The harvest is in, grapes are being pressed, and wines are being aged. It’s a great season to visit our local wineries to sample their creations. From sweet reds to dry whites and even some champagne, we’re sure you’ll love to experience the 7 best wineries near Stanhope, NJ.
“Life is but a fine wine to be sipped and favored.”
— Pittacus Lore
#1 Brook Hollow Winery
Location: 594 State Route 94, Columbia, NJ 07832
Phone: (908) 496-8200
Wine List
Distance from Inn: Approx. 25 min
In 2006, Paul and Debbie Ritter transformed their lives from wildlife biologists into full-time winemakers and opened the Brook Hollow Winery. With thoughts of retirement, their delightful hobby turned into full production with over 2,000 vines. Although Paul really takes pride in his dry table wines, this winery has a wide variety of wines available for tastings and purchase. Their frozen wine slushies and Chocolate Merlot Milkshakes are unique, fan favorites. Call to schedule a tasting and while you’re there, visit the gift shop for some great holiday shopping.
#2 Four Sisters Winery
Location: 783 County Road 519, Belvidere, NJ 07823
Phone: (908) 475-3671
Wine List
Distance from Inn: Approx. 30 min
Matty Matarazzo has been growing grapes since 1981. He opened the Four Sisters Winery in 1984 and has since produced award-winning reds, whites, and rose wines. You may also choose to toast the season with a flute of their own champagne. Although Matty has recently sold the winery, he will be strengthening the transition by staying on to guide the new owners as they carry on the rich traditions he established. The Deck has reopened and the new Vineyard View Bistro are great spots to hear some live music and enjoy a glass of fine wine. Check their calendar for fun events including Murder Mystery Dinners and grape stomping.
#3 Sky Acres Winery
Location: 1680 Black River Rd, Far Hills, NJ 07931
Phone: (877) 377-5359
Wine List
Distance from Inn: Approx. 30 min
Meera and Vijay Singh, winemakers at Sky Acres Winery, have chosen a different way to create their wines. After learning of the immense amount of work that goes into making a bottle of fine wine, Dr. Singh developed a new system, the GOfermentor. They also safeguard their vineyards from harmful herbicides and pesticides by using superheated steam to help control the weeds. Rest assured, these methods produce wines that taste amazing. With Meera’s passion for wine and her WSET level 3 certification as a sommelier, she makes a great chief wine-taster at the winery.
#4 Villa Milagro Vineyard
Location: 33 County Road 627, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Phone: 908-995-2072
Wine List
Distance from Inn: Approx. 1 hr
With a vineyard literally named “Home of Miracles,” it’s no wonder the winemakers believe that there’s a miracle in the transformation of sunlight and soil into a fine wine. Just as Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams, Steve and Audrey answered the call, “if you build it, they will come.” From thriving lives in NYC to a 104-acre farm in NJ, Steve Gambino and Dr. Audrey Cross began building the Villa Milagro Vineyard in 2001. Dr. Cross has a passion for food, health, and the good life. It’s her rich farming heritage and extensive educational background that helped her transition to make fine wines. Check out their calendar to learn more about their events.
#5 Ventimiglia Vineyard
Location: 101 Layton Rd, Wantage, NJ 07461
Phone: (973) 875-4333
Wine List
Distance from Inn: Approx. 45 min
At the Ventimiglia Vineyard, the wine-making traditions have been passed from generation to generation beginning with the founder, Gene Ventimiglia. The family began making wines professionally in 2006 on their 60-acre farm, Rocky Ridge. Call ahead to schedule a tasting.
#6 Tomasello Winery
Location: 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester, NJ 07930
Phone: (800) 666-9463
Wine List
Distanced from Inn: Approx. 20 min
The Tomasello Winery, a family-owned winery began in 1933. Brothers Jack and Charlie Tomasello believe there is more to the saying that “great wines are made in the vineyard.” They believe the wine is even greater when shared in the celebrations with family and friends. Over the years they have created many award-winning wines. Schedule a wine tasting or add a custom label to celebrate your next special occasion.
#7 Beneduce Vineyards
Location: 1 Jeremiah Ln, Pittstown, NJ 08867
Phone: (908) 996-3823
Wine List
Distance from Inn: Approx. 1 hr
The Beneduce Vineyards began in 2000 on a 51-acre farm creating aromatically intense wines that pair well with food. Although it is a smaller winery, they have a fervent focus on drawing out the subtleties of each variety. Their whites are mainly Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and an Austrian named Blaufränkisc mainly make up the red varieties. Call ahead to schedule a wine tasting.
Book Your Stay at the Whistling Swan Inn
While taking your wine tour, enjoy the comforts of modern luxury with a little Victorian charm. Wake up to a full country buffet breakfast that will fortify you as you work your way through our list of the 7 best wineries near Stanhope, NJ. Check availability today.