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Renault Winery Transforms Into Vintner Wonderland

originally published: 12/11/2024


(EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ) -- Renault Winery has announced the magical return of Vintner Wonderland, now through January 20, 2025. The South Jersey winery (72 North Bremen Avenue) has been transformed into a scene from a Hallmark movie with the entire estate decked out for the holiday season - and beyond.

America's Most Historic Winery invites families from the tri-state region and East Coast to experience centuries-old European holiday traditions, reimagined across Renault's sprawling vineyard estate, with festive vibes and decor around every turn. Guests are invited to gather outdoors around cozy fire pits, dine inside wintery igloos, sip hot spiced wine, indulge in decadent hot chocolate and enjoy sweets and treats - all while soaking in the sights, songs and flavors of the season.

Highlights this year include the Vintner Ice Skating Rink, Vintner Village, the Vintner Barrel Train, the unique Vintner Wonderland Barrel Tree, Cookies and Cocktails, Festival of Trees, Rudolphi Run and much more. Family fun will include Breakfast with Santa, Stories with Santa, crafts and activities, face painting, family skate nights and more. New this year are Grinch's Lair Pop-Up Holiday Bar, Santa's Workshop, Louie's Lounge Wine Bar, Buddy's Sweet Shoppe and new Holiday Pop-up Market Weekends.

Look for special events throughout the season, and make sure to take home a bottle of the winery's festive award-winning Blueberry Champagne for your midnight toast. New this year, Renault now offers a Renault Passport Vintner Edition with premium seasonal perks designed to enhance the guest experience. For a full schedule, passport details and the full calendar of events, please click here.

“Vintner Wonderland continues to be a place where friends and families can connect and make unforgettable holiday memories. This year, we’ve expanded our offerings to make the season even more magical," Josh McCallen, Renault Winery & Resort.




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Vintner Wonderland has transformed Renault Winery into a one-of-a-kind seasonal destination - a place where cherished memories are made, and the true spirit of the holidays comes alive.

Traditionally, this time of year marks a mystical moment in winemaking, as vintners oversee the magic of fermentation—transforming grapes, nurtured through the seasons, into wine. At Renault Winery, celebrated as America’s Most Historic Winery, this enchanting process extends far beyond the cellar.

Vintner Wonderland is a celebration of a successful harvest at Renault Winery. This winter festival provides the opportunity to gather loved ones, savor the season, and create enduring memories. From ice skating, to culinary and wine, to local artisans and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone this season at Renault.

Returning favorite activities include:

* The Vintner Ice Rink: Glide across a sparkling outdoor rink surrounded by festive lights. This year, special charity programs at the rink will support the local community and those in need in extraordinary ways.

* Vintner Village: Explore a charming marketplace featuring artisan shops and unique culinary delights. Watch artisans hard at work and purchase their one-of-a-kind crafts and gifts.

* Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy games for children of all ages, visit Santa in his cozy workshop, try your hand at crafts and activities, or meet the face painter for a festive touch.




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* Festival of Trees: The Renault family gives back this season to support Faces 4 Autism with their enchanting festival of decorated trees displayed and auction off through December 20th.

* Barrel Tree: Renault's famous barrell tree is known as one of the most unique trees in America - it returns at the very center of the outdoor holiday village with streaming twinkling lights cascading from each side to connect the festivities outside.

New surprises this year include:

* The VINTNER Express Barrel Train: All-New for 2024! Hop aboard this whimsical train for a delightful ride around the vineyard village.

* Grinch’s Lair Pop-Up Bar: Enjoy a mischievously good time with whimsical cocktails and a playful atmosphere inspired by the Grinch himself.

* Santa’s Workshop: Create cherished memories with Santa in a cozy, photo-ready space filled with holiday cheer. Perfect for families and children!

* Louie’s Lounge Wine Bar: Unwind with a glass of Renault’s finest wines in an elegant setting designed for relaxation and celebration.

* Buddy’s Sweet Shoppe: Indulge your sweet tooth with delectable holiday-themed treats and confections, plus Buddy's ginormous hot chocolate, perfect for kids and adults alike.



SIGNATURE HOLIDAY EVENTS

Stories with Santa - Santa Claus will host Stories with Santa on December 7, 12, 14, 19, and 21 at 4:30pm & 6:00pm. Gather for an intimate storytime with Santa, complete with freshly baked cookies from Café La Fleur. Join them for a magical afternoon as Santa reads a classic Christmas story! Kids will enjoy milk & freshly baked cookies from Café La Fleur & receive a special gift from Santa (a coloring book and crayons), and have the chance to chat with Santa and take photos after story time. $15 per person (kids only need tickets).




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Breakfast with Santa - Santa is back on December 15, and 22 at 9:00am, 9:30am, 11:30am and 12:00pm.  Join them for a magical morning in our Champagne Ballroom as Santa Claus spreads holiday cheer! Enjoy a festive breakfast, surrounded by family, friends, and the spirit of the season. Create memories to treasure forever! $30-$60 per person.

Cookies and Cocktails - For the grown-ups, look for new Cookies and Cocktails on December 26 and January 2, at 6:00pm. Treat yourself to three signature cocktails paired with festive cookies in a lively holiday setting. $30 per person.

