An award-winning winery which grows 12 different types of grapes on 17 acres of vines might sound like a setting out of Napa Valley, but it’s actually seated right here in the Garden State. Since 2001, Working Dog Winery has been growing their presence in Mercer County and beyond. Situated on 106 acres in Robbinsville, the winery certainly has the room to expand–a good thing as word spreads about their estate bottled wine and laidback, family-friendly atmosphere. “It’s a welcoming place for people to first learn about wine,” shares current owner, Carlee Ludwig. Carlee and her husband, Keith, purchased the property from its five original owners back in December 2024, also bringing in the Kyle Family Farm “because of their expertise with farming and being very local to the winery.” Together, the Kyle and Ludwig families are ushering in a new era for Working Dog Winery.
Originally called Silver Decoy Winery, the name was changed to Working Dog around ten years ago. The name is a nod to both a “working dog” used in hunting and the fact that the original five owners considered themselves “working dogs” as they juggled full-time careers and winery ownership. While the winery has changed names and owners in recent years, what hasn’t changed are the high quality wines they produce and the dedication of the Working Dog team. “We focus a lot on the dry wine movement and creating fine wine,” Carlee says when asked how Working Dog differs from other New Jersey wineries. “A lot of places draw in people with sweet wine, but we really focus on the terroir and whatever we get from our grapes that season, really trying to make that sing.” While other area wineries can lean towards a more formal setting, Working Dog Winery prides themselves on being an accessible destination for families and pet owners alike. “Our place is very easygoing and the staff is very good at making you feel comfortable with trying new things and explaining them,” states Carlee.
The first vines planted back in 2001 were Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc and Carlee explains that “we try to pick grape varietals that make sense for this area and would grow well in this type of climate.” Noting that the East Coast is ideal for growing Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and their Sangiovese grapes, Carlee details that “there is a very careful thought process when we’re buying vines.” The team’s thoughtfulness and hard work is evident when enjoying a pour from one of their award-winning bottles.
When looking at the perfect sips for spring, Carlee suggests a glass of their Traminette, “a dry white with a little hint of sweetness at the end that’s not common to this area.” There is also their Equinox Rose, made from 100% Chambourcin grapes and “very refreshing” this time of year. As far as their reds for spring, “our Chambourcin hybrid is really nice to have when it’s warmer,” Carlee says. “Some people even like to chill it.” With so many delicious offerings from their estate grown wines, Carlee’s biggest suggestion to visitors of Working Dog Winery is to “be open and listen to what the Tasting Room employees are explaining.” Whether enjoying a bottle of their white or red, time spent at Working Dog Winery is full of casual relaxation, informative tasting sessions, and an opportunity to reconnect and enjoy time with loved ones on the winery’s extensive grounds.
As Carlee and her team look towards the future, their focus remains on “making the wine the best it can be. Our wine maker, Jill, has that same vision,” shares Carlee. In addition to producing the highest caliber of wine possible, Carlee also hopes to see more bottles of Working Dog Winery available at area restaurants. “We have a lot of local restaurants—farm-to-table–so having more of the state understand you don’t have to go far. You can come right to your backyard and great wine is made here,” she explains. While noting that a visit to the winery “brings groups together for socialization and a common purpose,” Carlee also sees an opportunity to expand the “educational component” around wine-making with tours of the property and events that center around the wine-making process.
From Mother’s Day events to casual gatherings to informative wine tasting sessions, Working Dog Winery offers an incredible location paired with an equally incredible wine menu. For more information on their upcoming events and offerings, please visit www.workingdogwinerynj.com.
