Renault Winery Resort & Golf
Celebrating 156 years of vineyard hospitality, Renault Winery Resort & Golf is not only a New Jersey State Historical site, but also one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the United States. Like a fine varietal, the winery has continued to grow, develop, and improve with age.
Today, Renault is rapidly becoming known as “The East Coast’s Premier Vineyard Wedding Destination” with seven amazing wedding venues, including a bespoke garden tented facility which can accommodate over 500+ guests. Brides and wine enthusiasts alike love the Renault experience, which includes the Château Hotel, House of Renault Restaurant, Renault Winery & Champagne House, and the incredible Vineyard National Golf Course.
Our History
Agrarian Era (1800s)
1855 
Louis Renault sets sail for the New World with hopes of saving his vines and establishing a vineyard free of the insect that had ravished the vines of Western Europe. Renault’s first attempt at an American vineyard took place in California. To his dismay, phylloxera also destroyed the root systems of his Californian grapes. It was then that Renault learned of an indigenous American grape that grew on the East Coast, a grape with a natural resistance to certain pests and disease.
1855
Louis Renault sets sail for the New World with hopes of saving his vines and establishing a vineyard free of the insect that had ravished the vines of Western Europe. Renault’s first attempt at an American vineyard took place in California. To his dismay, phylloxera also destroyed the root systems of his Californian grapes. It was then that Renault learned of an indigenous American grape that grew on the East Coast, a grape with a natural resistance to certain pests and disease.
1864
Renault purchases land in the Egg Harbor area, where this miracle grape was rumored to thrive. Finding a climate and soil similar to that which he knew in France, Renault establishes his own vineyard.
1864
Renault purchases land in the Egg Harbor area, where this miracle grape was rumored to thrive. Finding a climate and soil similar to that which he knew in France, Renault establishes his own vineyard.
1870
Renault introduces his New Jersey Champagne. Renault Winery has quickly gained notoriety, winning prizes for its wines and becoming the largest distributor of champagne in the United States. This winery’s success even earned Egg Harbor the moniker of “Wine City.”
1870
Renault introduces his New Jersey Champagne. Renault Winery has quickly gained notoriety, winning prizes for its wines and becoming the largest distributor of champagne in the United States. This winery’s success even earned Egg Harbor the moniker of “Wine City.”
Prohibition Era (1920s-40s)
1919
John D’Agostino and family buys the winery to operate during the fourteen years of Prohibition under a special government permit. This permit allowed the production of wines for religious and medicinal purposes. Renault Wine Tonic, which had an alcoholic content of 22 percent, became the chief product and was sold in drug stores throughout the nation.
1919
John D’Agostino and family buys the winery to operate during the fourteen years of Prohibition under a special government permit. This permit allowed the production of wines for religious and medicinal purposes. Renault Wine Tonic, which had an alcoholic content of 22 percent, became the chief product and was sold in drug stores throughout the nation.
1948
John’s sister Maria assumes responsibility for Renault after her brothers passing. Having a talent for design, she made a showplace of the old winery by building the current chateau style hospitality house.
1948
John’s sister Maria assumes responsibility for Renault after her brothers passing. Having a talent for design, she made a showplace of the old winery by building the current chateau style hospitality house.
Champagne Era (50-60s)
1966
Maria adds the Wine Glass Museum to display her impressive collection of wine glass art, with pieces that date back as far as the thirteenth century.
1966
Maria adds the Wine Glass Museum to display her impressive collection of wine glass art, with pieces that date back as far as the thirteenth century.
1968
Johnny Carson serves as the spokesperson for Renault, who is for the largest distributor of champagne in America at the time.
1968
Johnny Carson serves as the spokesperson for Renault, who is for the largest distributor of champagne in America at the time.
Culinary Era (80s-90s)
1980
The property opened its first gourmet restaurant in one of the winery buildings.
1980
The property opened its first gourmet restaurant in one of the winery buildings.
1985
Culinary & Wedding Legacy Launched. The property becomes increasingly more popular for weddings.
1985
Culinary & Wedding Legacy Launched. The property becomes increasingly more popular for weddings.
Resort Era (00s)
2001
Tuscany House Hotel opens on the Renault Winery Property, fit with a new restaurant.
2001
Tuscany House Hotel opens on the Renault Winery Property, fit with a new restaurant.
2005
The Vineyards golf course area is opened for the first time.
2005
The Vineyards golf course area is opened for the first time.
2019
Vivâmee Hospitality acquires the property from Ocean First Bank and begins to make instrumental changes to the revitalization of the Renault Winery property.
2019
Vivâmee Hospitality acquires the property from Ocean First Bank and begins to make instrumental changes to the revitalization of the Renault Winery property.
