Wine Events Celebrate Abundance as Spring Begins in Cape May

CAPE MAY — Cape May in spring offers a wide variety of delicious tours and activities sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) that feature wine, beer and spirits. Come to Cape May and delve into these exciting wine events, including some Cape May favorites.
Spend the day visiting Cape May County’s wineries and sampling the unique flavors of each during the Cape May Wine Trail. First enjoy lunch at the famous Mad Batter Restaurant, 19 Jackson St., and then board the trolley, which will take you to Natali Vineyards, Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery and the new Willow Creek Winery in West Cape May, where you’ll learn about viniculture and visit the tasting rooms. The event is the afternoon of March 22, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $75 and includes lunch, wine tastings at each vineyard and a wine tasting glass. This is a limited event, so reserve early.
There’s something luxurious about sipping wine on a spring afternoon. Taste French wines during Cape May Wine School – Reds and Whites of Provence, at the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St. Discern and appreciate a selection of these fine wines and increase your knowledge of pairings, at 1 p.m. March 29. Admission is $40 per person.
Ready for an afternoon of good spirits? Try these events that celebrate the flavors of the Cape May area’s outstanding vineyards and brewery:
Savor a glass of wine at the Cape May Winery, 711 Townbank Road as you take a Winery Cellar Tour & Tasting. See how the grapes are grown and learn about the winemaker’s art as you enjoy a barrel-tasting accompanied by cheese and fruit at 3 p.m. every Saturday, plus Sundays starting May 18 and daily starting June 14. Tickets are $20; the event is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street. If you prefer, explore at your own pace during the Self-guided Wine Trail. Visit Natali Vineyards, Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery and Jessie Creek Winery and taste the unique flavors at each. Offered 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays and daily beginning March 28. Admission is $13 and includes a map with the wineries listed. What’s brewing in Cape May? Some great spirits, as you’ll find out on the Self-guided Wine & Brewery Trail featuring three area wineries, Natali Vineyards, Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery, and Jessie Creek Winery, plus the new Cape May Brewing Company. Take a tour at each stop and sample some of their products. Admission is $15 and includes a map with directions. Tours are offered 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays through March 22 and daily (except Tuesdays) beginning March 28. 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 600 S Railroad Ave, Rio Grande. The tour includes a souvenir glass and gourmet cheese tasting on the vineyard-view crush pad and is offered at 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets are $20 if purchased at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth or the Hill House office at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St.
The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508. For information about historic accommodations, contact Cape May Historic Accommodations at www.capemaylodging.com.