With New Ownership and Improvements, 2019 Promises to be a Very Good Year for Renault

With New Ownership and Improvements, 2019 Promises to be a Very Good Year for Renault

By Ryan Gerace

The Renault Winery is one of the many historical gems in our great state of New Jersey.

The business opened in 1864 when renowned French vintner, or winemaker, Louis Nicholas Renault moved from the Duke of Montebello’s champagne house in Rheims, France, and settled in Egg Harbor City. Once there, Renault took his mastery of winemaking and created the iconic winery that is still around today.

The Renault Winery has since become more than just an historic vineyard and winery; straddling the border between Egg Harbor City and Galloway, it is now a world class resort that includes the Château Hotel, House of Renault Restaurant, Renault Winery and Champagne House, and Vineyard National Golf Course. Now under new management, the Renault Winery has many exciting projects coming to fruition this year.

Vivamee Hospitality recently took over Renault Winery and is looking to take the property to new heights while remaining true to Louis Renault’s original vision. Josh McCallen, CEO and president of Vivamee Hospitality, along with his wife and partner, Melanie McCallen, are excited for this revival.

“We get to lead a team of the best hospitality pros in the business” Josh McCallen explained.

Some long-time employees of Renault Winery are also excited to see Vivamee come in and bring Renault back to its original beauty and full potential.

Kevin McCarty, the assistant general manager of Renault Winery, has worked at Renault for 27 years. He started out as a busboy and has been there through all the ups and downs of the business. McCarty said business was declining until Josh, Melanie, and the Vivamee family stepped in to take over the resort.

“I never thought the day would come where this place is going to be revived,” said McCarty. “All of our customers that have been so loyal for those years will be able to come back and enjoy this property again and see it in its glory.”

One of the biggest attractions that the Renault Winery and Resort has to offer is its golf course, known nationally as the Vineyard National Golf Course. This 18-hole professional golf course is over 7,000 yards and offers spectacular views and a unique golfing experience for everyone who loves the game.

The course runs through Renault’s 150-year-old vineyard allowing players to become immersed in the history of the property.

This year is going to be huge for Renault as it has several new buildings and projects that are about to be open to their guests and the public.

The tasting room is undergoing major renovations and is slated to open this summer bigger and better than ever. They are also opening up their luxurious Chateau Spa for those looking for a relaxing afternoon after playing golf or going on their many wine tours and tastings.

Renault is also billed as “the East Coast’s Premier Vineyard Wedding Destination,” so be sure to check out all of their wedding packages if you are planning for your big day.

The passion that Josh and Melanie McCallen show for this property is very evident. They fell in love with the rich history and charm of the Renault Winery and that is what has led them to taking over and investing in its future.

“We just felt so called to bring it back to its beauty,” Melanie McCallen explained as she looks forward to Renault living up to its full potential.

To get an inside look into all of the amazing renovations and projects that are in store for Renault Winery and Resort, see renaultwinery.com.

Ryan Gerace is a recent graduate from La Salle University with a Master’s in Strategic Communication. Born and raised in Linwood, NJ. He enjoys cooking, baking, and community events.

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