CAPE MAY – Cape May is appreciated by wine lovers for its flourishing vineyards and award-winning local wines. The cold months are the ideal time to settle in beside a warm, toasty fire as you sip and swirl, taste and learn about fine regional wines along with superb national and international wines during events sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC).
Spend the day visiting Cape May County’s wineries and sampling the unique flavors of each during the Cape May Wine Trail on Sunday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, March 26, starting with lunch at the Mad Batter Restaurant, 19 Jackson St. Then board the trolley, which will take you to Natali Vineyards and Willow Creek Winery (with the addition of Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery on March 26). Admission is $60 (Feb. 14) and $75 (March 26). Admission includes lunch and wine tastings at each vineyard. This is a limited event, so reserve early.
There are few more enjoyable ways to warm up during winter than by tasting and appreciating fine wines. Expand your knowledge of wine as you learn to discern and appreciate specially selected wines during the Cape May Wine School – Five Regions of French Wine Tasting class at the renowned Washington Inn, with help from a wine expert. Taste wines from Loire, Rhone, Bordeaux, Provence and Jura. The class on Saturday, Feb. 13 takes place at 1 p.m. at the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St., and admission is $40 per person.
Cape May County vineyards are winning awards and their wines are ready for tasting. Spend the afternoon touring Natali Vineyards and Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery and taste wines at each; experience the unique flavors as you sip and swirl at your own pace on the Self-Guided Wine Trail. Admission is $10 and includes a map with the wineries listed. The tour is offered on Saturdays, Sunday, Feb. 14 and daily beginning March 1, from 12 to 5 p.m. Purchase tickets at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, the Hill House office or the Carriage House Visitor’s Center at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., during hours of operation.
What’s brewing in Cape May? Some great spirits, as you’ll find out during the Self-Guided Wine & Brewery Trail, which includes two area wineries, Natali Vineyards and Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, plus the Cape May Brewing Company. Take a tour at each stop; sample wine at the vineyards and receive a brew mug at the brewery. Admission is $15 and includes a map with directions. Offered from 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sunday, Feb. 14 and daily beginning March 1. Purchase tickets at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, Washington Street Mall at Ocean Street, or the Hill House office or the Carriage House Visitor’s Center at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., during hours of operation.
Taste while you tour! Learn how the grapes are grown and the process that turns them into delicious Hawk Haven wines during the Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery Tour at the Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, 600 S Railroad Ave, Rio Grande. The tour includes a souvenir glass and gourmet cheese tasting on the vineyard-view crush pad. Offered at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday, Feb. 14. Tickets are $20 if purchased at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth.
Spend an afternoon at the award-winning Cape May Winery, 711 Town Bank Road, during the Cape May Winery Tour & Tasting. Tour the vineyard to see how the grapes are grown, get an introduction to the winemaker’s art and enjoy cheese and crackers and a sampling of up to eight wines. Offered at 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday, Feb. 14. $20 per person. Purchase tickets at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth or the Hill House office or the Carriage House Visitor’s Center at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., during hours of operation.