New Jersey vineyards have come a long way in a few short years. What was arguably drinkable local wine is now winning awards in some respectable competitions. Hopewell Valley Vineyards is one such winery: This years Finger Lakes Wine Competition earned them 16 winners amongst 3,200 wines from over 20 countries. In addition, their popular 2009 Merlot was scored 92 at the Los Angeles Wine and Spirits Competition!

Owned by the Neri family with three generations of Tuscan wine making experience, Hopewell Valley Vineyards blends Old World flair with New World style. The location itself is worth a visit: The drive up the long path, with rolling hills in the distance and rows of grapevines just in front, is lovely.

The vineyard is open daily for tastings from noon to 5PM and Thursday through Saturday evening from 6PM to 9PM. Visitors will enjoy live jazz on Thursdays, and every Friday and Saturday is "Music and Merlot" with live music, brick oven pizza and, of course, wine.

Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Rd
Pennington, NJ 08534

(609) 737-4465