Toast the good life without worrying about directions, parking, or a designated driver. Reserve Bus—New Jersey’s charter division of Kismet Limousine—makes wine touring simple, safe, and stylish across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. This guide covers the best winery areas to visit, how to build a smooth itinerary, what size bus to choose, and answers to the most asked questions about group wine tours.
Reserve Bus at a glance
- Privately owned, based in Teaneck, NJ, serving the NJ & NYC metro area for 35+ years
- Modern fleet with minibuses, midsize shuttles, and full-size coaches
- Professional chauffeurs, DOT-compliant operations, meticulous maintenance
- Custom routes across NJ, NY, PA & CT with door-to-door group pickups
- 24/7 reservations support at (800) 561-6155
Why a Charter Bus Is the Best Way to Do a Wine Tour
Safety & peace of mind
Everyone can enjoy tastings while a professional driver handles the road. No rideshare juggling, no parking lot headaches, and no risk of anyone driving after sampling.
Comfort from start to finish
Relax in reclining seats with climate control. Many coaches offer Wi‑Fi, USB/110V power, overhead storage, PA systems for group announcements, and restrooms on select models.
Keep the group together
Arrive and depart as one. Chartering eliminates late arrivals and lost cars so you stay on schedule and maximize tasting time.
Flexible routing
Build a custom itinerary that suits your tastes—boutique vineyards, historic estates, food‑focused stops, live‑music venues, or a scenic mix.
Our Fleet Options for Wine Tours
- Sprinter & executive vans (10–14 passengers): Great for intimate groups and quick day trips.
- Minibuses (18–28 passengers): Popular for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and team outings.
- Midsize shuttles (30–36 passengers): A sweet spot for comfort, storage, and agility on rural roads.
- Full‑size coaches (47–56 passengers): Ideal for corporate groups and large celebrations; many include restrooms and luggage bays.
- ADA‑accessible options: Available by request. Tell us your accessibility needs, and we’ll match the right vehicle.
Top Winery Areas by State
New Jersey Wine Country
New Jersey’s wine scene is thriving, thanks to diverse soils and microclimates from the coast to the highlands. Many wineries welcome groups with spacious tasting rooms, outdoor lawns, and seasonal events.
North & Central New Jersey
- Alba Vineyard (Milford): Hillside vines, scenic river valley views, and European‑style blends—excellent for photo‑worthy tastings.
- Unionville Vineyards (Ringoes): Boutique craftsmanship, barrel tastings, and a rustic‑elegant setting for private group experiences.
- Old York Cellars (Ringoes): Panoramic patios, curated tastings, and food pairings—great for mixed‑interest groups.
- Beneduce Vineyards (Pittstown): Known for live music weekends and laid‑back outdoor spaces perfect for lawn games.
- Working Dog Winery (East Windsor): Casual atmosphere with open fields, often featuring food trucks and acoustic sets.
- Hopewell Valley Vineyards (Pennington): Wine, pizza, and live music make for an easygoing, crowd‑pleasing stop.
South Jersey & the Outer Coastal Plain
- Renault Winery (Egg Harbor City): Historic property with grand architecture, restaurants, and event spaces for upscale groups.
- Sharrott Winery (Hammonton): Modern tasting room, seasonal events, and a strong food program.
- Tomasello Winery (Hammonton): One of the state’s longstanding producers with a broad portfolio and group‑friendly facilities.
- Bellview Winery (Landisville): Family‑owned, festival‑friendly, and known for a welcoming, picnic‑forward vibe.
- Valenzano Winery (Shamong): Large estate grounds, frequent events, and flexible group experiences.
- Hawk Haven Vineyard (Rio Grande): Cape May area favorite with stylish tastings and coastal breezes.
- Willow Creek Winery (West Cape May): Expansive property, striking tasting bar, and live events near the beach.
New York Wine Country
From the Hudson Valley’s historic estates to Long Island’s coastal vineyards and the Finger Lakes’ cool‑climate classics, New York offers variety for every palate. Many options are within a comfortable ride for a day or weekend from North Jersey and NYC.
Hudson Valley
- Brotherhood, America’s Oldest Winery (Washingtonville): Atmospheric cellars, heritage tours, and group tasting options.
- Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (Millbrook): Rolling countryside, porch tastings, and elegant, food‑friendly wines.
- Benmarl Winery (Marlboro): Hilltop views over the river valley and small‑lot releases that impress enthusiasts.
