The fall season is almost upon us and that can only mean one thing — it’s winery and craft brew season. And, well, also pumpkin spice everything but first, libations! Just because we aren’t tucked away in the Bordeaux region of France or a traditional Bavarian beer garden doesn’t mean the Tri-State area isn’t filled with vineyards and breweries. This area is sprinkled with some of the loveliest spots to have a wine or small-batch beer tasting with friends. Check out this round-up of wineries and breweries that are worth taking a trip to in New Jersey.
902 Brewing Company | 101 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City, NJ
Located in Jersey City, 902 Brewing features a solid lineup of events, live music, beer, and cigar nights as well as game-day viewings. We love this local brewery, which was originally started in Hoboken. The beers are unique and also have the best names that honor some of our namesake spots.
Applewood Winery | 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick, NY
This beautiful Lower Hudson Valley winery has beautiful, charming vibes that allow guests to taste and purchase a mix of ciders, wines, and meads. The grounds also provide food like wood-fired pizzas and cheese boards for you and your group to enjoy with drinks. The views of the Hudson Valley are absolutely stunning and are a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle of this busy city. This is not a pet-friendly winery.
Read More: Your Guide to Breweries + Outdoor Beer Gardens in Hudson County
Beach Haus Brewery | 801 Main Street, Belmar, NJ
If the beach is still calling your name well into the fall, Beach Haus Brewery is the perfect spot. With guided tours of the brewhouse, guests can learn all about the history of the brewery and beers. Tours are available and always concludes in the taproom, where guests can purchase beer pints or flights. Of course, growlers and packaged goods are available to take home. This brewery is a BYOF (bring your own food), so pack up the picnic baskets and head down the shore or call for local delivery.
Beneduce Vineyards | 1 Jeremiah Lane, Pittstown, NJ
At Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, have a glass of wine while also having your furry friend by your side. That’s right, dogs are allowed at the vineyard. The vineyard also has a variety of food trucks with food from all over the world and allows those who come to have picnics at the vineyard.
Bolero Snort Brewery + Tasting Room | 316 20th Street, Carlstadt, NJ
Founded in 2013 but only opening a full-blown production brewery in the Meadowlands in 2019, Bolero Snort Brewery + Tasting Room has been a long time coming. This 30-barrel American-made brewhouse spans 16,000 square feet and allows them to host a variety of different events, as well as make a wide-ranging variety of beer. From the core Ragin Bull and Jersey Sarcasm lagers to more unique brews such as Marshmallow Pebbulls Milkshake IPA and Strawberry Cream Pop Ale, Bolero Snot Brewery has something for everyone, whether you are a classic beer drinker or up for something more adventurous.
Brooklyn Winery | 61 Guernsey Street, Brooklyn, NY
This urban winery in the heart of Williamsburg is the perfect place to enjoy small-batch wines. In addition to the alfresco wine garden, the winery also serves a delicious menu to pair with each selection. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and works hard to guide each guest through the wine-tasting experience. Reservations are strongly recommended. The winery also hosts weddings and events.
Brotherhood Winery | 100 Brotherhood Plaza Drive, Washingtonville, NY
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As the oldest winery in America, Brotherhood Winery knows exactly what it’s doing. With three different options for tastings (varietal, traditional, and world), guests can enjoy a tasting to their likings. Reservations are required for all tastings.
Cape May Winery + Vineyard | 711 Townbank Road, Cape May, NJ
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Cape May is a beautiful beachfront town with old Victorian architecture and beautiful scenery. Reservations are not taken for outdoor tables but to be seated, check-in with the hostess. There are a few different options for tastings — an educational wine tasting and daily wine options, which feature different bottles of wine by the glass. The winery also has a tapas kitchen with food available to snack on while drinking.
Carton Brewing | 6 East Washington Avenue, Atlantic Highlands
Located on the north Jersey Shore, Carton Brewing has converted an old turn-of-the-century red brick warehouse into a state-of-the-art 15-barrel brew house. The brewery is an intimate and fun space to gather that has 18 beers on tap with the availability to purchase cans to take home as well.
Clearview Vineyard | 35 Clearview Lane, Warwick, NY
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The Warwick area is known for its wineries and Clearview is one of the better-known ones in the area. The grounds are beautifully kept and make for a wonderful day with friends and family. The gorgeous picnic area is also open for food, drinks, and live music.
Crossing Vineyards + Winery | 1853 Wrightstown Road, Newtown, PA
Less than a mile from where George Washington crossed the Delaware in 1776, this stunning vineyard and winery is currently hosting guided tastings of different Crossing Vineyards award-winning wines while enjoying a small snack from the kitchen. There are a variety of options for wine tastings depending on the group and needs. The website has more information regarding tastings and will be the best place to book tickets.
Demarest Hill Winery | 81 Pine Island Turnpike, Warwick, NY
This winery is the largest in New York and is stocked with over 80 different varieties of wine, two ports and ciders, and four kinds of vinegar. The Ciummo Family built this winery on the beautiful grounds and the locale features stunning views of the valley. With an Italian background, Demarest Hill incorporates the tastes of Southern Italy and brings it to a cozy little nook in the Hudson Valley.
