New Jersey’s wine industry continues to flourish, drawing attention from wine enthusiasts and critics alike as the 2025 vintage shows remarkable promise. Following a dry, sun-filled summer, winemakers across the state report that this year’s harvest is producing grapes with concentrated flavors and high sugar content, signaling wines of exceptional depth and complexity. The favorable conditions have already fueled excitement among vintners, restaurateurs, and visitors eager to experience the state’s growing reputation as a top-tier wine region.
Award-winning wineries such as Unionville Vineyards have continued to shine nationally and internationally, earning 90+ point scores from leading wine critics. Other wineries, including Ninety Acres, are expanding with new tasting rooms and garnering praise from culinary figures like chef David Burke, reflecting the continued investment and innovation within New Jersey’s wine sector.
The fall season offers wine lovers a rich calendar of events across the state. On Friday, October 24, Fox Hollow Vineyards in Holmdel presents Rock October, an evening pairing live music with carefully curated wines. Saturday, October 25, features an array of experiences, including Federal Twist Vineyard’s five-course wine-pairing dinner in Stockton, Cedar Rose Vineyards’ HalloWine Fest in Millville, and Laurita Winery’s Hallowine Festival in New Egypt, complete with wine tastings, food trucks, and live music. Hoboken’s Sorellina hosts Giro di Vino, a walk-around tasting celebrating Italian wines, while Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery in Pilesgrove entertains guests with its weekly Live from the Vineyard Stage concert. Sharrott Winery in Hammonton offers a scenic picnic package for two, and Cape May Winery pairs tapas with live music for an intimate vineyard evening.
Sunday, October 26, continues the festivities with the second day of Laurita Winery’s Hallowine Festival, providing an extended opportunity to enjoy seasonal wines and entertainment. Looking ahead, Sharrott Winery’s Live Music Series continues every Thursday, including Brian Elliot on October 30. November 2 features a diverse lineup of experiences, from the Cowtown and Auburn Road Wagon Tour in Pilesgrove to Scotty’s Stretch the Mozz cheese-and-wine class at Four Sisters Winery in Belvidere. Char Steakhouse in Raritan hosts A Taste of Italy 2025, offering Italian wines and seasonal small plates, while Willow Creek Winery in West Cape May presents its Fall Fest artisan market with live music over the November 1–2 weekend.
New wine releases are also generating anticipation. William Heritage Winery has announced its Fall 2025 lineup, including the 2022 Harry’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2022 Pond Vineyard Chambourcin. The 2024 New Jersey Governor’s Cup recognized standout wines such as Autumn Lake Winery’s 2022 Barrel Reserve Chardonnay and White Horse Winery’s 2023 Estate Reserve Rosé, highlighting the consistent quality of local vintages.
New Jersey’s wine industry continues to attract both casual visitors and serious oenophiles, offering not just exceptional wines but also immersive experiences that blend culture, music, and seasonal celebrations. With more than 50 wineries and vineyards statewide, there is a wealth of opportunities to explore, taste, and connect with the Garden State’s growing wine community. For a comprehensive guide to wineries, tasting rooms, and upcoming events, visit Explore New Jersey Wine & Wineries.
Weekend Events – October 24–26, 2025
Friday, October 24, 2025
- Rock October at Fox Hollow Vineyards – Holmdel
- Enjoy an evening of live music paired with wine tastings in a scenic vineyard setting.
Saturday, October 25, 2025
- An Evening of Fine Wine, Fall Flavor & Discovery – Stockton
- Hosted by Federal Twist Vineyard, featuring a five-course wine-pairing dinner.
- HalloWine Fest 2025 – Millville
- Cedar Rose Vineyards presents a festive fall wine celebration.
- Hallowine Festival – New Egypt
- Laurita Winery offers wine tastings, food trucks, and live music.
- Giro di Vino: A Grand Wine Tour of Italy – Hoboken
- Sorellina hosts a walk-around tasting showcasing Italian wines.
- Live from the Vineyard Stage – Pilesgrove
- Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery features live music every Saturday evening.
- Picnic in the Vineyard – Hammonton
- Sharrott Winery provides scenic picnic packages for two.
- Live Music at Cape May Winery – Cape May
- Enjoy tapas and wine while listening to live music.
Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Hallowine Festival – New Egypt
- The second day of Laurita Winery’s wine, food, and music event.
Upcoming Events – October 30–November 2, 2025
- Live Music Series – Hammonton (Thursday, October 30)
- Sharrott Winery hosts live music with Brian Elliot performing.
- Fall Fest – West Cape May (November 1–2)
- Willow Creek Winery features an artisan market alongside live music.
- Cowtown and Auburn Road Wagon Tour – Pilesgrove (November 2)
- Explore vineyards from a covered wagon for a unique tasting experience.
- Scotty’s Stretch the Mozz – Belvidere (November 2)
- Four Sisters Winery offers a cheese-stretching class paired with wine.
- A Taste of Italy 2025 – Raritan (November 2)
- Char Steakhouse presents a tasting of authentic Italian wines and seasonal light fare.
Recent and Upcoming Wine Releases
- William Heritage Winery – Fall 2025 Releases
- 2022 Harry’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2022 Pond Vineyard Chambourcin
- 2024 New Jersey Governor’s Cup Winners
- Autumn Lake Winery – 2022 Barrel Reserve Chardonnay
- White Horse Winery – 2023 Estate Reserve Rosé
