Sure, Cape May is nice for a dozen reasons. It’s serene, quiet and serves up some of the freshest seafood at the Jersey Shore. But the Garden State's Southern tip has earned a new reputation in the last few years for the stellar wineries and vineyards producing award-winning bottles of red, white and rose, along with locally-inspired blends with Jersey Fresh ingredients.

Cape May is bursting with wineries, all featuring their own special tours and tastings for the general public. So take some time to hop around a few of these great Cape May vineyards next time you’re in the county; just don’t forget to grab a bottle or two for us.

Cape May Winery
This local namesake proudly displays the area’s lighthouse on most of their labels. With more than 15 awards to its name — including a gold medal for their Cape May Red at the 2012 New Jersey State Wine Competition — their wines aim to please. They’re bottling something for every meal, and offer tours of their four different vineyards every day of the week. (711 Millbank Rd., Cape May; 609-884-1169)

Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
Todd and Kenna Weurker have been growing and selling wine from their 100 acre family-owned farm since 2008, producing 12 varieties of wine available for tasting out of their custom tasting room. Along with tastings and tours offered daily, the winery also has specialty events running well into the fall, like Sangria Sundays and Saturdays on the Crushpad, where you can pair wine with gourmet crepes and live music. (600 S. Railroad Ave., Rio Grande; 609-846-7347)

Jessie Creek Winery
For only $7 you can enjoy a tasting of all five varieties of Jessie Creek wines — including an award-winning Merlot and Cabernet Savignon — and bring home a souvenir wine glass. And you don’t have to go far when you’re looking to call it a night: Jessie Creek has its own bed and breakfast located in front of the winery. (1 North Delsea Dr., Cape May Court House; 609-536-2092)

Willow Creek Winery
Willow Creek has been working for the last seven years to create quality, mature grapes for their seven varietals, including their Outer Coastal Plain Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery celebrates summer with events going all season, including a family day every Sunday, painting night with lessons from a local artist, and yoga in the vineyard every Friday, where guests can enjoy a frozen sangria slushie along with an hour-long yoga class. (168 Stevens St., West Cape May; 609-700-8782)

Turdo Vineyards
If you have any doubt about Turdo Vineyards, just browse their seemingly-endless list of national awards. Their accolades include a gold medal from the 2010 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, and silver at the 2008 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition. It’s also the only vineyard in the state to run entirely on solar energy, and you can schedule private tastings all year around. (3911 Bayshore Rd., North Cape May; 609-884-5591)

Natali Vineyards
Natali has turned their vineyard into a Cape May getaway, with tastings, tours and food for those looking to spend the entire day with a glass in their hand. You can head to the winery for Music on the Vines Monday, held every week through the end of August and featuring live music, bocce, horseshoe, and of course wine tastings, sangria and wine slushies. (221 North Delsea Dr., Cape May Court House; 609-465-0075)

Photo: Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery/Facebook