CAPE MAY – The Garden State Wine Growers Association will hold the annual Cape May Wine Festival Oct. 11 and 12 in the vineyard of Cape May Winery. The festival will be open from 12-5 p.m. each day, featuring 20 NJ wineries, the largest number of wineries at any GSWGA festival this year. The festival will also showcase local restaurants and food trucks, live bands, and craft vendors each day. This will be the final stop on the annual statewide wine festival circuit produced by the GSWGA this fall. The events give both in and out of state wine enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the rising quality and number of New Jersey wineries, as well as savor the last whisper of the summer shore season.
The Cape May Wine Festival promises to be possibly the most unique festival venue this year, as the festival grounds will be within the vineyard of Cape May Winery. Located on Shunpike Road, around the corner from the winery itself, the venue gives attendees the chance to sip and savor the latest releases from NJ wineries as the 2014 crop finishes ripening within eyesight. Over 300 wines will be available to taste and purchase. Winners of the Governor’s Cup Trophy, awarded annually to the state’s highest scoring wines, will be poured by 2014 winners Sharrott Winery, Heritage Vineyards, and Tomasello Winery. The park allows consumption on the property, so attendees can purchase a bottle of their favorite to enjoy on the lawn in front of the band.
Bands will play from start to finish each day. Bluebone will show off their brand of burnin’ blues with smokin’ boogie hits on Saturday, while Philadelphia club regular Jodi Bongiovi will entertain Sunday with 80’s and classic rock. Cape May’s Rio Station Restaurant and The Cow & the Curd Food Truck will highlight a varying spread of gourmet bites, including BBQ, seafood specialties, gourmet hot dogs and Belgian waffles. Artisan food and craft vendors will have their wares available, guests can snack on gourmet pretzels and chocolates, or take home specialty sauces, vinegars, seasonings and spices. The event is family friendly, with a crafts activity tent for kids to enjoy as well. A $500 door prize will be awarded, consisting of a private group winery visit, tickets to next year’s festivals, and sommelier-led private group tasting at the Atlantic City Bottle Company liquor store.
Tickets are $25 for adults; while those under 21 are free. One dollar of each ticket sale will be donated to the Gene Sole Scholarship Fund, a Cape May charity dedicated to fostering strong character and leadership in the youth of Cape May. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at a $5 discount, which is available through Oct. 11. Designated drivers receive entry for $5.00 at the gate. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass that can be used to sample the wines. Ticket information, a festival guide, and the full list of winery participants can be found by visiting www.newjerseywines.com.
The GSWGA is a coalition of nearly 50 wineries and vineyards across New Jersey, dedicated to raising the quality and awareness of the New Jersey wine industry. For more information, please contact Executive Director John Cifelli at 908-866-6529 or John@newjerseywines.com.
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