- Whitecliff Vineyard (Gardiner): Mountain vistas and award‑winning varietals—excellent for a picturesque afternoon.
- City Winery Hudson Valley (Montgomery): A restored industrial site with tastings, dining, and event spaces under one roof.
Long Island (North Fork & South Fork)
- Paumanok Vineyards (Aquebogue): Family‑run, crisp whites and structured reds, plus relaxed patios.
- Bedell Cellars (Cutchogue): Design‑forward tasting spaces and curated flights for elevated group experiences.
- Raphael (Peconic): Striking architecture and generously scaled tasting rooms—great for photos and private groups.
- Sparkling Pointe (Southold): Método tradicional bubbles in a bright, modern setting—ideal for celebratory occasions.
- Pindar Vineyards (Peconic): One of the area’s largest producers with broad appeal and lawn‑friendly grounds.
- Wölffer Estate (Sagaponack, South Fork): Iconic rosés, sunset moments, and chic ambiance for stylish gatherings.
Finger Lakes (best for overnight/weekend)
- Seneca Lake: A deep roster of producers—fantastic for progressive tastings and food pairings.
- Keuka Lake: Charming, compact loop with historic wineries and lakeside vistas.
- Cayuga Lake: Scenic drives, waterfalls nearby, and a balance of boutique and established tasting rooms.
Tip: Finger Lakes itineraries are ideal as a multi‑day charter. Ask us to bundle hotel shuttles, dinner transfers, and airport pickups if needed.
Pennsylvania Wine Country
Pennsylvania shines in the Brandywine Valley, Bucks County, and the Lehigh Valley AVA—each offering rolling farmland, historic towns, and welcoming tasting patios perfect for groups.
Brandywine Valley & Chester County
- Chaddsford Winery (Chadds Ford): A regional staple with approachable flights, seasonal events, and food pop‑ups.
- Penns Woods Winery (Chadds Ford): Lawn tastings and live music create a relaxed, picnic‑ready atmosphere.
- Va La Vineyards (Avondale): Small‑lot, estate‑grown blends and a boutique‑style tasting experience.
- Galer Estate (Kennett Square): Intimate, quality‑focused tastings near Longwood Gardens.
Bucks County
- Crossing Vineyards & Winery (Washington Crossing): Elegant grounds, covered patios, and event‑friendly spaces.
- Sand Castle Winery (Erwinna): Hilltop vistas with a stately tasting room and scenic terrace.
- Rose Bank Winery (Newtown): Historic farm charm and flexible indoor/outdoor group areas.
- Buckingham Valley Vineyards (Buckingham): Laid‑back tastings and country‑road ambience for an easygoing stop.
Lehigh Valley AVA & Beyond
- Vynecrest (Breinigsville): A longtime local favorite with panoramic tasting rooms.
- Clover Hill (Breinigsville): Friendly staff and accessible, crowd‑pleasing flights.
- Galen Glen (Andreas): Known for aromatic whites and pastoral views.
- Blue Mountain Vineyards (New Tripoli): Lake vistas, live music, and casual outdoor seating.
- Waltz Vineyards (Manheim/Lancaster area): Polished tastings and European‑inspired style near Amish Country.
Connecticut Wine Country
Connecticut’s wine trail blends coastal elegance with country charm. Many vineyards sit on hilltops or near seaside towns, making for a photogenic day trip from North Jersey or NYC suburbs.
Shoreline & Southeastern CT
- Chamard Vineyards (Clinton): French bistro vibes, stone‑lined patios, and refined, food‑first tastings.
- Stonington Vineyards (Stonington): Coastal breezes, lawn seating, and a relaxed, seaside atmosphere.
- Saltwater Farm Vineyard (Stonington): Airfield‑turned‑vineyard with dramatic architecture—stunning for photos.
Central CT & River Valley
- Gouveia Vineyards (Wallingford): Hilltop lawns with expansive views and a sociable, picnic‑friendly scene.
- Paradise Hills (Wallingford): Mediterranean‑inspired tasting room and welcoming outdoor spaces.
- Priam Vineyards (Colchester): Eco‑minded practices and serene meadows—great for unwinding between stops.
Litchfield Hills & Western CT
- Hopkins Vineyard (New Preston): Overlooking Lake Waramaug with quintessential New England scenery.
- Sunset Meadow (Goshen): Rustic barns, Adirondack chairs, and golden‑hour views.
