The weather in New Jersey this week (June 14th) started overcast and rainy. So much for the sunny beach break I had in mind. We cancelled our vacation plans and decided to wait until next month to go away. But, the weather turned out to be absolutely magnificent on Thursday so we had to get outside and enjoy it. Outdoor activities, please!
I had been looking to go to the Renault Winery (www.renaultwinery.com) since last winter when they advertised their winter festival, but we just didn’t purchase the tickets and it was not the right time to go with COVID-19 still on the increase.
When I was looking for places for dinner when we were going to Ocean City this spring, the Champagne Patio at the Renault Winery kept popping up. I decided to take a closer look now that the weather was sunny and warm, and COVID-19 restrictions in New Jersey had been loosened. Reservation made for the Champagne Patio.
We live in southern New Jersey, about an hour from Atlantic City. Surprisingly there are several wineries toward the Jersey coastal towns that are producing some really good wines. Renault (along with several other wineries) have been in the wine business for decades. We always drive by the Renault bottle on what is now our “back way to the shore” and wanted to go to see the winery. Who knew the winery was actually 16 miles from the landmark wine bottle?
The Champagne Garden at the Renault Winery is quite expansive. It surrounds the tasting room building with a selection of lounge chairs, picnic tables, umbrellas, and even fire pits.
A pitcher of Sangria and some snacks to share. It was a great location to enjoy the wine country in New Jersey, down toward the Jersey Shore.
Lovely spot for a lazy afternoon in the sunshine or an evening gathering with friends around a fire pit (available for reservation). We are planning to return to enjoy the musical entertainment every weekend and the restaurant at the Inn looks interesting as well.
Are you sure that we are not in California wine country?
