NEW JERSEY - When you finish with the beach and boardwalk, the Wildwoods offer several popular nearby breweries, distilleries, and wineries.
Beyond the Beach: A Spirited Tour of the Jersey Shore's Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries
The Jersey Shore is synonymous with sun, sand, and surf, but a new wave of craftsmanship is adding a different kind of buzz to the coastal experience. Beyond the boardwalks and bustling beaches, the region is rapidly becoming a vibrant hub for artisanal beverage production. From innovative breweries crafting unique ales to picturesque wineries producing award-winning vintages and distilleries creating small-batch spirits, the Jersey Shore offers a spirited tour that complements its classic seaside charm.
The Craft Beer Boom: Breweries Along the Coast
The craft beer scene has exploded along the Jersey Shore, with new breweries popping up from Sandy Hook to Cape May. These establishments are often community-focused, offering taprooms where visitors can sample fresh brews, enjoy live music, and soak in the local atmosphere.
- Cape May Brewing Company (Cape May): A pioneer in the South Jersey craft beer movement, Cape May Brewing Company is one of the largest and most well-regarded breweries in the state. They offer an extensive lineup of year-round and seasonal beers, from their flagship Cape May IPA to experimental brews. Their sprawling tasting room and brewery tours are a must-visit.
- Kane Brewing Company (Ocean Township): Known for its highly sought-after IPAs and stouts, Kane Brewing has cultivated a dedicated following. Their tasting room offers a rotating selection of their meticulously crafted beers, making it a destination for serious craft beer enthusiasts.
- Pinelands Brewing Company (Little Egg Harbor): Drawing inspiration from the unique ecosystem of the Pinelands, this brewery incorporates local flavors and a rustic charm into its diverse beer offerings, ranging from lagers to creative ales.
- Tuckahoe Brewing Company (Egg Harbor Township): With a focus on traditional styles and a commitment to quality, Tuckahoe Brewing offers a welcoming taproom experience with a variety of beers on tap.
- Dark City Brewing Co. (Asbury Park): Reflecting the vibrant, artistic spirit of Asbury Park, Dark City creates adventurous and flavorful beers, often with unique ingredients, in a stylish taproom setting.
Vineyard Vistas: Wineries of South Jersey
New Jersey's wine industry has blossomed, particularly in the southern part of the state, where the sandy, well-drained soils and moderate climate are ideal for viticulture. Many wineries offer scenic tasting rooms, vineyard tours, and special events.
- Renault Winery (Egg Harbor City): One of America's oldest continuously operating wineries, Renault offers a rich history alongside its diverse selection of wines. Beyond tastings, it's a full resort destination with a hotel, golf course, and events, including their popular "Renaultberfest."
- Bellview Winery (Landisville): This award-winning winery is a testament to New Jersey's growing reputation in the wine world. Bellview produces a wide array of varietals, from Chambourcin to Chardonnay, and offers a beautiful setting for tastings and events.
- Balic Winery (Mays Landing): A family-owned winery with European roots, Balic has been producing a large selection of traditional wines for over 80 years. Their rustic tasting room offers a charming and unpretentious experience.
- Willow Creek Winery (Cape May): Combining a stunning property with delicious wines and gourmet dining, Willow Creek offers an upscale and picturesque experience. Their estate-grown wines, particularly their unique "Tiki Series," are popular.
The Spirit of Innovation: Craft Distilleries
The craft distillery movement is gaining momentum, with a handful of innovative producers creating everything from whiskey and gin to rum and vodka, often using locally sourced ingredients.
- Cape May Distillery (Cape May): Located fittingly in a historic seaside town, Cape May Distillery produces small-batch, handcrafted spirits, including rum, gin, and moonshine, reflecting a passion for quality and local character.
- Little Water Distillery (Atlantic City): Bringing artisanal spirits to the famous resort town, Little Water Distillery focuses on crafting unique vodkas, gins, and rums with a commitment to local sourcing and a distinctive Atlantic City flair.
- Nauti Spirits Distillery (Cape May Court House): Set on a working farm, Nauti Spirits utilizes ingredients grown on-site to produce vodka, gin, and rum. Their farm-to-bottle approach emphasizes sustainability and quality, offering tours and tastings in a beautiful rural setting.
The Jersey Shore's beverage scene offers much more than just a refreshing drink after a day at the beach. It's a journey through craftsmanship, local flavors, and passionate producers who are carving out a distinct identity for the region. Whether you're a beer aficionado, a wine connoisseur, or a spirits enthusiast, venturing beyond the sand for a tasting tour will add a rich and flavorful dimension to your next Shore getaway.
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Written By: Philly Bite Magazines Staff
Philadelphia Best Of Series consists of a round-up of the best places to find great food, entertainment, and more in Philly.
