GARDEN STATE WINE GROWERS ASSOCIATION Holiday Wine Trail Weekend 11/24-11/26

If waking up in the middle of the night to get a spot online at a department store just to get that one big screen high-definition television at the special Black Friday price is not your thing, the Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) has a different experience you won't want to miss. Head out to New Jersey Wine Country Friday, November 24 through Sunday November 26 for the annual Holiday Wine Trail Weekend Trail at wineries throughout the state.

Starting Black Friday and continuing throughout the weekend, wineries from Sussex County to Cape May will be hosting their own special entertainment inside their tasting rooms.

For the fourth year in a row, participating wineries will give away holiday grapevine wreaths and decorative ornaments to dress the wreath with. Wine trail travelers will receive a wreath and ornament at their first winery stop of the weekend, and then additional ornaments from each participating winery visited thereafter Friday through Sunday. Wreaths and ornaments are available only at participating wineries and a limited supply exists.

The diverse array of entertainment available at our state's wineries includes: having your Thanksgiving Meal at our state's oldest winery, Renault Winery in Egg Harbor Township at Joseph's Restaurant. The restaurant will be open noon to 5 pm and you can make reservations for the three-course turkey dinner by calling 609.965.211 ext. 409. The price is $32 per adult and $16.50 for children 16 and under. DiMatteo Vineyards in Hammonton hosting a Victorian Choir dressed in period costumes to sing old fashioned Christmas carols on Black Friday and Sunday from 3pm-5pm; 4JGs Winery & Vineyard in Colts Neck will feature Holiday Shopping and Sipping giving guests the chance to enjoy their award winning wines and a special chocolate pairing.

Bellview Winery in Landisville will be participating in the wreath giveaway as well as distributing their own homemade ornaments while supplies last. Cape May Winery in Cape May will offer Friday and Saturday winery tours. Reservations are required. Tours cost $25.00 per person, are approximately an hour and a half in length.

Cedarvale Winery in Logan Township will be giving wreaths away each day while supplies last. Their tasting room is open Thurs & Friday 12-7 pm and Sat 11-7 and Sunday 11-5 pm.

Chestnut Run Farm in Pilesgrove, which is open only on trail weekends, will have their wine shop open on Friday and Saturday of the Holiday Wine Trail Weekend.

DiBella Winery, in Woolwich Twp, NJ will be offering $3 wine tastings and doing the ornament and wreath give away while supplies last. Hours will be Friday Saturday and Sunday 12-5pm

At Hawk Haven Vineyard you can relax by their cozy fireplace, peruse a selection of wine-related gifts and accessories, and stock up on your favorite wines. Visit the wine bar for an educational tasting of a selection of our wines and our current releases, then take advantage of our Holiday Special Savings Sale; save up to 30% on bottle purchases, Bring a new unwrapped toy or new/gently used children's outerwear to be donated to local families in need, as part of the Giving Vine Campaign. And on Saturday you can take the vineyard tour.

At Jessie Creek Winery in Cape May customers will receive grapevine wreathes and the cutest little snowmen cork ornaments to hand out - of course made with love by the staff. There will be live music and a cozy fire to snuggle up to with your wine and Jessie Creek will also have Cookie and Wine pairings available. Sweet Treats by Mary will be curating a delicious assortment of Holiday Cookies to accompany our Wine Spiral, offered at a set combo of $20.

Natali Vineyards in Cape May will offer a free grapevine wreath and ornament. Complimentary cheese & crackers will be provided. All turkey-ed out? Join Coda Rossa Winery in Franklinville, NJ for delicious homemade lasagna, and a selection of both dry and sweet wines. They will also be offering their Winter Spice wine (limited availability). $12 per person, including a logo glass. The winery is open Friday and Saturday, 11-6pm, Sunday 11-5pm.

Coda Rossa is also one of the many wineries along the wine trail offering a complimentary holiday wine trail wreath and ornament.

Four Sisters Winery in Belvidere will be open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM all three days. There you will receive a grapevine wreath while supplies last. Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington offers tastings $6/ $10 (includes etched HVV glass). Iron Plow Vineyards in Columbus will have musical performances on Friday night and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Enjoy a wine flight, wine by the glass/bottle and an artisan cheese & charcuterie menu. Monroeville Winery in Monroeville will offer a real Black Friday sale from 9am to 11 am only with 20% off all purchases. This includes wine, cheese, candy, snacks, pre made gift baskets and wine accessories. No Wine Tastings during this special time period. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer.

