Forget spending the weekend after Thanksgiving fighting the crowds at the mall. Instead, spend it following the Holiday Wine Trail in New Jersey. On November 27, 28, and 29 from at least 12–5 PM (some wineries will have extended hours), you can shop local and buy a few bottles of New Jersey’s finest wines, like the unique red blend Coeur d’Est, for the oenophiles on your list, all while sipping your way through the tasting rooms of the state’s wineries.
 

Participating wineries throughout New Jersey will celebrate in their own special way with special prices on tastings and other discounts, gift baskets, and various seasonal offerings. Most of the wineries in the state will also participate in the Garden State Wine Growers Association Wreath & Ornament Program. Pick up a complimentary grapevine wreath and holiday ornament at the first winery you visit and collect additional ornaments to put on your wreath at each participating winery you visit. Visit enough wineries, and you’ll have new keepsake holiday decoration.
 

Wineries are still finalizing their specials, and as they are available, they’re being added to the Garden State Wine Growers Association website. Here’s a sampling of what has been announced so far by the near 40 participating wineries.
 

Hopewell Valley Vineyards
Wine tastings with craft vendors visiting the tasting room each day. (46 Yard Rd., Pennington)
 

Sharrott Winery
Enjoy a seated tasting in the barrel room or live entertainment on the heated patio from 1–4 PM each day of the wine trail. (370 S Egg Harbor Rd., Hammonton)
 

Plagido’s Winery
Enjoy light fare, discounts, and tastings of older vintages of Plagido’s wines. The winery will feature the latest vintage of Coeur d’Est as well. Tastings are $10 per person, $5 for kids under 21. (570 N 1st Rd., Hammonton)
 

Bellview Winery
Get 20% off Merry Christmas Red and Merry Christmas White and $40 Bellview Winery Holiday 4-packs. (150 Atlantic St., Landisville)
 

Natali Vineyards 
Ongoing winery tours throughout the 3-day weekend. (221 N Delsea Dr., Cape May Court House)
 

More information will be added to the website as it’s available, or visit the websites of the individual wineries you’re considering visiting. Before heading out, use this map of all the wineries in New Jersey to plan your personal holiday wine trail.

Photo via Garden State Wine Growers Association