Happy Hour & NJ Wine

I have felt for sometime that wineries are a better place to enjoy a happy hour than a bar. During this pandemic this is even more true. Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against bars and have spent a fair number of happy hours at one or another over the years. They can offer a cool ambience and some decent specials. But, let me give you a short list of what a happy hour at a New Jersey winery has over most bars in New Jersey. Though typically celebrated after work (roughly 4-7 PM), a happy hour can certainly be enjoyed at any time.

Advantages of Wineries vs Bars

1. Lots of room to kick back. No cramped, shoulder-to-shoulder seating.
2. Not too noisy to chat with a friend, co-worker, date, or spouse.
3. Often there is live music (see some examples below).
4. Food options are often better than bar food (and they host safe and beautiful outdoor dining).
5. If you’re a wine drinker, there’s just no comparison. Bars generally offer a choice of a glass of red or white wine (perhaps a drinkable Chardonnay or Merlot, if you’re lucky). Good luck getting a bottle to split.

Happy Hour(s) at the Vineyards

Here are a few of my favorite South Jersey wineries open during traditional happy hours. Some offer reduced prices by the glass or bottle. Most require reservations during COVID to comply with social distancing. Even when not mentioning a happy hour, they are great to visit with so much to offer. Most days after work (especially Fridays) are getting to be hugely popular at vineyards, so book in advance. All of the following wineries also offer live music at least once a week. Most commonly this is on weekends.

• White Horse Winery in Hammonton-Happy Hour Special Tuesday-Thursday 4-7 PM (Thursdays are also Pizza Night)! whitehorsewinery.com
• Bellview Winery in Landisville-Currently doing “Friday Night Happy Hours” from 4-6 PM and offering $2 off a glass of wine and Specialty Mini Platters. bellviewwinery.com
• Cedar Rose Vineyards in Millville-In the past they have offered a “Happier Hour” with specials on their wines. Even without specials, this is a special place to kick back and relax after work (or really any time). Closed Monday thru Wednesday currently. Check their website here: cedarrosevineyards.com
• Sharrott Winery in Hammonton- Live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 6-9 PM; Saturday 1-4 also (a doubleheader)! Check their website here: sharrottwinery.com
• Autumn Lake Winery in Williamstown-Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. autumnlakewinery.com Great place to chill out with a glass (or bottle) of wine, while overlooking the lake.
• Hawk Haven Vineyards in Rio Grande-Lots of live music on weekends. Check their website for happenings here: hawkhavenvineyard.com
• William Heritage Winery-Great place to hang out now and coming soon…Vino & Vibes begins 6/3 Live music Thursdays 6-9 PM $5 for Members; $7 for nonmembers. Every Thursday during the summer. You must make reservations well in advance. Check their website for more info. Lots going on here. Check their website here: heritagewinenj.com

Our Zoom Happy Hour

Generally once a week, my wife and I do a Zoom happy hour with friends. During this pandemic, we have all leaned heavily on technology to bring us together. It’s also a great way to bring people together who are separated by too many miles. Today’s happy hour choices:

• My choice today is Bellview Winery’s Solavita, a nice dry red blend, with notes of cherry and vanilla.
• My wife went with Turdo Vineyards’ Sauvignon Blanc, a medium-bodied version that pairs with food better than most, but is also delicious all by itself. Delicious notes of melon, lemongrass, and grapefruit.

Cheers!

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