At Sharrott Winery in Hammonton guests will be able to taste the exciting variety of wines made in the Garden State. The Winery will be decorated for the season so you can enjoy wine tasting at their Tasting Bar or Tank Room. All tastings include 6 samples of Sharrott's award-winning wines and a souvenir glass. Tastings are $12 per person (complimentary for Wine Club Members with Member Tasting Card). Also enjoy treats from their decadent chocolate fountain. Sharrott Winery will once again be participating in the annual complimentary grape vine wreath and holiday ornament giveaway, while supplies last.

Southwind Vineyard & Winery, in Millville on Friday November 24 in the tasting room from 1-6pm you can paint your own wine glass for $5. There will be stencils and an art instructor on- hand to assist you. Guests are welcome to bring their own munchies and snacks. On Saturday, Southwind will host the Fall Hunter Pace kicking off at 11am. Riders will need $25, a horse, a helmet and a negative coggins for the horse. There are many divisions and opportunities to ride, including a driving class. Call 609.965.2111 for more information. Top Shelf Mobile Cuisine will provide food and there will be music. On Sunday you can paint your own wine glass from 1-6pm for $5. You can pick up a grapevine wreath and holiday ornament while supplies last.

At Princeton's Terhune Orchards the whole family can enjoy a fun and relaxing day at the farm. Visit the wine tasting room to sample award-winning wines and warm up with a cup of hot mulled wine. Sample our delicious gift basket "ingredients": homemade baked goods, cheeses, apple butter and more. Guest will also receive a wreath while supplies last.

Tomasello Winery in Hammonton will be giving out ornaments and having a tapas bar from 12-6 all three days. Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes will be providing wreaths while supplies last. Valenzano Winery in Shamong will offer a buy 1 Case - get the 2nd Case 50% off. Admission at the door includes a variety of experiences during your visit including wine tasting, barrel & vintages tasting, live music, and special case offers.

At Villa Milagro Vineyards, in Finesville you can experience a little Feliz Navidad. Luminarios will light the Cantina where they will serve tiny tacos, buñuelos and other Mexican treats along with their holiday wines - Gracias, Feliz Navidad and Mi Carino. Bring your wreath from GSWGA for a special ornament. Tasting $5 includes gift glass.

When visiting William Heritage Winery in Mullica Hill from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, enjoy special savings the entire weekend on your total wine purchases. Ring in the New Year with our 2014 Vintage Brut Estate Reserve, New Jersey's only 90 point rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. For the first 100 customers, William Heritage will be offering holiday wreaths which have been provided by The Garden State Wine Growers Association. As a special bonus, William Heritage Winery will also include a personalized ornament for this wreath. Visit the other local wineries in your region to see what they are doing over this special holiday weekend.

Summit City Winery in Glassboro will have live music from 7-10 pm on Friday and Saturday. White Horse Winery in Hammonton will have live music and will be giving out wreaths and ornaments while supplies last. Working Dog Winery in East Windsor will be open 12-5 pm each day of the trail. Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at Working Dog Winery. Award-winning, estate-bottled wine tasting and a warm atmosphere will surely be a great day for all. Relax and listen to The Austin Vuolo Duo on Friday, Williamsboy on Saturday, and The B - Street Band (John and Bud Belvisio) on Sunday. In addition, Jersey Devil BBQ food truck will be joining us on Saturday. Remember to peruse our vast array of holiday baskets which can truly satisfy many of your gift giving needs.

If you are participating in the Garden State Wine Growers Association Wine Trail weekend, receive a free wreath and ornament at the first winery you visit, and then collect an ornament at each winery you visit afterwards.

If you are in New Jersey, the nearest winery is never more than 45 minutes away. Tasting room hours vary by location but each winery is open during the specific trail hours- 12 to 5pm. Details of winery events and a listing of wreath/ornament giveaway locations can be found by visiting www.newjerseywines.com.

The GSWGA is a coalition of over 50 wineries, grape growers and vineyard owners across New Jersey, dedicated to raising the quality and awareness of the New Jersey wine industry.

Photo Credit: Ornaments at Jessie Creek Winery and carolers for DiMatteo Winery courtesy of GSWGA

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