Departed Soles Brewing Co. | 150 Bay Street #2A, Jersey City, NJ
This close-to-home brewery has all of the trimmings without the hike. With outdoor seating, live music, and freshly brewed beers on tap, Departed Soles is the perfect spot to enjoy some local brews, friends, and great times together. We love this Jersey City hidden gem and so many love the fact that there are also gluten-free beers available, too. The brewery is located right inside and allows for guests to see where the magic happens.
Four Sisters Winery | 783 County Road 519, Belvidere, NJ
Many know this winery for its barefoot grape stomping as well as its unique and robust wines. Tucked right into the rolling hills of Warren County, this winery also features wine, apple picking, and music festivals. This award-winning winery is an outdoor venue with tented decks and has different wine tastings available. The bistro menu is also available as are wines by the glass or bottle.
Hackensack Brewing Company | 78 Johnson Avenue, Hackensack, NJ
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Situated in the center of the Fairmont district of Hackensack, Hackensack Brewing Company serves up a variety of almost 20 rotating brews that will bring joy to any beer drinker. With options to host events in the indoor and outdoor spaces for free (as long as you bring some beer drinkers along), this is a great space for more intimate gatherings of 30-40 people.
William Heritage Winery | 480 Mullica Hills Road, Mullica Hills, NJ
The beautiful outdoor landscape is only part of the reason we love Heritage Winery. The wine selection is top-of-the-line and very diverse. The food menu also has delicious small tapas and includes a hand-rolled pepperoni and cheese bread, asiago spinach dip, baked brie, and cheese boards. Wine by the bottle and wine by the glass or wine-tasting flights, which are beautifully displayed in flight racks, are the perfect way to relax and enjoy. There are also food trucks and live music available during certain times of the year. Reservations are required.
Kane Brewing Company | 1750 Bloomsbury Avenue, Ocean Township, NJ
Kane Brewing states that its mission is to “serve only the highest quality, freshest craft beers using premium local ingredients and distinctive brewing techniques.” With a wide variety of brews from the staples to barrel-aged and field + oak varieties, be ready to experience unique and bold flavors. The brews here are exclusively sold in the state of New Jersey and the tasting room, so you know you are getting something unique.
Laurita Winery | 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ
The vineyards seem to go on for miles and miles at Laurita Winery and as you walk through each row, the grapes are one better than the net. The primary focus of the harvest is to grow grapes that are accepted worldwide, with some of their first planted in 1998. On the weekends, different events and food trucks line the property, providing a great selection of bites to eat. Reservations are required.
Magnify Brewing Company | 1275 Bloomfield Avenue Building 7 Unit 40C, Fairfield
Magnify Brewing Company does not just limit itself to beer. While the brewery does serve a variety of beers in categories ranging from hoppy to lager, sour, and stout types, it also brews its own hard seltzers like the Shirley Temple and Coconut Cooler. If you are not in the mood to stop by the brewery but are still looking for a fresh + local drink, Magnify Brewing Company also provides home delivery across the entire state of New Jersey.
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ
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What originally started as a personal hobby quickly turned into a full-fledged business for husband and wife owners Leo + Denise when they opened Montclair Brewery back in 2018. With a constantly rotating selection of brews, along with events and live music, there is always something new to experience at Montclair Brewery.
NJ Beer Co. | 4201 Tonnelle Avenue, North Bergen, NJ
This local brewery serves guests in its tasting room. With a variety of beers, including the LBPA Blood Orange IPA, Clear Skies and Fireflies Imperial Pils, One in a Melon Watermelon Sour and so many more, this brewery has an eclectic variety for everyone’s tastes. These beers are exclusive to New Jersey and can’t be found anywhere else.
Old York Cellars | 80 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ
Old York Cellars is more than just a vineyard. Alongside the red, white, rose, sparkling, dessert, + sweet wines are Spanish-inspired meals created by Chef José. Stop by for a Weekend Vineyard Brunch or sign up for a two, three, or five-course wine pairing dinner. You can also create your own personally designed wine label that makes a unique gift or memory of your visit.
Red Hook Winery | Pier 41 (South Side), 175 Van Dyke Street Suite 325A, Brooklyn, NY
With gorgeous views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan from the tasting room, this winery has 150 different labels of Red Hook wine by the glass and tasting flights. Outdoor seating is available, and each tasting includes six wines that the staff will teach guests about.
Renault Winery Resort + Golf | 72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ
If in the Atlantic City area or looking to take a long weekend, Renault is the perfect spot to stay, golf, and enjoy a variety of wines from the winery. This location is a New Jersey State Historical site and is one of the oldest continuously operated wineries in the U.S.
Sixpoint Brewery | 40 Van Dyke Street, Brooklyn, NY
The beer garden is open at Sixpoint and if small-batch beers are your calling, then this is the spot to be. The courtyard is bubbling — pun intended — with a variety of beers available for tasting.
