New Jersey’s wine country embraces the holiday season with a full slate of new releases, festive markets, seasonal dinners, and hands-on creative workshops throughout December 2025. With vineyards stretching from the Skylands to the shore, the state’s wineries continue to elevate their reputation for quality craftsmanship and experiential hospitality. For travelers, families, and wine enthusiasts exploring local vineyards this season, New Jersey offers a rich mix of celebration and discovery across its growing wine & wineries landscape.
The holiday period also brings notable new wine releases. Unionville Vineyards’ anticipated port, known as VAT #31, returns for its annual debut. This richly layered dessert wine has become a seasonal favorite and remains one of Unionville’s hallmark projects each December. Other producers are leaning into themed winter blends, including Valenzano Winery’s “Jersey Devil Chocolate Port” and its popular sweet selections such as Watermelon Kiss, staples for wine lovers looking for something outside traditional varietals. The Winemakers Co-Op continues to champion collaborative craftsmanship, recently unveiling the “Open Source Cabernet Franc 2022,” which highlights how the same grape can express itself differently across member wineries. Newcomers are also joining the statewide wine movement. Meadowbrook Winery, which planted its first vines in 2019, is introducing early vintages of Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Albariño as it prepares to fully open its tasting room—an important milestone for the state’s expanding winemaking footprint.
The holidays also bring an extensive series of December events. Beneduce Vineyards is hosting its Christmas Tree Market every weekend through December 21, offering visitors the opportunity to choose a tree while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the vineyard. Old York Cellars is presenting “Chef José’s Holiday 5-Course Wine Pairing Dinners,” along with family-oriented holiday days featuring special guests. Unionville Vineyards is presenting a holiday dinner on December 13, while other wineries throughout the state—including Sharrott Winery, Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery, and Working Dog Winery—continue their robust schedules of live music, trivia gatherings, and weekend social events. Seasonal festivals such as Christmas at Stokelan join the lineup beginning December 19, and complimentary wine sampling events can be found at spots like The Wine Cellar at Red Bank on December 12.
Working Dog Winery, located in Hightstown, offers one of the region’s most active calendars this month. The winery’s December schedule pairs local live music with its celebrated estate wines, creating a relaxed atmosphere for guests looking to unwind. Performances include Gary Cavico on Thursday evening, Justin Love on Friday, The Jersey Surecats bringing a full Saturday set, and Rob Silvers closing the weekend on Sunday afternoon. The winery is also offering a special holiday promotion of $2 off wines by the glass on select days, encouraging visitors to savor their favorites while exploring new vintages.
Beyond music and wine, Working Dog Winery is also hosting several immersive creative workshops. Their Wooden Flower Book Vase workshop invites guests to transform a book into a sculptural vase and fill it with handcrafted wooden flowers, a hands-on project ideal for gift-giving or home décor. All supplies are included, and no previous crafting experience is required.
Pet lovers have their own dedicated event in the Paint Your Pet Canvas Art Workshop, which provides guided instruction to help participants turn a favorite pet photo into a personalized canvas painting. Attendees are asked to send in their pet photos beforehand to allow for customized guidance, and $5 from each registration supports Zani’s Furry Friends. The workshop takes place in the winery’s indoor room, offering expansive vineyard views as guests paint and sip.
The Sea Glass Tree Craft Workshop rounds out the season’s creative lineup. Participants work with sea glass and natural materials to design shimmering seasonal décor pieces, combining coastal inspiration with the warmth of a winery setting. It’s another example of how New Jersey vineyards continue to expand beyond traditional tastings, offering immersive experiences that blend creativity, community, and craft.
With new wines, holiday markets, dinners, music, and one-of-a-kind workshops, New Jersey’s wineries have transformed December into a celebration of local culture and seasonal flavor. Whether exploring long-established estates or visiting emerging producers, the state offers an exciting array of experiences for wine lovers and holiday travelers alike.
