PRESS RELEASE: The Garden State Wine Growers Association will hold the annual Cape May Wine Festival on October 10th & 11th at the famous Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum. The festival will be open from 12-5pm each day and features 19 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 year. 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 whispers of the summer shore season.
The Cape May Wine Festival promises to have a unique festival venue this year, as the grounds will be at the Aviation Museum inside Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport. The new location will give patrons the opportunity to sample NJ’s latest vintage surrounded by classic private and decommissioned military aircraft adjacent the festival grounds. Hangar #1 is listed on the national and state registry of historic locations, as the site served as a Naval aviation base during World War II. Nearly 300 wines will be available to taste and purchase at this famous site. Since consumption is allowed on the property, patrons can purchase a bottle of their favorite to enjoy on the grounds while listening to the live music and grabbing a bite to eat.
Bands will play from start to finish each day. On Saturday, Strumberry Pie will serve up an acoustic duo of talented women performing covers and originals. Deedee and Laura sing incredible harmonies, and they perform regularly across the tristate area. Bluebone will show off their brand of burnin’ blues with smokin’ boogie hits on Sunday. Food trucks will offer Cuban cuisine, seafood specialties, BBQ and more. 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 or spices. The event is family friendly, with a crafts activity tent for kids to enjoy as well. The Association has partnered with La Mer Beachfront Inn, offering festival patrons a discounted rate and reduced minimum night stay during the holiday weekend. The 10th & 11th is not only the weekend prior to Columbus Day, but it doubles as Victorian Weekend, an area-wide celebration of the unique architecture of downtown Cape May.
Tickets are $25 for adults; while those under 21 are free. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at a $5 discount, which is available through Saturday. 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 http://www.newjerseywinetrails.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.
