Fall is finally here and it’s so beautiful in Cape May this time of year. Driving down the Garden State Parkway you can see the leaves starting to change from green to stunning crimson, orange, gold and even purple! The parkway offers some of the best views in the area…but be sure to keep your eyes on the road!
You can feel the difference in the air, signaling that it’s time for comfy sweaters and sweatshirts, pumpkins, spiced cider, and a visit to some of the local wineries, and breweries. Most of them have fire pits going, and live music as well! Let us help you explore these establishments…there are plenty to visit!
Willow Creek Winery – Located in West Cape May, Willow Creek is a Napa-style winery that it’s open daily for wine tasting, tours and private wine-paired events. They also offer light tapas menu daily. There are so events and special offers so be sure to follow them on Facebook or check their website for up-to-date info.
Turdo Vineyards and Winery – This family-owned and operated winery is New Jersey’s finest winery. It has won many honors and medals from national and international wine competitions, so we’re lucky to have this gem so close to Cape May. Also, their wines are known for not giving you a headache after you have had a glass to two!
Cape May Winery – Their vines encompass over four different vineyards, containing over 70 acres, from which their grow and harvest eleven grape varietals. The winery has 3 tasting rooms and they also do tours of the winery and you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the oldest vines in Cape May County. Their tasting menu is extensive, and you should definitely try the brie and blackberry appetizer!
Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery – The winery has fourteen acres of vines with sixteen different varietals. All of the grapes are harvested, pressed, fermented, aged, blended, and bottled on site. The tasting room is open daily, year-round and they also have tours. The guide will show you every step of the wine making process from the vineyard to the steel tanks and French oak barrels. The tour concludes with a selection of gourmet cheeses to enjoy on the vineyard view crush pad. $25 per person includes tour, wine tasting, cheese, and souvenir glass.
Jessie Creek Winery – They provide wines in small batched for a unique boutique experience. You can visit their active barrel room, featuring candlelit oak tasting bars and comfortable couches or you can sit outside on their porch to enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious cheese plate. They are pet-friendly too!
Natali Vineyards – The vineyard planted 14 different varieties of French, Italian and Spanish grapes and produce wines on 30 different labels, winning more than 80 medals in national wine competitions. Due to the high demand, they expanded their wine making craft to the productions of fruit wines and you can taste all of them in their tasting room.
Cold Spring Brewery – Located on the property of Historic Cold Spring Village, CSB is family and pet-friendly. Inspired by the recipes of the 1800’s all their beer products are made using the spring water from the Cold Spring aquifer. The actual brewery structure is an 1804 three bay English-style barn which was reconstructed board by board from 20 miles north and placed on the HCSV property. It’s really neat, so check it out!
Mudhen Brewery – Their mission is to create the finest quality craft beers while providing the most detailed attention to food and bar service that meets and exceeds the well-established reputation. And their food is DELICIOUS!
Cape May Brewing Company – All the beers are brewed on the premises with flavorful ales and lagers for their many happy visitors. They also have a tasting room and is one of the largest in the state. On sunny days you can enjoy a cold bear in their Beer Garden. You can shop at their “Brewtique” gift shop or take an interactive self-guided tour.
If you are looking for a week or perhaps a long romantic weekend getaway, the rental team at Homestead is here to help you find the perfect place. Give us a call at 609.884.1888 or you can check our inventory HERE. If you didn’t book your summer 2019 vacation yet, we have plenty of options for you!