Two family‑owned wineries in South‑Central New Jersey are drawing visitors with wines made from grapes grown in the Garden State. Wagonhouse Winery, located at 1401 NJ‑45 in Swedesboro, was founded more than two decades ago by Daniel and Heather Brown. The Browns have expanded the operation to produce over 30 wines, ranging from estate‑grown dry reds and whites to the sweet Three Boys Brand fruit wines and a cream‑style line called The Vintner’s Wife.
Family‑friendly experiences
Wagonhouse emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere for families. The property features a courtyard, a gazebo, and a small pet farm where children can interact with friendly animals. Inside the tasting room, guests can enjoy light bites, curated wine flights, gelato flights and wine‑based cocktails. To mark America’s 250th anniversary, the winery introduced a red, white and blue Star Spangled Sangria that includes a hint of edible sparkle.
Cedar Rose Vineyards highlights local terroir
Just a short drive away in Rosenhayn, Cedar Rose Vineyards operates on a 20‑acre site at 31 Kenyon Avenue, Millville. Friends Dustin Tarpine and Steve Becker began planting vines shortly after college and opened the winery six years later. Their wines reflect the region’s soil and climate, and the vineyard pairs each bottle with a full food menu, charcuterie boards and rotating tasting events.
Monthly events at Cedar Rose range from classic wine‑and‑cheese pairings to more playful combinations such as wine with wings, wine with macarons and wine with ice cream. Visitors can also create custom wine flights or enjoy a mimosa flight while taking in the scenic vineyard setting.
Supporting local agriculture and tourism
Both wineries illustrate how small‑scale producers are contributing to New Jersey’s agricultural diversity and tourism economy. By focusing on estate‑grown grapes, they reduce reliance on out‑of‑state fruit and keep more of the value chain within the state. Their family‑oriented amenities encourage weekend outings for local residents and travelers seeking a relaxed, wholesome experience.
Wagonhouse and Cedar Rose also provide modest employment opportunities for the surrounding communities, from vineyard workers to hospitality staff. Their presence supports ancillary businesses such as local farms, artisans and service providers that benefit from increased visitor traffic.
Visiting information
Wagonhouse Winery can be reached at (856) 408‑1401 and maintains an active presence on Facebook and Instagram. Cedar Rose Vineyards is available at (856) 221‑3131, with similar social‑media outreach. Both locations welcome reservations for private events, group tastings and special celebrations.
As New Jersey continues to promote its local food and beverage sector, wineries like Wagonhouse and Cedar Rose serve as exemplars of family entrepreneurship, regional pride and the enduring appeal of home‑grown products.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
