Renault is recognized as a New Jersey Historical site, the oldest winery in the state and the second oldest winery in the country. Located in Egg Harbor City, the first grapes were planted by Renault Winery’s founder, Louis Nicholas Renault, while the Civil War was still being waged. They have always been known for their “champagnes” or sparkling wines and today still make several different sparkling wines in this tradition. Renault was one of the few alcohol-related businesses that made money legally during prohibition via obtaining licenses for selling wines for church services and for “medicinal purposes” (think, “Nucky” Thompson and Boardwalk Empire).
There are numerous reminders of their colorful past in the photographs hanging on walls of famous and infamous people who have visited or been involved in the Renault wine business. It has had several owners between Renault and Joseph Milza. Milza bought Renault in 1977 and transformed the property into a golf, dining and resort destination. However, according to a recent story (1/6/17) in The Press of Atlantic City, Renault was sold at a foreclosure sale on 11/16/16 and another management group has taken over. Fortunately, Renault has remained open with 150 jobs intact. There have long been widely publicized financial difficulties along the way, but from the outside everything seems to be blooming and booming. Renault still produces a large volume of wine and a large array of varietals.
Renault makes the following white wines: Noah (a semi-dry white with floral notes); Fresello (light and sweet); Chardonnay (dry and unoaked); Premium Chardonnay (oaked); Sauvignon Blanc; Riesling; and Fleur de Blanc (“honey and grapefruit”). They offer a May Wine (sweet with strawberry flavor) and Pink Lady (a semi-sweet Rose Wine).
Renault’s red wines include: Royal Rouge (a red blend); Cabernet Sauvignon (American Oak); Merlot (American Oak); Garden State Red (dry, medium bodied – French Oak); Cynthia Estate Reserve (made with Norton grapes in French Oak); Burgundy (made with Baco Noir grapes); Premium Merlot (French Oak); and Premium Cabernet Sauvignon (French Oak).
Renault’s sparkling wines include American Champaign; Blueberry Champaign; Premium Champaign (Extra Dry blend of whites and bottle fermented by hand); and Pink Champaign (semi-sweet). Renault’s Specialty Wines include Sangria, American Port (red), White Port and Cream Sherry.
Regular individual tour hours are Monday thru Friday 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday tours are every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tastings are done on the half-hour of the hours listed for their tours. There is a $5 charge for the tour and a $5 stemware charge for the wine tasting, which allows you to try five wines. Store hours (for sales only) are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The tour alone with the rich and fascinating history is worth the trip by itself. Cap off your tour by trying a few of their wines. If you want to try something different, consider the Burgundy or the Cynthia Estate Reserve (both coming from interesting hybrid grapes that are found commonly in America, especially on the eastern seaboard). The American Port is also worth trying.
If you get a chance to check out the other amenities and services here, do so. Even the more casual restaurant, Joseph’s, is very good. I, for one, hope Renault makes it through these difficult economic times. It is more than just a South Jersey landmark; it is a historical landmark, even for those not into wine. Are there people like that? Nobody I know!
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a New Jersey winery recently? Share your experiences here.
Cheers!
Alice and I will stop by, probably after a walk on the Batona trail, and will do so with a “non-prejudge-mental attitude! My mother loved their blueberry “champagne”. Thanks Dave
David, Their sparkling wines were once recognized as among the best in the world – many years ago. Much has changed since then, but the tour is fascinating and you should be able to find at least one or two wines that you and Alice will like.