If you’ve ever dreamed of heading to the Champagne region of France, we’ve got good news—you don’t have to hop on a plane. You can just get in the car and travel to Egg Harbor City, NJ, where Renault Winery & Resort produces Champagne from grapes grown in the Garden State. Thanks to Louis Nicholas Renault, who came from France and dreamed of creating sparkling wine and fine wines in the French tradition, Renault became one of the only vintners in the US with the privilege of calling his sparkling wine Champagne. Today, the 156-year-old winery with a rich history still produces Champagne, among other varietals, but the French-inspired resort has evolved into a destination for friends, couples, and families. With special events like Vinter Wonderland in winter, Mother’s Day activities in spring, Fourth of July festivities in summer, and Renaultberfest in fall, Renault is one of our top picks for wineries in NJ. Read on for more about this unique piece of the French countryside in the Garden State. (featured photo credit: Renault Winery)
Renault for all seasons
Enter “Wine City” in South Jersey at Renault Winery & Resort. Photo Credit: Renault Winery & Resort
Enjoy wine tastings and gourmet cuisine
Come for the wine, and stay for the unique restaurants and curated events that make Renault stand out from other wineries in the Garden State. Renault’s champagnes and fine wines have been continuously produced since 1864 and are among a select few United States wineries with the privilege to label their sparkling wine as Champagne, using state-of-the-art champagne methods. A visit begins with a stop by Taste1864, where you can taste their Champagnes (including blueberry, which uses local Jersey berries in the blend) and other varietals like the Chardonnay and Port. While there, feast on a charcuterie board, take bites of a flatbread or pair your wine with a steak or piece of fish. Other dining options include the Parisian-inspired cafe Cafe la Fleur with artisanal coffees, pastries, and their specialty—wine-infused cupcakes (yum). And for a romantic date night, book a table at the Vintner Select, with a seasonal tasting menu with gourmet dishes carefully curated by the Executive Chef and paired with the winery’s celebrated wines and champagnes.
Enter the “Capture the beauty of the moment” contest around Renault Winery & Resort. Photo taken at Renault Winery & Resort
Winter fun for everyone
Every November through February, Renault Winery is transformed into Vintner Wonderland to celebrate a successful harvest. It’s truly a festival with something for everyone, especially kids who can find plenty to do if you want to sneak away to sip wine. As you make your way onto the grounds, you can’t miss the “tree” made out of wine barrels or the ice skating rink, a professional rink with cute whale pushers to help novice skaters, and plenty of staff on-site to assist with anything you need. Nearby is the Vintner Village, which has local vendors, artists, and winery merchandise. Kids will want to stop by the bracelet-making shop for personalized arm candy and, during special times, a face-painting artist who offers custom hand-made bubble hair braids for kids. When you’re there, don’t miss out on the seasonal drinks like mulled wine and hot cider served in their branded mason jars, which make for a great keepsake. If it’s chilly outside, you can cozy up in a cabin cabana rental that’s heated and enclosed with access to an outdoor private fire pit with a s’mores kit. Or opt for a Fire Pit Experience or a rinkside igloo for clear views of the skaters. Feeling hungry? There’s a food truck nearby that serves up delicious treats like chili, large hot pretzels, and pizza. And if you have a sweet tooth, visit Louie’s Lounge, which has a large heated tent, comfy tables and couches, and a wine bar.
Ice skate on professional quality ice from November to February. Photo taken at Renault Winery
A roster of events all year round
One of the best parts about Renault is the changing calendar of specially curated wine events and family-friendly ones, so you don’t have to leave the kids at home. Kids will love to cozy up to the outdoor movies by the firepits on the big screen, and everyone will be singing along to the live music that plays during days and evenings on the weekends. In February, Renault Winery is full of fun classes with your cupid with Valentine’s Day Experiences like The Art of Charcuterie: Dessert Edition or kid’s programs like Pizza Making Workshop, watching Princesses on Ice show, or sampling their mac and cheese bar at Let’s Get Cheesy. Other events include a Wine & Chocolate Mardi Gras Run, Mother’s Day events, Fourth of July activities, and Renaultberfest with tractor rides and kids activities like a vine sack race relay, Paint a Pumpkin Workshop and some good old-fashioned grape stomping. Want to plan a party? Renault also has twelve event venues, from a historic speakeasy to a glass museum room, where you can host anything from a wedding to an upscale meeting. And there’s lots to do beyond the wine tastings, including world-class golf with an 18-hole championship course among the vineyards.
Stay awhile at the Chateau Renault. Photo Credit: Renault Winery & Resort
Stay over at the French-inspired Chateau Renault
With newly renovated, chic blue and white interiors, the on-site Chateau Renault boasts 55 rooms and suites that blend modern amenities with a French sensibility inspired by the founder’s roots. Staying at the Chateau makes you feel like you stepped inside a French country house (albeit one with a coffee bar and outdoor pool). Rooms are outfitted with plush bedding in crisp white, marble bathrooms, and French Blue furnishings and offer views of the vineyards and winery. There are also suites should you want to stay longer, with unique amenities like a kitchenette and bar and living spaces to relax in.
Fire pit fun all year round at Renault Winery. Photo Credit: Renault Winery & Resort
What to know before you go
Located in South Jersey, Renault Winery & Resort can be a daycation or weekend sojourn for groups, couples, and families. Make sure you check their events calendar for tastings, workshops, cooking classes, kids classes, festivals, and experiences any time of the year. Reservations for dining and special events are recommended. Of course, a visit to Taste1864, the wine-tasting bar, is a must. It’s open Monday through Sunday starting at noon to sip their famous Champagne, and while you’re there, sign up for the Renault Wine Club, where you will receive three wines or champagnes per quarter, along with other benefits. Château Renault is open year-round, and rates vary from $169 and up. Parking is free.
Renault Winery
72 North Bremen Avenue
Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
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