It's probably surprising to learn that New Jersey is home to over twenty wineries. Producing over 40 varieties of wines and more than a million gallons of wine each year, New Jersey is actually the fifth in production among wine producing states in the US. The Garden State Wine Growers Association has put together some wonderful wine trails to help visitors plan day trips to a number of wineries along each trail.

Spend a day in New Jersey's beautiful countryside on the The Hunterdon County wine trail. Start off at Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington, which specializes in Tuscan style winemaking. Their wine tasting room features a wood burning stove, a copper wine bar and large windows overlooking the vineyards. A new deck has also been added with picnic tables. Next, head to Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes where the winery is a bright red barn which dates back to 1858. The tasting room and wine shop has windows overlooking the winemaking operation. Amwell Valley Vineyard is next on the trail. This winery is in the Sourland Mountain and boasts beatiful views. A deck allows visitors to eat picnic lunches and drink wine while enjoying the views. Finish your day at the Tomasello Winery Outlet in Lambertville.

The Northwest Wine Trail is a charming day trip, which features four vineyards. Alba Vineyards in Finesville is another barn turn winery, which dates back to 1805.

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First Published: Jun 28, 2006