The Lakewood BlueClaws will host the Jersey Shore Wine Festival on June 4-5 at FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood. The festival will help promote New Jersey wines and increase the public’s familiarity with varietals produced in New Jersey.
Festival hours are noon to 5 p.m. daily, and admission is $15 in advance or $18 at the gate for adults 21 years and older. Those under 21 or those serving as designated drivers will be admitted free. The centerpiece of the festival will be wine tasting by 11 New Jersey wineries from around the state; participating wineries include Valenzano Winery, DiMatteo Vineyards, TomaselloWinery, Plagido’sWinery, 4 JG’s Orchards & Winery, Alba Vineyard, Cream Ridge Winery, Laurita Winery, Cape May Winery, Hopewell Valley Vineyards and Unionville Vineyards.
The event will also feature live musical entertainment, food, crafters and the Blue- Claws’ play area for children. Each paid admission includes a commemorative wine glass to use for the tasting. Advance tickets can be purchased by visiting the website at www.blueclaws.com and clicking on the FirstEnergy Park page; calling 732-901- 7000, or visiting the event’s Facebook page. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Allen Consulting at 732-946-2711.
According to a press release, New Jersey’s wineries offer nationally and internationally acclaimed wines, with varieties such as cabernet, chambourcin, chardonnay, vidal, and more, including dessert wines. Many of the wineries have won medals in tasting competitions in New Jersey and at competitions throughout the country.
Saturday will feature the acoustic rock sounds of Astronaut Jones, followed by the blues/soul sound of the Christopher Dean Band. On Sunday, modern rock will fill the stage with the Larry Stevens Band. The band has toured all over the East Coast and has recently opened for Kenny Loggins, Todd Rundgren and the Doobie Brothers.