- Haight‑Brown Vineyard (Litchfield): One of CT’s pioneers with cozy, wood‑beamed tasting rooms.
Sample Itineraries You Can Customize
New Jersey Day Trip (3 wineries)
- Morning pickup in North/Central NJ; drive to Unionville Vineyards for a guided tasting.
- Midday at Beneduce Vineyards for casual lawn time and light bites.
- Afternoon at Old York Cellars for a panoramic finish and group photos.
Add‑ons: Catered picnic, birthday cake delivery, or live‑music timing.
South Jersey & Cape May Coast (3–4 wineries)
- Start at Sharrott or Tomasello near Hammonton.
- Head to Bellview for a relaxed, festival‑style vibe.
- Coastal finale at Hawk Haven or Willow Creek. Sunset beach stop optional.
Hudson Valley Highlights (NY) (3 wineries)
- Historic kick‑off at Brotherhood with cellar tour.
- Scenic mid‑day tasting at Benmarl or Whitecliff.
- Wrap at Millbrook with porch tastings and charcuterie.
Long Island North Fork (NY) (4 wineries)
- Paumanok for classic whites.
- Bedell for design‑forward ambiance.
- Sparkling Pointe for bubbles.
- Pindar or Raphael to close the loop with lawn time.
Book an early start to maximize tasting windows and avoid late‑day crowds.
Brandywine & Bucks (PA) (3–4 wineries)
- Chaddsford for approachable flights.
- Penns Woods picnic stop with live music.
- Crossing Vineyards or Sand Castle for a grand finale.
Connecticut Coast & Hills (CT) (3 wineries)
- Chamard for bistro‑style lunch and tasting.
- Stonington Vineyards for sea‑breeze lawn time.
- Gouveia hilltop sunset tasting on the return route.
How to Plan a Smooth, On‑Time Wine Tour
- Pick a home base: Decide your pickup points and drop‑off. We can do door‑to‑door service across NJ/NYC metro, with additional pickups for large groups.
- Choose your vibe: Boutique & quiet, big & lively, or a balanced mix? Tell us your group’s style.
- Limit to 3–4 stops: The sweet spot for tastings plus travel time without feeling rushed.
- Reserve group tastings: Many wineries require reservations for parties of 8+; we’ll help coordinate.
- Build in buffers: Plan 60–90 minutes per stop, plus 15 minutes for boarding and photos.
- Think food: Choose wineries with kitchens, bring pre‑approved picnics, or schedule a catered stop.
- Finalize passenger count: This determines bus size, storage needs, and pricing.
- Confirm policies: Ask about outside food, minors, pets, and music—each winery is different.
Charter Bus Amenities That Elevate the Experience
- Reclining seats and climate control
- Onboard Wi‑Fi and power outlets (when available)
- PA system for your host or guide
- Restrooms on select full‑size coaches
- Overhead racks and luggage bays for coolers, gifts, and cases
- Chilled storage for cheese boards and non‑alcoholic beverages
Policies & Etiquette for Winery Tours
- Alcohol on board: Permitted only where legal and with prior approval. Glassware and spill‑safe practices are required. Ask us to review your route’s regulations.
- Respect tasting rooms: Arrive on time, keep voices reasonable indoors, and follow staff guidance.
- Outside food: Many wineries allow picnics outdoors but not indoors; always verify in advance.
- Group size limits: Some boutique wineries cap groups or require private spaces—reserve early.
- Cleanup: Please tidy the bus between stops; we provide trash bags and towels for quick resets.
Pricing Guide: What Influences the Cost
Wine tour pricing depends on the vehicle type, date, total hours, mileage, and any driver overnights. Weekends during harvest season are high‑demand. Share your passenger count and itinerary, and we’ll provide an all‑inclusive, transparent quote with driver gratuity options.
- Vehicle size and amenities
- Total service hours and distance
- Peak dates (spring & fall, Saturdays)
- Multiple pickups or late‑night returns
- Parking and tolls where applicable
Who Books Wine Tours with Reserve Bus?
- Bachelorette & birthday groups: Make it festive with music playlists, decorations, and a photo‑ready itinerary.
- Corporate teams & clients: Reward outings, team bonding, or VIP hospitality with private spaces and elevated tastings.
- Friends & family reunions: Multigenerational comfort, short walks, and flexible seating.