Family Fun Nights at the Rink - Every Friday in November and December.  Bring the whole family for an evening of fun and festive activities at Family Fun Nights! $15 per person (kids only)

Festival of Trees - The Festival of Trees is back! The holidays are all about sharing, caring and spreading joy, during the Vintner Wonderland season the Renault family will give back to the community by supporting the Faces 4 Autism. Renault team members will decorate holiday trees that will be displayed on the property through December 20th. Please visit Renaultwinery.com for more information on how to get involved.

Noon Year's Eve - December 31, 2024 starting at 11:30am. Join them for a magical New Year's Eve Countdown for Kids at noon! Lace up your skates and hit the ice in their Vintner Wonderland filled with joy. Our event promises family fun with activities for everyone, from ice skating under the open sky to cozying up in igloos and the new French chalets with your loved ones. Indulge in delicious bites from our curated food truck & sweets from our sweet shop. And when the clock strikes 12:00pm, let's raise our glasses to the New Year with a toast of nonalcoholic sparkling cider. It's a celebration for the whole family, filled with laughter, warmth, and the promise of new beginnings. See you there as we skate into the New Year together!  This event is complimentary. Ice skating, fire pits, French chalets and igloos are paid extras.

New Year's Eve Countdown and Champagne Toast - December 31st from 11:00am to 11:30pm. Come out to TASTE 1864 to welcome in the New Year with a Champagne toast in a commemorative champagne flute glass for you to take home! Celebrate with live music in the home of American Champagne. Don't forget to make dinner reservations at TASTE 1864! Reservations are highly encouraged and recommended.

Reindeer Run - Renault Winery presents this annual Holiday themed Race as part of Vintner Wonderland on Saturday, December 21, 2024, rain or shine, with the 1 mile kids fun run at 9:45am and the 5K run at 10:00am. Enjoy amazing views of Renault Winery Vineyard and Vintner Wonderland Festival Grounds during the experience.

Pre registered: 5K Run Price: $30.00 until 6pm on 12/20/2024; 1 Mile Fun Run Price: $20.00 until 6pm on 12/20/2024. Registration after 6:00pm on 12/20/2024 and race day will be: $35.00 for 5k run and $25.00 1 Mile for fun run.  (T-shirts on race day while supplies last only - pre-registration is suggested!)

Awards for top overall finisher: 1st Place Male and Female. Age Group Awards: 1st Place Male and Female. Male 1-14, Male 15-19, Male 20-29, Male 30-39, Male 40-49, Male 50-59, Male 60+, Female 1-14, Female 15-19, Female 20-29, Female 30-39, Female 40-49, Female 50-59, Female 60+

Group Awards: Best Costume- $50 , best group Costume - $100



NEW HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKETS

This holiday season, Renault Winery & Resort invites you to experience the magic of Vintner Wonderland with the Vintner Village Holiday Artisan Markets and a variety of enchanting attractions. From shopping for handcrafted treasures to indulging in festive treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Discover unique gifts and handmade treasures from talented Renault Makers and local artisans. This festive market offers a curated selection of one-of-a-kind items, including beautifully crafted home décor, holiday ornaments, artisanal foods, and bespoke jewelry. Each piece reflects the skill and passion of its creator, making it the perfect opportunity to find heartfelt gifts for everyone on your list.

Stroll through the twinkling ambiance of Vintner Wonderland, where seasonal cheer and dazzling lights create a truly memorable shopping experience. Warm up with a glass of Renault wine or a cozy cup of hot cocoa, and embrace the festive spirit of this beloved holiday tradition.

Upcoming Market Dates: December 14, December 21



RENAULT SIGNATURE CHAMPAGNES

Add sparkle to your holiday celebrations with Renault’s famous American Champagne, including the crowd- favorite Blueberry Champagne. These signature champagnes are perfect for gifting or raising a glass with loved ones.



Book Your Stay Today: Visit Renault Winery & Resort to learn more and reserve your Magic of Vintner or Winter Escape package. Spaces are limited—secure your winter getaway now and make this season unforgettable!

For more information, click here.

Melanie McCallen, co-founder of VIVÂMEE Hospitality, is a seasoned real estate investor who has revitalized over 1,000 acres of legendary real estate into thriving destinations. At Renault Winery Resort, widely considered America’s Most Historic Winery, Melanie has led the transformation of the 246-acre estate into a vibrant hub for families and visitors, highlighted by the creation of the enchanting Vintner Wonderland.




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Vintner Wonderland invites guests to experience the magic of European holiday traditions reimagined across Renault’s sprawling vineyard estate. From gliding on the sparkling Vintner Ice Rink and shopping in the artisan-filled Vintner Village to enjoying family-friendly activities like Santa’s Workshop and festive crafts, every detail has been crafted to delight guests of all ages. New for 2024, guests can ride the whimsical Vintner Express Barrel Train for a unique holiday experience. With cozy fire pits, hot spiced wine, decadent hot chocolate, and heartwarming charity initiatives, Vintner Wonderland has become a cherished seasonal tradition where families create lasting memories and celebrate the true spirit of the holidays.



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