A hidden gem in South Jersey
Just because the celebrations of the holiday season have ended, it doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop. In fact, the hidden gem that is Renault Winery & Resort has plenty of ways to continue to celebrate all of the seasons on the calendar, year-round, as well as those milestone events that life brings.
The property, which sits about 2.5 miles off the White Horse Pike in Egg Harbor City (less than a half hour outside of Atlantic City), has endured the test of time, as well as Prohibition – Renault got a license to sell medicinal wines – and the Great Depression, to emerge in the 21st Century as a full-service resort that can not only be enjoyed by individuals, couples and families, but can also serve as a wonderful choice for weddings. It is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the U.S.
You can enjoy a romantic date night, a family day trip, spend a getaway weekend, play a round of golf and do so much more on this property that started with a dream of French immigrant Louis Renault more than 160 years ago. Renault set out to create champagnes and fine wines to be enjoyed by consumers worldwide and found his place right in the heart of South Jersey.
Another opportunity where the property is also finding its niche is by supplying memorable corporate celebrations and retreats as well as creative outings for employee incentive programs and deluxe team-building experiences. The setting at Renault is ideal.
The 243-acre site is absolutely loaded with a variety of amenities and virtually the entire property has been renovated, updated and upgraded since coming under new ownership in 2019. Despite the changes, Renault’s Business Development Manager Meredith Dickinson says that the vision was always to keep “America’s Most Historic Winery,” just that, steeped in history when Josh and Melanie McCallen of VIVAMEE Hospitality took over in 2019.
“With the new ownership, there are so many upgrades that have helped to make this a modern resort, but at the same time we’ve really made a strong commitment to hold on to our history and embrace it,” said Dickinson. “The idea was to keep the spaces in their original historic state. We really like to repurpose and reuse a lot of the things that were made and created years ago and that helps us keep in touch with our history.”
LARGE OFFERINGS FOR BIG EVENTS
What truly sets Renault apart from your standard resort is the flexibility and customization to hold an event of any size in one of its 19 different venue spaces which combine to offer 33,000 square feet of space. There are versatile options that can accommodate gatherings from an intimate group of 12 in the elegant Glass Museum (with a variety of glassware that dates as far back as the 13th century) all the way up to a huge blowout bash of 400 people in one of the ballrooms. And the range of options runs from memorable indoor facilities to creative outdoor patio and garden spaces. Whatever vibe, style and environment you would like to create, you can find it at Renault, or the planners and staff there can bring it to you.
The crown jewel of Renault’s outdoor spaces has to be Parc Renault, which brings all sorts of options such as corporate picnics, award ceremonies that allow for beautiful views, live music, fire pits, S’mores kits, lawn games, unique food experiences from an onsite food truck, and Louie’s Lounge, a tented bar and lounge area named after the winery’s founder which will enhance your outdoor experience. It’s available for use throughout the year. Speaking of the outdoors, there’s even space in the vineyard itself where you can hold anything from private dinner outings to yoga classes amidst rows of grapevines.
One other amazing and historic space on the property is The Speakeasy which was operating during Prohibition, the nationwide ban on the production, sale and transportation of alcohol in the U.S. from 1920 through 1933. Enoch “Nucky” Johnson, the Atlantic City political boss and racketeer upon whom the HBO series Boardwalk Empire (2010-14) was based, was a frequent guest. You almost expect him to walk through the door.
Dickinson explained that the corporate possibilities are truly limitless and really give organizations a chance to set themselves ahead of the pack with their clients, team members or investors by partnering with Renault for some truly unique event options. Renault has event planners and staff who will help create your perfect event.
“The one thing we hear from visitors is that every room and venue has a different feel to it, so when you’re here for a multi-day event you feel like you’re visiting different spaces and places every day,” Dickinson said. “You don’t feel like you’re in this cookie-cutter hotel-type of place. People really enjoy the variety of unique spaces.”
From tours and tastings at the winery to charter boat experiences along the nearby Jersey Shore, horseback riding, yoga, and even clay shooting, you’re bound to challenge your employees or give them experiences and opportunities they’ve probably never encountered before. They’re all great for team bonding and camaraderie in a truly memorable setting. And with the amazing culinary options, there’s also the chance for exciting food-related experiences. One example is Charcuterie 102, where your group can design, create and enjoy their very own charcuterie boards and learn the proper wines to pair with it thanks to the help of the top-notch chefs and culinary team at your disposal.
STAY, PLAY AND EAT, OR JUST HANG OUT
The resort boasts the Château Renault Hotel which carries 55 newly remodeled rooms and suites and merges contemporary design with old-world hospitality to create an escape that gives off rural European vibes. Along with this year’s efforts in completing the guest room renovations, Renault has an eye on adding more guest rooms to its hotel offering in the very near future. Another offering set to be completed in 2025 is Exhale, a full-service spa that will feature a variety of treatment rooms and recovery spaces and amenities such as a well-being boutique, Zen lounge, sauna and a Himalayan salt grotto.
The 18-hole, 6,600-plus-yard, par-72 championship golf course, Vineyard National, turns legal wine-drinking age this year. Opened in 2004, it provides golfers with the opportunity to really get a feel for the heritage of Renault Winery as you tee off amongst the original grape vines that Louis Renault himself cultivated to create his famed American Champagne. Vineyard National, like the entire Renault property, is tucked into the Pinelands National Reserve that encompasses most of southeastern New Jersey, so the course certainly gives golfers a taste of that ecosystem. The course has daily tee times open to the public but also offers private memberships and hosts leagues and clinics to help beginners, as well as experienced golfers, sharpen their game. You can ask about having the site host your tournament or outing as well.
Visitors can also find a variety of dining experiences at Renault. Full-service, upscale dining at Taste 1864 provides the right environment, with its historic rustic ambience, for a special night out. It was originally the winery’s tasting room and has been converted into a restaurant. Live music is a staple at Taste too, ranging from talented piano performers, solo singers and even country music nights. Get your dessert on at Café La Fleur with French-inspired specialty sweets and treats as well as American farmhouse favorites, plus artisanal coffees and other beverages.
ANY TIME IS A GOOD TIME
There is always seasonal programming at Renault that’s open to the public, with family-friendly events throughout the year.
Although it just wrapped for the winter, an annual highlight at Renault is its Vintner Wonderland, where the facility turns into a magical winter escape with ice skating, wooden cabins, heated igloos, fire pits, holiday lights and of course fine wine (or maybe some hot cocoa). Mark your calendar and be sure to add this to your 2025 holiday to-do list, running from Black Friday through the third weekend in January. They also have a Holiday Artisan Market that allows visitors to discover unique gifts from local creators.
Renault Winery & Resort often sponsors a variety of 5K runs throughout the year for those who enjoy the chance to take in the bucolic scenery while pushing themselves for a new personal best time. Other fun public offerings are Paint & Sip sessions, cooking classes, Yoga in the Vineyards, Cookies & Cocktails, wine pairing sessions and even educational events such as Meet the Maker where guests will learn how various food items are created. In February, there will be a session with Ciccio’s Olives where they will teach how olive oil is made and how to incorporate it into your cooking.
“There is something for everyone here,” Dickinson summarized. “We’re a fully operational resort so we have weddings, social events, private events and we’re open all the time. You can have dinner, stay at the hotel, have a couples’ night, a girls’ getaway. There’s lots of options for sure.”
To learn more about Renault Winery & Resort, visit their website at renaultwinery.com or follow them on Facebook.
