Page 54 - 2024 Southern NJ Vacationer

WINERIES, BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES
A vacation in every glass, a memory in every sip
NO MATTER WHERE your itinerary takes you in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties, adding a stop at a beverage attraction during your stay will not disappoint. The appeal is part locally made libations hand crafted for you to enjoy in unique, comfortable tasting rooms, part scenic views, live music, and delicious culinary offerings, and finally, relaxation mixed with a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely afternoon at a winery, a lively evening at a brewery, or a tour of a distillery, The Jersey Cape has something for everyone.
A getaway to Cape May County (any time of the year) is not complete without a stop at Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery. Located in Rio Grande and owned and operated by Todd and Kenna Wuerker, the Wuerker family has been cultivating the farmland since the 1940s when Todd’s grandfather emigrated from Germany to start a family. The vineyard was first planted in 1997 with Cabernet Sauvignon, and the first vintage was in 2007, which also included the wildly popular American Kestrel White (an unoaked Chardonnay).
Today, the Wuerkers have more than 16 acres under vine with as many different varietals. All of the estate grapes are harvested, pressed, fermented, aged, blended, and bottled on site. In 2019, Todd and his team released their first round of Pet-Nats, shortly followed by their 2017 Brut, Blanc de Blanc, and Blanc de Noir sparkling wines. Creating a unique,
handcrafted wine selection is only the beginning of this story. Hawk Haven customers can enjoy Club Member events and the popular Rootstock Concert Series, a multi week summer concert series featuring live music, food truck eats and more. The tasting room is open daily, year-round, offering tastings, guided vineyard tours, and seasonal events that showcase the winemaking process. 600 South Railroad Ave., Rio Grande. 609-846-7347. www.hawkhavenvineyard.com
Cape May Winery in Lower Township is the oldest winery in Cape May County. Owned by the Craig Family, the winery is
operated by Toby Craig and his daughter Betsy, providing customers with quality wines, exceptional service, and a relaxing atmosphere that makes everyone feel like part of the family after the first sip. The winery’s journey began in 1989 with the planting of the first vines in Cape May County, which started their Townbank Vineyard. Today, the Craigs grow 11 different varietals across four vineyards covering 26 acres.
If you’re more interested in beer and spirits, then you should check out MudHen Brewing Company in Wildwood. MudHen Brewing Company is a brewery and full-service bar
52 SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER