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 only need to drive down the Parkway to Egg Harbor City, NJ, to the renowned Renault Winery & Resort, where you can sip French-style Champagne from locally grown grapes (and no, you don’t need a passport). Thanks to Louis Nicholas Renault, who came from France and dreamed of creating sparkling and fine wines in the French tradition, Renault is one of the only vintners in the US who calls their sparkling wine Champagne. Today, the 158-year-old winery still produces Champagne, among other varietals, and their French-inspired resort has become a sought-after destination for friends, couples, and families. With special events like Vinter Wonderland in winter, Mother’s Day activities in spring, Fourth of July celebrations 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 Winery & Resort For All Seasons
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. A visit begins with a stop by Taste, where you can taste their Champagnes (including blueberry, which uses local Jersey berries in the blend), using state-of-the-art champagne methods and other varietals like the Chardonnay and Port. While there, feast on charcuterie meats, cheeses, soups, salads, and sandwiches, or pair your wine with baked brie. Other dining options include the Parisian-inspired cafe Cafe la Fleur, which has artisanal coffees and 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.
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 with unique amenities like a kitchenette, bar, and comfy living spaces. Want more reason to stay? The Chateau Spa by Exhale opens soon so that you can add relaxation to the full vineyard experience.
Ice skate on professional quality ice from November to February. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
A roster of events all year round
One of the best parts about Renault is the changing calendar of specially curated wine and family-friendly events, so you don’t have to leave the kids at home. In February, Renault Winery is full of fun activities with The Taste & Tour of Renault, or book a private igloo experience for Valentine’s Day at Taste and enjoy an all-inclusive menu for two. Other events include a Girls’ Day Out, Mother’s Day events, Fourth of July activities, and Renaultberfest with tractor rides and kids activities like a 1 Mile Fun Run, 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.
Holiday fun for everyone
Every November through January, 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. 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 light snacks and blankets. Or opt for a Private Fire Pit + S’mores Experience or a Heated Igloo with a VIP Concierge Service, seasonal menu, and festive decor. During the holidays, look for special events like Buddy’s Sweets Pop Up Bar, where you can sip on delish hot chocolate creation, a Photo Booth, oversized games like Jenga and a barrel toss, holiday photo spots, live-action characters, and Santa’s Living Room where Santa will be telling stories and taking photos. Adults can also visit Louie’s Lounge & Winebar and the Grinch’s Lair Pop-Up Bar for festive cocktails in a cozy Grinch-inspired setting.
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 Taste, the wine-tasting bar, is a must. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday 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 and other benefits. Château Renault is open year-round, and rates vary from $129 and up. Parking is free. And look out for Chateau Spa by Exhale coming soon to Renault.
To learn more about Renault Winery, visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Renault Winery
72 North Bremen Avenue
Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
