Rebel Sheep Wine Co.

Rebel Sheep Wine Co.: A New Breed of Winery in Chester, NJ

For the adventurous wine enthusiast seeking something truly unique, Rebel Sheep Wine Co. in Chester, New Jersey, offers a distinctive experience. Emerging from Stony Hill Farms, which has been in operation since 1988, Rebel Sheep Wine Co. officially opened its winery and tasting room on June 1, 2024. This innovative winery was born out of an abundant apple harvest in 2021, leading the farm to explore the world of fruit wines and hard ciders. They pride themselves on being “rebel sheep” in the wine industry, creating wines and ciders exclusively from their own homegrown fruits, without the use of traditional wine grapes.

Key Features that Set Rebel Sheep Wine Co. Apart:

• Fruit-Forward Wines & Ciders: Unlike traditional wineries, Rebel Sheep Wine Co. focuses entirely on crafting wines and hard ciders from fruits grown right on their own farm. This commitment results in unique flavors designed to highlight the true essence of the fruit with minimal intervention.
• Estate-Grown Ingredients: As an extension of Stony Hill Farms, the winery utilizes fruit and produce from over 500 acres spread between Long Valley and Chester. They even use excess, unsold, or bruised fruit, embracing sustainability by turning surplus into high-quality alcohol.
• Diverse & Playful Offerings: Their product line includes a fascinating array of fruit wines and hard ciders with evocative names and unique flavor profiles. Examples include “Bog Romance” Sparkling Fruit Wine (apple with cranberries), “Bohemian Raspberry” Fruit Wine, “Ice Queen” Fruit Wine (apple ice wine style), “Shifting Gears” Fruit Wine (cherries), and various hard ciders like “Lavender Lush” and “Sanguine”. They also offer seasonal treats like frozen wine slushies and a chocolate Merlot milkshake.
• Focus on Cocktail-Ready Spirits: While not explicitly stated as a feature for their wines, the previous mentions of “brilliant mixologists” and “artisan cocktails” in the context of other distilleries suggest an appreciation for spirits that excel in mixed drinks, which aligns with their unique flavor profiles.
• Inviting Tasting Room & Outdoor Space: Visitors can enjoy their creations in a warm and welcoming ambiance, described as a blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication. They have a tasting room and a fenced-in patio, and outdoor bar, and even a “Vineyard View Bistro” offering food.
• Farm-to-Glass Philosophy: Emphasizing sustainably produced fruits and vegetables, their approach extends to their wines and ciders, showcasing a dedication to homegrown quality.
• Pet-Friendly & Outside Food Permitted: Guests are welcome to bring their own food, but outside alcohol is not permitted. The winery is also pet-friendly.
• Private Event Space: The tasting room and patio are available for private event rentals.

Regular Events:

Rebel Sheep Wine Co. maintains a vibrant calendar of events. While specific dates vary, they regularly host:

• Trivia Nights: Held monthly on select Thursdays.
• Live Music: Frequently featured on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer.
• Sip & Workshop Events: Past and upcoming examples include Sushi Making Classes, Terrarium Workshops, and Lavender Candle Pouring Workshops.
• Seasonal Festivals & Celebrations: They host various themed events throughout the year, such as a 1st Anniversary Bash (including live music, free ice cream, and new wine releases), Father’s Day Bash, Summer Solstice Night Market, Lavender Festival (with pick-your-own lavender), and a Pickle Festival.
• “Pick & Sip” Events: Offering opportunities to pick flowers like sunflowers, zinnias, and wildflowers while enjoying a beverage.
• Holiday-Themed Events: Such as a “Glow in the Dark Adult Easter Egg Hunt” and “Mimosas with Mom”.
• 21+ Glow Maze: An autumn event in their corn maze with glow stations for wine or cider flights.

Website:

For their current offerings, event calendar, and to learn more about their unique approach, visit their official website: https://rebelsheepwineco.com/