By Cindy Christy Fertsch
The Christmas events just keep on coming in South Jersey, with another family-focused event at Renault Winery (72 North Bremen Avenue Egg Harbor City, 08215) Vintner Wonderland is now open! The Vintner Wonderland celebrates a successful harvest with ice skating, great wine, delicious food, local artisans, and live entertainment.
Vintner Wonderland is a unique and beautiful installation, created by Renault’s design and events team bringing to life European Advent and holiday celebrations, inspired by the winery’s founder Louis Renault, who emigrated from France to the U.S. in 1855. The pristine grounds of the winery are transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland, where enchanting skating and a lavishly decorated Vintner Village Artisan Market awaits, offering an incredible experience for the entire family. Attractions include the popular outdoor ice rink, pop-up markets with seasonal gifts and shopping, cozy fire pit, Bubble Igloos, and Cabanas and heated hospitality areas, signature cocktails and savory treats from Renault’s Café La Fleur.
This year’s “Vintner Rink” has been enlarged and improved. The rink will be open daily for skaters of all ages and abilities. If you are an avid skater and love being on the ice, there are Season Passes, hotel skate packages, and Individual tickets available. Individual tickets start at $12 for a 90 minute skating session and $8 for skate rentals. They will also have discounts and extended skating sessions throughout the season. Tickets are available online through Renault Winery’s website.
Experience the new winter menu at TASTE1864 and enjoy live music every weekend in Renault’s Wine & Beer Garden. There are a wide range of perfectly mixed cocktails and a selection of sweets from Café la Fleur. Reservations are highly recommended and can be placed through Resy after following this link: https://www.renaultwinery.com/dining/
There are also several other unique dining experiences at the Vintner Wonderland. The Fire Pit Experience includes two hours of fine dining and live entertainment for up to eight people. There are two options available: Vintner Fire Pit seating, ideal for enjoying the live entertainment from Friday to Sunday, and TASTE 1864 Fire Pit seating, ideal for taking in the breathtaking Renault Winery setting with views of the pond as well as the live entertainment. Food and beverage service will be available throughout. The cost of this experience starts at $100. Another option is the unique Bubble-Igloo Experience. Up to six people can share this intimate and unforgettable experience in the Bubble-Igloo, perfect for cozying up with friends or family after exploring the Vintner Wonderland. New this year are the Ice Rink Bubble Igloos which make for an intimate and private experience; plus the Igloos are heated! Ice Rink Igloos are conveniently located near Louie’s Lounge and the Village Bar, making it easy for you and your guests to purchase food and beverages from the various satellite village shops. The Bubble-Igloo Experience costs $150 for two hours. There is also the Cabana Experience, which is heated and perfect for first-class views of the Vintner Wonderland. Up to 6 guests can experience this for two hours for $200. However, please note that ice skating tickets are not included in the price. To book one of these experiences, head to the following website: https://www.renaultwinery.com/experiences/
The Vintner Village will feature regional and local craft vendors and artists selling their goods, and Renault Winery will also be selling their merchandise. The Vintner Village will be open Friday (4 – 8 p.m.), Saturday (noon – 8 p.m.), and Sunday (noon – 6 p.m.)
Of course, Christmas is a time for giving. The Festival of Trees will feature a forest of holiday trees which will be displayed throughout the winery. You can bid on a tree today, all proceeds from the auction will benefit Faces 4 Autism.
Finally, if you are interested in making a more memorable experience, I highly recommend an overnight stay at the Chateau Renault hotel is highly recommended. Guests will be able to fully experience the festival and explore the entirety of Renault Winery’s stunning grounds with an unforgettable stay at this gorgeous hotel.
Best of all, parking and entry are both completely free! With the event running until February, there are plenty of opportunities to make your way there. However, booking is highly recommended for most activities, especially on the build-up to Christmas.