- Clubs & alumni chapters: Easy group management with one vehicle and a single meeting point.
Door‑to‑Door Service Across NJ, NY, PA & CT
We serve the New York–New Jersey metro and beyond with seamless pickups from homes, hotels, campuses, and offices. Common starting points include Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark, Princeton, Morristown, Paramus, Teaneck, and the five boroughs, with day‑trip access to Hudson Valley, Long Island, Bucks/Brandywine, and coastal or hill‑country Connecticut. Airport pickups for out‑of‑town guests are also available by request.
What Makes Reserve Bus Different
- Experience: Decades of professional group transportation through our parent, Kismet Limousine.
- Safety culture: Rigorous driver vetting, scheduled maintenance, and clean, well‑equipped vehicles.
- Customization: Your route, your music, your schedule—designed around your group’s pace.
- Service attitude: Friendly coordinators and drivers who know how to keep a tour moving smoothly.
Pro Tips for a Memorable Wine Tour
- Go early: First tastings are calmer and more personal; late afternoons can be busy.
- Mix styles: Blend boutique, historic, and scenic stops for variety.
- Stay hydrated: Keep water on the bus and encourage a snack at each stop.
- Time the photo ops: Schedule a golden‑hour stop at a hilltop or vineyard lawn.
- Plan a finale: End at a winery with live music or a sit‑down food option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wineries should we visit in a day?
Three to four wineries is ideal. That pace allows 60–90 minutes per stop for tastings, photos, and purchases without rushing the group.
Can we drink alcohol on the charter bus?
Alcohol on board is permitted only where legal and must be pre‑approved. We’ll review state and local regulations on your route and share our house rules for glassware and cleanup. Your safety and comfort come first.
Do wineries require reservations for groups?
Most do for groups of 8+, especially on weekends. We recommend booking tastings and any private rooms at least 2–4 weeks ahead (longer for peak fall Saturdays). Our team can help coordinate timing and headcounts.
What size bus do I need?
Under 14 passengers: van or sprinter. 18–28: minibus. 30–36: midsize shuttle. 40–56: full‑size coach. Share your passenger list and we’ll right‑size the vehicle with room for coolers and purchases.
What’s included in the charter?
Vehicle, professional driver, fuel, mileage, and standard insurance are included. Tasting fees, food, and winery reservations are separate unless you request a packaged quote.
How far in advance should we book?
As soon as you have a date and rough headcount. Spring and fall weekends sell out quickly. If you’re flexible on dates, we can suggest off‑peak times.
Can we bring our own food?
Policies vary. Many wineries allow outdoor picnics; some restrict outside food indoors or require purchase from on‑site kitchens. We’ll help you choose stops that match your plans.
Are kids or pets allowed?
Minors are typically allowed with an adult but may be restricted from certain areas. Pets are limited; service animals are welcomed. Always verify policies with each winery.
What happens if it rains?
Most wineries offer indoor tasting rooms and tents. We also keep contingency timing so your schedule still flows comfortably.
How much does a wine tour charter bus cost?
Pricing depends on vehicle size, total hours, distance, and date. Share your itinerary for a tailored quote. We’ll outline all costs up front—no surprises.
Can you plan a multi‑state tour?
Yes. Popular combos include NJ + Hudson Valley, Bucks + Brandywine, or Long Island + coastal CT. We’ll build a timeline that keeps driving reasonable and tasting time maximized.
Do you offer ADA‑accessible vehicles?
Yes. Let us know your accessibility needs during booking so we can reserve the right coach and coordinate winery access points.
Can you handle hotel and airport transfers?
Absolutely. We can add pre‑tour airport pickups and hotel shuttles, then bundle everything into one itinerary.
Build Your Wine Tour in Minutes
- Tell us your date, pickup locations, and headcount.
- Share your top regions or must‑visit wineries. We can also recommend a curated route.
- Choose your vehicle class. We’ll confirm amenities and storage.
- Lock in winery reservations. We can assist with timing and spacing.
- Enjoy the day. Your driver will keep the schedule running smoothly while you relax and sip.
Ready to Toast? Reserve Bus Is Here 24/7
From intimate birthday tastings to full‑scale corporate outings, Reserve Bus pairs carefully planned itineraries with comfortable, modern coaches and professional drivers. We proudly serve New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut with custom wine tour charters tailored to your group.
Call: (800) 561-6155
Service Station: 800 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Make a Quote: [email protected]