If you’re planning a trip to Cape May, New Jersey, or even heading down to the Wildwoods, there’s one stop that deserves a place on your itinerary: Willow Creek Winery. We visited last December, and it’s one of those wineries that stays with you long after the last sip.
From the moment you walk in, Willow Creek feels warm, inviting, and full of character—exactly what you want from a New Jersey winery experience.
A Rustic Tasting Room with So Much Personality
Willow Creek Winery features a large yet beautifully designed tasting room and restaurant that manages to feel cozy despite its size. The space has a rustic charm that instantly makes you want to settle in and take your time.
Seating options are plentiful. You can sit at traditional tables, grab a spot at the bar’s high-top tables, or relax on one of their comfortable couches. Whether you’re visiting for a tasting, a meal, or both, the atmosphere is perfect for lingering.
Let’s Talk About the Food (Because It’s Worth It)
Before diving into the wine, we have to talk about the food—because it deserves its own moment.
We started with the crab dip served with tortilla chips, which was rich, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. My fiancé ordered the peach salad topped with chopped walnuts and feta cheese, paired with pulled pork, while I went for the signature Willow Burger. It was cooked perfectly and paired beautifully with our wines.
If you’re visiting Willow Creek Winery, don’t skip the food—it elevates the entire experience.
Wine Tastings at Willow Creek Winery
One of the things I love most about Willow Creek Winery is the variety. They offer eight different wine tasting flights, giving visitors plenty of options whether you prefer whites, reds, or something in between.
We chose the Prestige Flight and the Estate Flight, and both were fantastic. The presentation of each wine was thoughtful, and our server did a great job explaining not just what we were tasting, but also a bit of the winery’s history along the way. That personal touch made the tasting even more enjoyable.
The Wine You Must Try: Malvasia
Out of all the wines we tasted, Malvasia completely stole the show.
According to our server, Malvasia is only grown in a few places around the world—Italy, Greece, parts of southern California, and right here at Willow Creek Winery in New Jersey. What makes that even more interesting is that all of these locations sit along the same latitude, creating the ideal growing conditions for this unique grape.
If you visit Willow Creek Winery and only try one wine, make it the Malvasia.
Why Willow Creek Winery Belongs on Your Cape May Itinerary
Willow Creek Winery is more than just a place to taste wine—it’s an experience. Between the welcoming atmosphere, excellent food, diverse tasting flights, and standout wines, it’s an easy recommendation for both seasoned wine drinkers and those just starting their New Jersey wine journey.
If you’re heading to Cape May or the Wildwoods, make sure Willow Creek Winery is on your list. You can learn more or plan your visit at WillowCreekWineryCapeMay.com.
Fun Fact: The Story Behind the Wilde Cock Label
One last fun detail before you go—their wine label is called Wilde Cock. The name comes from the owners’ last name (Wilde) and the many chickens that roam the winery grounds. Once you know the story, it’s impossible not to smile when you see the label.
Have you been? Drop a comment about your experience with a local winery. As always… Please like, share and subscribe.
