Vineyard Vibes: Sipping in Jersey vs. North Carolina

Whether it’s a girls' day out or a cute date idea, there’s something about a vineyard that just hits. Between the views, the charcuterie boards, and the excuse to dress cute for no reason — we’re in. But after experiencing vineyards in both New Jersey and North Carolina, we’ve realized that not all wine country is created equal.

Here’s how the Garden State and the Tar Heel State stack up when it comes to our favorite weekend activity: wine tasting.

The Scene:

🍷 New Jersey – Think rustic charm meets East Coast elegance. Many vineyards are small-batch, family-owned, and feel tucked away in lush farmland. You’ll find rows of grapes, cute patios, and a chill but elevated vibe. Perfect for pretending you’re in Napa without leaving the Tri-State.

🍷 North Carolina – Southern vineyards love to serve a view. Whether it’s rolling hills in the Yadkin Valley or mountain backdrops in Asheville, these places are picturesque. The vibe leans more relaxed and friendly — less “wine snob,” more “let’s have fun in sundresses.”

The Wine:

🥂 New Jersey – Known for crisp whites and fruit wines. If you’ve never had blueberry wine or peach sangria from a Jersey vineyard, you’re missing out. It’s not always about being fancy — it’s about flavor, and Jersey delivers.

🥂 North Carolina – Muscadine grapes run the game here, and if you haven’t tried it, expect something sweet and bold. NC wineries also have a growing reputation for dry reds and bold blends — and more places are experimenting with European-style wines.

The Food Game:

🧀 New Jersey – Cheese boards are usually local, and you’ll often find a food truck or small café on site. Some spots allow BYO snacks, which is very “Jersey independence” if you ask us.

🧀 North Carolina – Southern hospitality kicks in. Think gourmet flatbreads, pimento cheese dips, and full-on lunch menus at some vineyards. It’s less “just a snack” and more “we’re staying here for hours.”

The People:

👒 New Jersey – You’ll find a mix of wine-lovers, bachelorette parties, and couples on a classy day out. Expect a little more glam, a little more curated content for the ‘gram.

👒 North Carolina – Everyone feels like they could be your neighbor. The energy is warm and inviting, and you’re more likely to chat with the people at the next table. Also: lots of floppy hats. We love a theme.

Final Sip:

Whether you're sipping sangria in South Jersey or clinking glasses in Carolina wine country, each state brings its own flavor to the experience. Jersey gives “elevated escape,” while North Carolina brings the cozy, laid-back charm.

Either way, we’ll keep taste-testing — for the content, of course. 😉

Stay tuned for more East Coast vs. Southern girl adventures on Girls Go South.

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Girls Go South is a podcast created by friends who relocated to North Carolina for college, sharing our journey of discovering Southern culture, food, fashion, and adventures!