12th annual Cape May Food & Wine Festival Sept. 20-25

The “restaurant capital of New Jersey” will host the 12th annual Cape May Food & Wine Festival, presented by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC). Some of the city’s premier restaurants, as well as the award-winning Cape May Winery, will present six days of food and wine activities from Sept. 20-25.
The festival kicks off with a visit to the award-winning Cape May Winery in North Cape May on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. First stroll through the vineyard to see how grapes are grown. Then be introduced to the winemaker’s art and enjoy a barrel-tasting accompanied by cheese and fruit. Additional Cape May Winery cellar tours and tastings are also offered Monday, Sept. 22, and Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. Tours are limited to 40 people per tour.
On Saturday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. the Carriage House Tearoom & Café at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street hosts the Cape May Harvest Food & Wine Tasting co-sponsored by the Seaside Cheese Company and Cape May Winery.
The evening begins with butlered hors d’oeuvres and a cheese sampling. Afterwards, it’s salad, entrees and desserts. Each course is paired with wine from the Cape May Winery.
Representatives from the Seaside Cheese Company and the Cape May Winery will be on hand to discuss their products and appropriate pairings. Sorry, we can’t accommodate children at this event. Reserve early for this limited event.
The Gourmet Marketplace features samplings from the finest restaurants in the area, the Chefs Cook-Off, and the People’s Choice Chowder Contest on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 12 to 3:30 p.m.
The event will be held outdoors on the beautiful grounds of the Cape May Winery, 711 Town Bank Road in North Cape May.
Sample some of the signature dishes from Cape May’s finest restaurants and other sponsors under the food tent. Sip fine wines provided by the Cape May Winery and take mini vineyard tours.
Local chefs will face off in a test of talent, skill and speed during the Chefs Cook-Off. America’s beer authority, former Sirius Radio contributor and author, Gary Monterosso will emcee this year’s Chefs Cook-off and a panel of judges will determine the winner.
You’re the judge at the People’s Choice Chowder Contest as you vote for your favorite chowder. Limited event. Sorry, we can’t accommodate children at this event.
The popular Chefs’ Dine-Arounds will run Sunday through Thursday, Sept. 21-25, at 6 p.m. Board MAC’s trolley and be shuttled to five different premier restaurants for a five-course gourmet feast with wine paired to each course. A representative from the sponsoring winery will be on hand to explain the pairings.
Each night features a different combination of restaurants. Reserve early, limited to 34 people per night.
For lighter gourmet fare, indulge in Gourmet Lunches offered Monday through Wednesday, Sept. 22-24 at 12:30 p.m. A selection of Cape May’s finest restaurants will offer three-course gourmet lunches at a different restaurant each day. Limited to 40 people per restaurant.
Monterosso returns to the festival for the Beer Tasting Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street. This event is for people who want to know more about how to pair beer with food.
Monterosso matches each course to a different style beer and he will be on hand to discuss the pairings. Reserve early. Limited to 50 people.
The Fisherman’s Wharf Tour on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. tells how Cape May has become the second largest commercial fishing port on the East Coast.
The Gourmet Brunch Walk, Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. ends at the famous Mad Batter Restaurant, 19 Jackson Street where tourgoers will enjoy a gourmet brunch. Reserve early. Limited to 40 for brunch.
Food & Wine’s classes, seminars and tastings teach new culinary skills Monday through Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit www.capemaymac.org.