Event features 12 N.J. wineries, music, crafters and gourmet food trucks
WEST DEPTFORD -- It's time to bid the summer of 2016 goodbye! There is no better way to do this than at New Jersey's best new wine festival -- "Wine Down Summer at RiverWinds."
Make plans now to be part of "Wine Down Summer at RiverWinds" happening Saturday, Aug. 27 from 1 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. on the Great Lawn of the RiverWinds Community Center in West Deptford.
Whether you enjoy a clean, crisp Chardonnay or a bold, hearty Merlot or a tangy, sweet sangria there will be something to please everyone's palate. Enjoy this wonderful event and make sure to stock up for your Labor Day Weekend picnics and parties. Learn about the many wonderful wines produced in South Jersey and about New Jersey's rich wine heritage.
The festival is open to everyone, young and old alike. Make sure to stay for an afternoon of great wine, savory foods and beautiful crafts.
"Wine Down Summer at RiverWinds" is proud to feature some of New Jersey's finest wineries: Auburn Road Vineyards, Cedarvale Winery, Chestnut Run Farms, Coda Rossa Winery, DiBella Winery, DiMatteo Vineyard, Plagido's Winery, Sharrott Winery, Southwind Vineyard, Valenzano Winery, Villari Vineyards and Wagonhouse Winery. This prestigious group of wineries brings with them numerous award winning wines (including double gold, gold, silver and bronze winners) from the International Finger Lakes Competition, The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Indy International Wine Competition just to name a few.
The event welcomes one of the area's favorite bands -- SunDog. Known for their high-energy, infectious, "get on your feet and sing along" performances SunDog will be hitting the stage playing a combination of music everyone loves. On Sunday, Aug. 28 Mesquite Honey takes the stage. This will mark the debut performance of Mesquite Honey to the area. Covering all of the best classic rock roll tunes with dead on accuracy, Mesquite Honey is not to be missed.
No wine festival would be complete without delectable "eats and treats" for sale. Featuring culinary cuisine from some of the best gourmet food trucks around. Joining the festivities both days will be Empanada Guy (as seen on "Food Truck Heroes" and "Supermarket Superstars") serving up his signature beef, chicken, cheese, crab, lobster and not to be missed apple cinnamon empanadas.
South Jersey Cafe will be showcasing their homegrown "Jersey Fresh" best. Make sure to try their fresh ciabatta sandwiches and their exotic cupcake offerings. If its tacos you crave then get ready for the MexiFlip Taco Truck whose combination of fresh ingredients is served authentic Mexican style with a decidedly Philippine flair. Gourmet hot dogs with all the fixings will be coming at you straight from the famous Callahans. Treats abound from Maddalenas Cheesecakes whose mouth-watering cheesecake on a stick is not to be missed. Top off your day with their signature apple crumb pie.
While at the festival make sure to stop by the artisan crafters whose handmade items take on a decidedly "wine flair." Among the marketplace you will find for sale gourmet spices and sauces, hand-painted glassware, homemade jams and jellies, gourmet pasta, wine glass charms, honey bee apiary, stunning photography, wine glass holders, wine stoppers and beautiful furniture from recycled wine barrels.... just to name a few.
Tickets for "Wine Down Summer at RiverWinds" can be purchased in advance at the discount rate of $15 and at the gate for $20 (cash only admission at the gate). Spectators and those under 21 are free. Paid admission to the "Wine Down Summer at RiverWinds" includes wine tasting of more than 200 New Jersey wines and a complimentary wine glass. Attendees will be able to not only sample wine but also purchase wines by the bottle or case.
To learn more buy advance discount tickets go to www.newjerseywineevents.com. Large groups or bus groups can send an email via the festival web site.
"Wine Down Summer at RiverWinds" is produced by GPS Inc of New Egypt. The festival is proudly supported by Visit South Jersey. The festival is supported in part by a grant from the N.J. Department of State, Division of Travel & Tourism.
This item submitted by Beth Glasgow for Wine Down Summer at RiverWinds.