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The Jersey Shore has some splendid wineries. The terroir is terrific: Maritime climate, ocean and bay winds, sandy soils, and low hills have made Jersey Shore vineyards a smashing success over the years.
Jersey Shore's Renault Winery
In fact, the Jersey Shore claims one of the nation's oldest, continuously-operating wineries. Renault Winery, in Egg Harbor, opened in 1864 and has been making wine ever since. What about Prohibition, you might ask? To get around the strict Prohibition laws, Renault produced sacramental wines and medicinal “tonics” sold at nearly every pharmacy in the United States. Nowadays, their successful business strategies continue. In the 2006 New Jersey Wine Competition, for instance, Renault Winery varietals claimed gold, silver, and bronze medals. Their best wines include the gold-medal Louis Renault Premier Champagne, the silver-medal Fresello and Cynthiana, and the bronze-medal 2004 Chardonnay, NV Chablis, Pink Lady, and White Merlot. Tour Renault's rose gardens and courtyard, vaulted-ceiling wine cellar, and make sure to enjoy a tasting, too. Renault Winery is open year-round, seven days a week.
Jersey Shore's Cape May Winery
Not to be outdone, there's also the award-winning Cape May Winery, situated in picturesque and popular Cape May; the Jersey Shore's most southerly located winery. Their Vinifera wines clearly reap the benefits of cool summer sea breezes off the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, combined with moderate winter temperatures. Cape May Winery's Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon have also claimed 2006 New Jersey Wine Competition gold, silver, and bronze metals. The tasting room is open year-round, but you should call ahead to confirm seasonal hours.
Jersey Shore's Turdo Vineyards & Winery
The new Turdo Vineyards & Winery in North Cape May has already made a magnificent mark on the Jersey Shore's wine industry. Their 2003 Moscato claimed a gold medal in the 2006 New Jersey Wine Competition, and the 2003 Rosato and 2003 Sauvignon Blanc brought in bronze medals. Turdo Vineyard is open for tastings from Thursday-Sunday.
Wineries in Atlantic City, Wildwood, Cape May, New Jersey Shore
Wineries
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