Romance, craftsmanship, and one of central New Jersey’s most respected wineries come together this February as Working Dog Winery prepares to debut its highly anticipated Retriever 2023 vintage during a multi-day Valentine’s weekend celebration designed for both serious wine lovers and couples looking for something refreshingly different to do.
Set in Hightstown within East Windsor Township, the estate has built a loyal following for its thoughtful winemaking and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere—and this winter release weekend promises to be one of its most memorable seasonal events. Guests can explore the story behind the winery, its vineyard-driven philosophy, and the full experience of the property through Working Dog Winery’s dedicated destination page on Explore New Jersey, which highlights why the winery continues to stand out among the state’s premier wine destinations.
The centerpiece of the weekend is the official launch of Retriever 2023, a reserve, estate-grown blend crafted entirely from fruit grown on the winery’s own vineyards. The wine brings together an equal blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, two grapes that thrive in New Jersey’s evolving vineyard landscape and consistently deliver structure, depth, and expressive aromatics when handled with precision.
Working Dog Winery’s Retriever series has become a flagship for the estate, known for its bold profile and polished structure. Previous vintages have earned significant recognition in the wine world, helping establish the Retriever label as one of the most reliable and age-worthy offerings produced at the property. The 2023 release continues that tradition, offering guests the opportunity to experience the newest expression of the blend at the very moment it enters the winery’s public portfolio.
From Thursday, February 12 through Sunday, February 15, 2026, visitors will be among the first to sample the newly released vintage as part of a Valentine’s-themed weekend built around tasting, discovery, and indulgent pairings. The atmosphere is designed to be festive but unpretentious—perfect for couples, small groups of friends, and longtime supporters of New Jersey wine.
One of the most distinctive features of the release weekend is the winery’s educational barrel tasting experience. Guests who purchase an educational tasting will receive a complimentary sample of the upcoming 2025 vintage drawn directly from the barrel. It is a rare opportunity to experience the wine in its developmental stage, allowing guests to compare how structure, texture, and aroma evolve from barrel to bottle. For anyone curious about how Working Dog’s wines are shaped before release, the barrel tasting provides a behind-the-scenes look into the winemaking process that is usually reserved for cellar staff and winemakers.
Adding a layer of indulgence to the weekend, Working Dog Winery will also offer special wine and chocolate pairing flights. For an additional $30, guests can enhance any three-glass wine flight with a curated trio of chocolate pairings designed to complement the flavor profiles of the wines being poured. The pairing experience transforms a casual tasting into a sensory exploration—highlighting how sweetness, tannin, acidity, and texture interact when wine and chocolate are thoughtfully matched.
While the Retriever 2023 release anchors the Valentine’s celebration, the winery is also offering a creative, hands-on experience the weekend prior that blends art, relaxation, and wine culture into one memorable afternoon.
On Sunday, February 7, 2026, Working Dog Winery will host a Crushed Glass Resin Suncatcher Workshop, inviting guests to spend a peaceful afternoon designing and crafting a custom, light-catching piece of art. Participants will select one laser-cut wooden suncatcher design, measuring 12 inches at its widest point, and personalize it using a wide spectrum of crushed glass colors that are sealed in resin for a vibrant, glass-like finish.
Before the crushed glass is applied, each piece is painted a solid base color, allowing guests to fully customize both the background and the glass details. The workshop is intentionally designed for beginners as well as experienced crafters—no prior artistic experience is required. All materials are included, and step-by-step guidance is provided throughout the session, making it an ideal creative break for couples, friends, and anyone looking to try something new in a relaxed vineyard setting.
Two sessions are available on February 7 to accommodate different schedules. The first runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by an afternoon session from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost to participate is $40 per person, and wine will be available for purchase during the workshop.
Guests can choose from four seasonal and Valentine-inspired design options when purchasing tickets. Available designs include a snowman face, a snowflake, a heart window pane, and a heart of hearts. Quantities for each design are limited, and selections must be made at the time of ticket purchase. Once a design reaches capacity, it will no longer be available.
The workshop reflects Working Dog Winery’s broader approach to hospitality—creating experiences that extend beyond the tasting bar and invite visitors to slow down, connect, and enjoy the property in new ways.
The winery’s setting plays a significant role in the appeal of both events. Located in Hightstown within East Windsor, the property blends rural charm with easy accessibility for visitors traveling from across central and northern New Jersey. During the winter season, the tasting room and patio offer a cozy retreat for adults seeking a refined but relaxed atmosphere.
Working Dog Winery operates under a 21-and-over policy for indoor and patio seating on Thursdays and Fridays. On weekends, the winery’s outdoor lawn areas remain family-friendly and dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring children and well-behaved pets to enjoy the open space while still respecting adult-only areas indoors.
Together, the release of Retriever 2023 and the creative suncatcher workshop form a two-weekend stretch that showcases the winery’s versatility—balancing serious winemaking with approachable, community-centered programming.
For wine lovers, the Valentine’s release weekend offers early access to one of the winery’s most anticipated vintages, rare barrel tastings of future releases, and thoughtfully designed chocolate pairings that elevate the entire tasting experience. For those looking for a more hands-on escape, the February 7 workshop delivers a relaxing, artistic afternoon in a vineyard setting, complete with wine available for purchase and a handmade keepsake to take home.
Whether you are planning a romantic weekend outing, searching for a distinctive Valentine’s date idea, or simply looking to reconnect with New Jersey’s growing wine culture, Working Dog Winery’s February lineup delivers an experience that blends craftsmanship, creativity, and celebration—one glass, one project, and one shared moment at a time.
