NJ Winemaking School - The Grape Escape

Tom and Nancy Nye founded the Grape Escape in 2004, motivated by their desire to “escape” the daily rigors and hassles of life. The Grape Escape offers a hands-on experience in wine-making while relaxing with friends and family.

Their love for wine transpired in Napa Valley, as most do. That experience, combined with a desire to create similar products on the East Coast, led to the concept of the winemaking school for the Nyes. The original plan was to start a vineyard, but after extensive research, Tom and Nancy agreed the best scenario would be to share the winemaking experience with as many people as possible. Tom's desire to teach, combined with his winemaking techniques, and Nancy's desire to entertain and create a social environment, have made The Grape Escape what it is today. A place for adults to come relax, have fun and enjoy unbelievable wines!

Tom grew up in California, and had studied wine and winemaking for several years. His technical background in the business world has played a significant role in running the daily activities as CTO ( Chief Tannin Officer). Nancy was raised in Wisconsin, and is very familiar with the concept of rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. Her financial background in the business world has played a significant role in running the business as CFO ( Chief Fun Officer).

Their vision for the wine school outlines what life is all about. . .friends, family, fun, food, and good wine! Wine novices and wine experts are invited to come see what the fun is all about. You will feel as if you have joined a private club, where you participate in the winemaking process and create wines from some of the most prestigious California and Chilean grapes.

People are always surprised about the quality wine being produced right here in Dayton NJ. The Grape Escape believes in natural winemaking techniques for fuller tasting wines with more character...natural wines just taste better. But the winery also employs some of the latest technology and sophistication to help produce spectacular and repeatable results.

Join Us

Learn the art and science of creating fine wine, using some of the finest California grapes in the world. You will learn to crush grapes, press must, barrel the juice and bottle your own wine.

The same grapes used in the best wineries in the U.S. are now available to all winemakers. Award-winning grapes are shipped to our location, from the renowned California appellations of Amador, Sonoma and Napa Valley.

Chilean and Argentinean grapes are now available in early Spring. A region where many internationally acclaimed wines are being produced. Don't miss the chance to make wonderfully distinctive red wines from Chile, such as: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Carmenere and Chardonnay.