As New Jersey becomes better known for its wines, following the state’s wine trails to hit  tasting rooms has become a popular way to spend a weekend or vacation day. Tasting rooms are bursting with guests. Charlie and Jack Tomasello, owners of Tomasello Winery, found their tasting room was no exception.

The size of the crowds on certain days at their Hammonton winery weren’t manageable, so they built a new tasting room. It opened on April 25, just in time to welcome the wine trail followers and travelers on their way to the Jersey shore.

Visitors to the winery’s new, larger tasting room will find an open, bright, airy space that’s kept at 67 degrees F for optimum wine storage. They can step up to the modern bar for a tasting of any five of the wines Tomasello is offering that day for just $5 – and they get to keep their wine glass. Behind the bar is an impressive wall of wine of bottles, the equivalent of 52 cases. A custom library ladder helps workers reach the vintage wines stored at the top.

Visitors are encouraged to buy a bottle and a cheese plate to take outside to sit at a table and enjoy the courtyard. The winery plans to offer a tapas inspired menu in the near future. And, of course, wine is available to go. Tomasello makes a wide variety of red, white and fruit wines. Here is just a sampling of what they offer.

Tomasello NV Pinot Grigio
A crisp, summery white wine that’s pleasing right out of the bottle. It doesn’t need food to be enjoyed, but it pairs well with dishes like seafood, grilled chicken dishes, cheeses and leafy green salads. ($15.95) 

Tomasello 2013 Outer Coastal Plain Chambourcin
Tomasello has a huge following for this American oaked red wine made from New Jersey’s signature grape. It’s chocolatey and peppery with a buttery finish. Pair this wine with sharp and blue cheeses, duck or lamb dishes, and red-sauced pastas. ($16.95)

Tomasello Cherry Wine 
Forget what you think you know about New Jersey’s cloyingly sweet fruit wines. This cherry wine is nothing like that. It’s a little sweet but more tart and has the flavor of a Red Hot without the heat. This wine exists to be paired with a good slice of plain cheesecake. ($11.95)

Tomasello Winery’s tasting room is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM–6 PM; Saturday 9 AM–7 PM; and Sunday 11 AM–6 PM. The winery is located at 225 North White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ.  

Tasting room photo courtesy of Tomasello Winery; Sign photo by Robin Shreeves