When it comes to making wine, newer isn’t always better. Which is why the folks at Hopewell Valley Vineyard stick to the traditional methods of winemaking that they learned in Tuscany from generations of Neri family vintners. With vineyards planted with vinifera, Italian and New World favorites, Hopewell Valley has been winning national and international awards from their first release.

There is almost always something going on at Hopewell Valley Vineyard. Kick off the weekend with a weekly happy hour at Hopewell Valley Vineyard. Sample new releases, mingle with friends, or pick up a bottle to take with you to a local BYOB. The last Saturday of every month is music night -- for a $10 fee, you can nibble on light appetizers, sip wine and enjoy an evening of live music. And throughout the year, they host special events, open houses and family-oriented events.

Tours of the vineyards and production facilities are available only to groups of 10 or more and you’ll need reservations. And $10 per person. But you’ll get a tour that lasts about 45 minutes or so and get to sample 5 wines . . . and keep your own souvenir glass.

But you don’t need to be part of a group to drop by their tasting room. For $2 you’ll have the chance to sample up to five different wines (and you get to keep the etched glass as a souvenir.) Pick up all sorts of wine paraphernalia and accessories in the gift shop. And here’s a little secret for you. They also carry olive oil made from olives grown by the winemaker’s sister on her hillside home in Tuscany. It is the freshest EVOO this side of the Mediterranean.

Enjoy a sunny afternoon on the deck which overlooks the vineyards’ 75 acres. And if you want to add a special flair to your special event, shower, or party, ask about booking their tasting room or the brand new party space which can accommodate up to 150 people.