Cape May has a special charm during the holidays, and we love welcoming guests this time of year. Cape May’s Victorian architecture, coastal setting, and seasonal atmosphere make it a relaxing place to visit during the holidays.
Willow Creek Winery in West Cape May offers holiday visitors a 50-acre vineyard estate with guided wine tastings, self-poured flights, charcuterie boards, and optional vineyard cart tours, which run seasonally. On-site rental cottages offer overnight stays just steps from the vines, and the winery is minutes from Cape May’s historic district and beaches, making it a natural anchor for a full day on the island.
Whether you’re planning a festive outing with friends, a relaxed family afternoon, or a quiet solo escape, building it around Willow Creek Winery helps create a smooth and enjoyable day. We’re set on a 50-plus-acre vineyard estate in West Cape May, just minutes from downtown and the beach. As you arrive along our vineyard road, the pace naturally slows.
Make the Winery Your Anchor, Then Let the Day Unfold
A holiday visit to Cape May deserves a clear starting point. Ours is a 50-plus-acre vineyard estate where rolling vines and estate-grown wines create a natural gathering place. Start here, settle in, and let the rest of the afternoon take shape around you.
Start with a Tasting or a Tour
The best holiday day plans have a centerpiece, and ours is a tasting. Our private, table-side Educational Wine Tasting runs about 45 minutes, guided by one of our Wine Educators using our signature three-sip system. It’s a relaxed way to slow down, learn something, and taste through our wines and sangrias produced on-site. The experience is bookable online, and we recommend reserving ahead of time, especially during busy seasons.
If your group wants to learn more about the vineyard, our Vineyard Tour is worth planning into your morning. It takes place on an electric cart and lasts about 45 minutes, covering the history of the vineyard, the grape varieties we grow, the Cape May Island microclimate, and our sustainable agriculture. It runs seasonally and weather permitting, so check availability and reserve in advance.
Settle In for Wine and a Board
After a tour or tasting, most guests find a natural rhythm in the tasting room. The post-and-beam ceiling makes it feel like a comfortable place to relax on a cool holiday afternoon. You can order wines by the glass, bottle, or flight, and our Self-Guided Tasting Flights bring three curated three-ounce pours to your table in an elegant tasting tree.
Add a Charcuterie and Sparkling Combo for the table. You’ll get a sparkling wine toast on arrival, then a board loaded with imported meats and cheeses, grapes, dried figs, olives, walnuts, olive oil, and a baguette. It requires a minimum of six guests and is bookable online. For groups that want a dedicated setting, ask about our celebration table or renting one of our covered porches for an elevated experience with ivory damask linens, votive candles, and centerpieces, reserved for up to three hours.
Build Your Day Around Cape May
We’re minutes from Cape May’s beaches and downtown, so the winery fits naturally into a longer day on the island. A morning walk through the historic district, lunch at the winery, and an afternoon at the beach is a full and genuinely relaxing itinerary. If your group is staying over, our on-site rental cottages put you steps from the vines. The Merlot Cottage, Canal House, and The Stable are among the options, and they’re especially in demand during the fall harvest and holiday season, so plan early.
Our sister property, The Southern Mansion, sits in Cape May’s historic district and is a few minutes away by car. It’s worth knowing about for groups looking for traditional bed-and-breakfast accommodations, with a full gourmet breakfast.
Conclusion
Planning a holiday day in Cape May around Willow Creek Winery is about slowing down and enjoying your time without overplanning. The stone fireplace, our wines, and the short drive to Cape May’s beaches make for an afternoon that feels genuinely restorative.
We’re here to help you plan your visit. Book a tasting, tour, or dining reservation online, or contact our team at info@willowcreekwinerycapemay.com or 609.770.8782.
FAQs
Do I need a reservation for a holiday visit to Willow Creek Winery?
Reservations are strongly encouraged, particularly during the May through October high season and on weekends, when tables often sell out. Limited first-come seating is available at the outdoor bar area, but a reservation guarantees your table.
How long should I plan to spend at the winery?
A standard dining reservation is 90 minutes. If your group wants more time, a two-hour reservation is available to book online.
Can we bring outside food or beverages to the winery?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Our team handles all food and beverage service so you can relax and enjoy your visit.
Are dogs welcome during a holiday visit?
Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome in our outdoor seating areas, allowing you and your furry friends to enjoy the winery together!