Your Guide to NJ Vineyards and Which Bottles to Enjoy at Philly BYOBs 

Turns out, one of the most exciting wine regions isn’t halfway across the world (or even the country) it’s just across the bridge.  

In the last 10 years, New Jersey vineyards have nearly doubled. With more than 60 vineyards across the Garden State, several of which are award-winning, it’s fair to say New Jersey is having a moment. 

“The NJ wine community is filled with great people,” says Dustin Tarpine, owner of Cedar Rose Vineyards, chair of Garden State Wine Growers Association. Plus, notes Tarpine, “wineries tend to be located in the more rural and scenic areas of the state. bringing customers to new locations where they may never have ventured otherwise.” 

And fall feels like the ideal season to go. Cooler temps, golden foliage along the drive, and harvest energy in full swing make this the perfect time to plan a day trip, scoop up a few bottles, and maybe even make a weekend of it. With the NJ Wine Expo in November, now’s the time to prep your palate. 

Step One: Map it out

Since vineyards cover the state from the Skylands to Cape May, your options can feel limitless. 

“The hardest part is figuring out where to start,” says Tarpine. “[But] one of the best things about the NJ wine scene is the diversity of products and styles across the state.” 

Think of the Garden State Wine Growers Association’s vineyard map as your wine-country GPS. It highlights wineries by county so you can plan an adventure or stay close to home. Pair it with the Passport Program, a paper booklet you can bring along to each participating winery. Collect a stamp at every stop and once your booklet is filled, mail it back to GSWGA for your chance at a VIP Experience for Two.  

Step Two: Start local

With South Jersey wineries less than 45 minutes from Center City, you can be sipping Cab Sauv in a vineyard in less time than it takes to find parking in Rittenhouse.  

“It’s always great to start with a guided wine tasting,” notes Tarpine. “Staff can walk you through the ‘conventional’ way of exploring and enjoying wine […] background on the winery, the industry, and the story–this not only gives you a mini-lesson in wine but allows you to define your preferences as you begin to explore other wineries throughout the state.” 

A few of Tarpine’s picks in South Jersey include Saddlehill Winery in Voorhees for gourmet pairings and unique event-packed experiences. A cluster of vineyards make up The Hammonton Wineries, making it easy to hit multiple spots like historic Tomasello Winery (founded in 1933) and award-winning Amalthea Cellars (for a Bordeaux-inspired lineup) in one day or a weekend. 

Step Three: Stock your cellar

Philly’s BYOB culture deserves better than a last-minute corner-store Cab. Upgrade your bottle game with local flavor. 

Tarpine suggests keeping a few Garden State staples on hand: a sparkling Pet-Nat for sushi or Sunday brunch, a crisp white or rosé as a reliable wildcard when you’re not sure where the night will take you, and a bold red for Italian or cozy French fare. 

“Thanks to a September weather shift, 2025 reds are shaping up beautifully,” he says. 

And here’s a bonus you can brag about tableside: BYO with NJ wine isn’t just delicious, it’s also more eco-friendly. Cedar Rose Vineyards in Millville, for instance, uses sustainable farming and estate-grown fruit making every bottle a true “seed-to-table” pour. 

Step Four: Save the date

November is New Jersey Wine Month, which means there are dozens of events throughout the state. But the can’t-miss is The NJ Wine Expo where you can taste your way through the entire state.  

“Guests can learn about which styles are produced in which parts of the state,” says Tarpine, “and the climatic characteristics that drive these distinctions.”  

You’ll walk away with a crash course in Jersey terroir—and probably a few new go-to bottles. 

“The best advice I can give is to keep an open mind,” Tarpine says. “The joy of tasting is finding something unexpected.” 

Step Five: Make it a weekend

Tasting flights, vineyard visits, and wine expos are just the start. Visiting wineries can open a whole world of adventure. From paint-and-sips to live music to cake decorating, there are dozens of ways you can spend an afternoon, or weekend, doing something totally out of the ordinary.  

“The NJ wine community is filled with great people,” says Tarpine. “There’s no pretension, no expectations, and no reason to hesitate to come out!” 

Many tasting rooms welcome walk-ins, though it’s smart to call ahead if you’re bringing a group or eyeing a special event.  

To learn more about NJ wines visit newjerseywines.com.  

This is a paid partnership between Garden State Wine Growers Association and Philadelphia Magazine