Cape May Winery

Sure, it’s not strictly woodworking, but, hey, I’m on vacation, so you get this.

Believe it or not, in touristy Cape May County, New Jersey, there’s a little bit of a wine renaissance taking place. About 18 years ago, students with Rutgers University planted a sample vineyard in a sleepy little corner of the county, away from the beaches, t-shirt shops and sunburned vacationers.

With Delaware Bay to the west, the Atlantic to the east and some very well-drained soils, classic wine grapes are being harvested and turned into really nice wines. Pino Grigio, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc are growing well, and the county is quick becoming a wine destination.

Now, what about that woodworking? Well, the vines, winery and tasting room stand on what used to be the estate of one Isaac Smith, the local coffin maker. In fact, the Isaac Smith label is in the shape of – you guessed it – a coffin.

I just had to work some woodworking in on this trip!