Ventimiglia Vineyard | 101 Layton Road, Wantage, NJ
All wine at Ventimiglia Vineyard follows a family tradition that has been passed down along for generations. All of the wines are still hand-crafted and made in small batches, allowing for the highest quality products. With various red and white wines to choose from, drop by and pick one up to enjoy a picnic in the vineyards.
Warwick Winery + Distillery | 114 Little York Road, Warwick, NY
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This popular fall spot has every base covered when it comes to fun and safety. Warwick’s tasting room is open every day from 11AM until 6PM. The cafe is also open Thursday through Sunday as well. With apple picking, tractor rides, tasting rooms, and shops, Warwick has everything necessary for a wonderful day.
Woodbridge Brewing Co. | 33 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ
Woodbridge Brewing Co. isn’t just known for having locally-made beers. The microbrewery is a family restaurant where you can often find live music and meet your favorite athletes. You can find stars from teams such as the New York Jets, Rangers, Yankees, and more stopping by for meetups with fans, all while enjoying a great sports atmosphere.
See More: Amanti Vino: An Award-Winning Wine Store in Montclair
Working Dog Winery | 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, Highstown, NJ
Working Dog Winery is located a one-hour drive south of Hoboken and has tasting events throughout the year. Home to three acres of Cabernet France + Chardonnay, when you get a sip of their wine you may find it hard to believe that it was made in New Jersey and not France.
Yonkers Brewing Company | 92 Main Street, Yonkers, NY
This local-ish brewery is open for business and has a great little outdoor setup for enjoying brews and food with friends. Yonkers even has a few seltzers available, brewed right on-site. There is something for everyone at Yonkers Brewing Co. and it is a quick, easy drive from Hoboken.
New Bookstore + Cafe, Àbákẹ́, Opening in Jersey City Heights
Coffee shops are not hard to come by in a place as big as Jersey City. Whether it's in Paulus Hook, Journal Square, The Heights, or any other diverse JC neighborhood, locals are bound to come across at least one spot that will satisfy their caffeine cravings. Something that is a rarity, though, is a coffee shop that also serves as a bookstore and an event space for creatives, drawing in all kinds of people with literary and artistic interests. Enter the newest spot to announce its future arrival to the crown jewel of the Garden State: Àbákẹ́ Books + Cafe. This shop, located at 2 Webster Avenue in Jersey City Heights, plans to open in June 2025 and will be a bookstore, coffee shop, and event venue, all in one. Read on for what we know about Àbákẹ́ Books + Cafe coming to Jersey City Heights this summer.
The Details
Àbákẹ́ Books + Cafe, located at 2 Webster Avenue, will be the newest addition to The Heights' coffee and creative scene come June 2025. This space, which is a "one-of-a-kind fusion of literary passion and distinctive coffee flavors," as per its website, is owned by Jacquees Thomas (aka Peace), a Jersey City resident, writer, and creator of "BLK LIT," a podcast surrounding black literature.
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Upon opening, this shop will feature brews sourced from African regions like Tanzania and Rwanda and provide space for special events and projects, such as podcast recordings and film shoots. Àbákẹ́ will also provide workshops for writers, author events that highlight works from across the African diaspora, and be a spot for local small businesses and creators to host their own classes.
"One thing I love about Jersey City is that there's a lot of entrepreneurship," Peace told The Hoboken Girl. "Because of that, there's an opportunity for learning and for us to share what we've learned and what we're creating with one another."
Peace decided to bring Àbákẹ́ to The Heights community because she felt that the neighborhood needed a "place where people can convene and celebrate literature and art," she told HG. Coffee brewing is art in itself and, according to Peace, it tells a story. "Coffee was born in Ethiopia but has traveled across the world and I want to take people on that journey."
Another reason why she decided to open her business is because she wants to share her love of reading with others. "I truly love being read to and reading to others," Peace said. "There's something special about this form of intimate storytelling, and I believe many people miss it and would enjoy it just as much."
While customers wait for the official opening date, customers can shop a handful of its products on Àbákẹ́'s website. Among the highlights are the Àbákẹ́ Onward Blend, a blend of coffee beans sourced from Tanzania and Rwanda; The Blind Date Mystery Book Gift Set, which comes with a curated book and custom seasonal flower bouquet; and The Coffee Nomad, a travel set that features a coffee cup, bean grinder, stainless steel 600-milliliter kettle, glass sharing pot, coffee filter, travel case, and bag of the Àbákẹ́ Onward Blend.
About Àbákẹ́
For Peace, the shop as well as its name carries profound personal meaning. While doing research into her genealogy, she discovered that "Àbákẹ́" is a name that can be traced to the oldest known family member in her ancestry. It also translates to "To be loved" in Yoruba.
The history behind this new spot is a "powerful alignment of heritage and purpose," which "inspired the creation of a community-driven haven, one that honors both her roots and the shared connections between people," according to its website.
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Hours
Àbákẹ́ will be open Tuesday to Friday from 8AM to 7PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9AM to 3PM. While the coffee shop will be closed on Mondays and the majority of Sundays, it will accept pickup orders over $25.
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