South Jersey’s wine country is entering one of its most inviting seasons.
September brings ripening grapes, cooler afternoons and a packed calendar of live music, tastings and harvest-season events at vineyards throughout the region. For those who prefer cocktails to cabernet, local craft distilleries offer another way to sample something made close to home.
From historic estates to intimate tasting rooms, here are several places to sip your way through the beginning of fall.
Atlantic County
Renault Winery & Resort, Egg Harbor City
One of South Jersey’s best-known wine destinations, Renault Winery combines its historic vineyard with restaurants, lodging, golf and expansive grounds that regularly host live entertainment and seasonal events.
September is especially busy. Radio Revolution will perform from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, followed by Mark Fisher from 5 to 8 p.m. A Tour & Taste experience is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13, and Dog Day at Renault returns from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19.
The winery will also host its Run the Legacy 5K on Sept. 26, along with more live music throughout the day.
Visitors looking to make an evening of it can also stop at TASTE 1864, Renault’s on-site restaurant and bar, which offers dinner service into the evening on Fridays and Saturdays.
Balic Winery, Mays Landing
For wine lovers looking for a casual stop without having to plan around limited tasting-room hours, Balic Winery offers one of the more flexible schedules in the area.
Located along Route 40 in Mays Landing, the winery is currently open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Balic has been part of the South Jersey wine scene for decades and offers an extensive selection ranging from dry table wines to sweeter fruit-forward varieties.
Sharrott Winery, Hammonton
Hammonton has become one of Atlantic County’s strongest destinations for locally produced wine and spirits, and Sharrott Winery is a major part of that scene.
The winery is currently open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
September also brings a steady lineup of entertainment, including live music on multiple weekends. Trivia is scheduled for Sept. 9, followed by a comedy night Sept. 24.
With a full kitchen and indoor and outdoor seating, Sharrott also works well for visitors looking for more than a quick tasting.
White Horse Winery, Hammonton
Just outside downtown Hammonton, White Horse Winery offers another laid-back place to spend an afternoon with a glass of locally produced wine.
Current hours are noon to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday.
The winery also offers “Tastings with Toby,” an appointment-based guided tasting experience hosted by its Level III sommelier.
White Horse Winery will also host its Sip and Shop Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 13, 20 and 27, giving visitors a chance to browse local vendors while enjoying wine at the Hammonton vineyard.
Local spirits
Blue Rascal Distillery, Hammonton
Wine is not the only locally made drink coming out of Hammonton.
Blue Rascal Distillery at 8 West End Ave. produces spirits and liqueurs with strong ties to the agricultural region surrounding it, including creations inspired by Hammonton’s famous blueberries.
The distillery is currently open from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Its tasting room offers cocktails and bottles to go. Blue Rascal will also make weekend appearances at the Red Barn Farm Fall Festival through October.
Little Water Distillery, Atlantic City
Visitors do not have to leave Atlantic City to find locally distilled spirits.
Little Water Distillery on Lexington Avenue offers a relaxed tasting-room experience away from the casino floor, with locally made spirits served straight or incorporated into craft cocktails.
Current hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Guests may also bring outside food into the tasting room.
Upper Cape May County
Jessie Creek Winery, Cape May Court House
Jessie Creek Winery combines wine, music and art at its rural Cape May Court House property.
Its September art show continues through Sept. 30, while live music fills much of the weekend calendar.
Sara & Tom will perform from 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 12, followed by Jim Doran Sept. 13, Delta Cosmonauts Sept. 19, Erin McAndrew Sept. 20 and Daniel Keiser Sept. 26. An artist reception is also scheduled for Sept. 13.
Jessie Creek is currently open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Briganti By The Bay at Natali Vineyards, Cape May Court House
A few miles away, Briganti By The Bay at Natali Vineyards offers another stop along Cape May County’s wine trail.
The Route 47 vineyard is currently open from noon to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Visitors can choose wine by the bottle or glass or sample several varieties through tastings and flights.
A different side of the Shore
South Jersey’s vineyard scene may feel removed from the boardwalks and beach towns just a short drive away, but it is closely tied to the region’s agricultural heritage.
The sandy soils, relatively long growing season and maritime influence of the Outer Coastal Plain have helped vineyards take root in an area already famous for blueberries, tomatoes and other crops.
Today, that farming tradition can be experienced with a wine glass in hand.
A September road trip can include an afternoon tasting among the vines, live acoustic music, a locally distilled cocktail or a leisurely meal overlooking the countryside.
And after the packed beaches, traffic and hurried pace of July and August, early fall offers something especially appealing: a chance to slow down, take a drive and savor another side of the Shore.
Hours and event schedules were checked against current venue websites and listings as of Sept. 8, 2026. Visitors should confirm hours, reservations and weather-related changes directly with each venue before traveling.
