desert wine which has placed three years in a row. Visit www.silverdecoywinery.com for details.

The next stop on our summer wine trail is the Alba Vineyard located in Milford, New Jersey. The winery is open Sunday to Friday from 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm. It is absolutely gorgeous. A historical barn has been converted into a gallery and wine tasting room. The vineyard host wonderful vents throughout the summer and fall months. For details on events at the vineyard visit www.albavineyard.com. The setting is available for corporate or personal gatherings and it is a sensational place for a wedding. As for the wines, this winery is a true reflection of the potential for all east coast wineries. From delicate to bold and robust they have won many awards and medals for great affordable wine.

Our next stop brings us to the Cream Ridge Winery located in Cream Ridge, New Jersey. The winery is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm and Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. They have a nice assortment of White, Red, Blush and Fruit wines. In fact the fruit wine selection is rather complex for a local winery. Special events are hosted at the winery and details can be found at the website. Local outlets carry the wine for sale and some local restaurant outlets have the wine for sampling as well. For details visit www.creamridgewinery.com.

Our second to last stop is the Four Sisters Winery located in Belvedire, New Jersey. The winery is open on weekends and the spring and summer hours should be posted on the website shortly. The winery has a bakery café, wine cellar, gift shop and bed and breakfast. The location is so pleasant and rather reminiscent of California terrain with beautiful valleys and rolling hills. This yields some of the nicest grapes for wine making. A unique event hosted at the winery is a Barefoot Grape Stomping event. For details and directions visit www.foursisterswinery.com.

Last but not least on our wine trail is the Tomasello Winery located in Hammonton, New Jersey. The winery is open Monday to Wednesday 9 am to 6 pm and Thursday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm and Sunday 11 am to 6pm. This third generation winery certainly has the experience of making great local wines. Ice and fruit wines make this winery extremely special. The winery is available for special events. Details and directions may be found at www.tomasellowinery.com.

That concludes our tour of the best wineries and vineyards to visit this summer. I hope you take some time out this summer to enjoy the unique opportunity of visiting a winery. All states in this country do not share the opportunity and it is certainly something to experience.