New Jersey Wine Festivals for the Summer and Fall of 2009

What's red and white and made in New Jersey? New Jersey wines, of course!

It may come as a shock to most people that New Jersey ranks among the top ten wine producing states in America. In fact, New Jersey is home to over 30 wineries and several annual wine festivals. If you are looking for a wine tasting outing with family and friends, here's guide to some wine festivals taking place in New Jersey this summer and fall.

New Jersey Wine Festivals For The Summer and Fall of 2009: First, how to properly taste wine.

It pays to know how to do a proper wine tasting before heading to a wine festival. In wine tasting, there are the all important 5 S's:

Sight: Enjoy the rich color of your wine in clear glasses. If the wine is cloudy or dull and not clear in appearance, something is wrong with the wine.

Swirl: This helps to release the aroma.

Smell: Different wines have different smells. For example, a Chardonnay has the aroma of apples and pears.

Sip: Don't gulp.

Savor: Swirl the wine around your mouth to enjoy the full taste.

New Jersey Wine Festivals For The Summer and Fall of 2009: Jersey Fresh Wine and Food Festival, August 8 & 9

This festival takes place from noon to five at Heritage Vineyards in Richwood NJ. In addition to wine tasting, there is live music, crafts, and hay rides.

New Jersey Wine Festivals For The Summer and Fall of 2009: Jazz It Up Festival, September 5 & 6

This wine festival happens Labor Day weekend at Allaire State Park in Farmingdale. For more information, read my article on New Jersey Labor Day Events here on Associated Content.

New Jersey Wine Festivals For The Summer and Fall of 2009: Grand Harvest Festival, October 3 & 4

The Alba Vineyards in Milford will host this wine tasting festival. Enjoy the foliage of Hunterdon County while sipping delicious wines. Hours are from noon to five.

New Jersey Wine Festivals For The Summer and Fall of 2009: Cape May Wine Festival, October 10 & 11

Head to North Cape May and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal for this tasting. Cost is $20 per person and shuttle service to and from Cape May Ferry is available.

New Jersey Wine Festivals For The Summer and Fall of 2009: Holiday Wine Trail Weekend November 27-29

Make your own schedule based on which New Jersey wineries you want to visit. Check www.newjerseywines.com for more details on which wineries will participate.

Note: Pets are not allowed at these events. Admission is free for persons under 21

Sources:

http://www.virtualwine.com.au/wine-tasting/

http://www.newjerseywines.com/index.html

http://www.capemaymac.org/content/subpage_main.aspx?id=1412

http://www.southjerseylocavore.com/2009/06/plan-ahead-jersey-fresh-food-and-wine-festival-set-for-august-8-9-at-heritage-vineyards.html/comment-page-1