Are you looking for a romantic get-away or date? Willing to try wine but not sure what you like? Or, are you looking for a great place to eat? If you said, “yes” to any of these questions, then you should consider a visit to Renault Winery and Tuscany Hotel.

The Winery
The 142 year-old Renault Winery provides an impressive date atmosphere for adult couples. One of the more casual experiences at Renault is the wine tasting guided tour. At only $3.00 a person, this is a great way to start off a date. Visit RenaultWinery.com where you can fill out a form and get a free coupon for the tour. Renault’s tour guides are well educated in wine making and will share the interesting history of the winery, along with a tour of different rooms that complete the wine making process. At the end of the tour you can enjoy a taste of a variety of wines and champagnes made by Renault Winery. Remember, you have to be 21! The gift store is near the wine tasting room and will be your last stop of the tour. If you like a particular sample, you can purchase a reasonably priced bottle. After your tour, don’t forget to view the massive collection of stemware dating back to medieval times at the Renault Wine and Champagne Glass Museum.

Dining
A casual dining experience can be enjoyed at the Wine Garden Luncheon Café which is open 10am-3pm, 7 days a week and is located on the winery grounds, across the street at Joseph’s Restaurant and Bar. Happy Hour at Joseph’s is Monday thru Friday 3:30pm to 6pm where you can enjoy complimentary Hor d’ Oeuvres.

For the more formal date you can wine and dine the night away at Renault’s Gourmet Restaurant which is only open on the weekends. The Gourmet Restaurant is located on the second floor of the winery. Renault suggests making a reservation a week in advance. The menu is a six course meal that changes weekly. Everyone savors the same courses leading to the main entree, but you do order your main entree from a selection on the menu. Unlike your normal dining experience, you can enjoy the whole night at the restaurant, along with live music and dancing. When you reserve a table, that table is yours until closing, so stay a while, and enjoy the live music and dance floor. After your meal you may have two free sample of wine and welcomed to purchase any additional wine. Also, the Gourmet Restaurant is available 10am-2pm for Sunday brunch.

Hit the Links
A visit to Renault is not just about dining and drinking. With a new golf course recently added you can enjoy a day of golf on a 2 year old, beautiful, eighteen hole golf course behind the winery. Enjoy the wonderful scenery of Renault Winery’s vineyards, orchards, and the Pinelands of southern New Jersey as you play your round. The golf course is open to the public, so membership is not required.

If you are interested in more than just a day trip to Renault Winery, head directly across the street to the Tuscany House Hotel & Restaurant. You can experience the elegant rooms and suites of this Mediterranean style hotel.

In addition to the private dining, Renault Winery is a great place for special occasions or weddings. The Winery boasts, banquet rooms, outdoor patios and veranda, full service bars, elegant rooms and suites, bridal suites, and a pool. For the cooperate world the options include, assembly rooms, corporate suites, in-room computers, audio-visual equipment and modem connections can be arranged. So, for your next get away, consider spending a lovely day at Renault Winery and Tuscany House Hotel and Restaurant.

Brian McGowan
Travel Writer