NJ Wineries to Reopen for Outdoor Service on June 15

Great news from our friends at The Garden State Wine Growers Association.

The farmhouse at Willow Creek Winery. #njwine
Photo by The Garden State Wine Growers Association

New Jersey wineries will be able to welcome customers back to enjoy the full vineyard experience beginning June 15.  Wineries will be open for outside service only providing customers with tastings, wine by the glass and bottle sales.

Wineries will be following guidelines established by the NJ Department of Health for the reopening as well as by the Garden State Wine Growers Association in its plan to the state, but will modify to fit the specific needs of the winery.

Elements to include, but not be limited to:

–        Social distancing and sanitation best practices will be maintained by our winery staffs

–        Minimum of six feet distance between all outdoor tables

–        Winery employees will be wearing masks.

–        Guests entering into the winery tasting room for a takeout purchase or to visit a bathroom will be required to wear a face covering, which can be taken off while seated or tasting wine

–        Many wineries will offer their own policies regarding schedules, tastings, etc. so guests are encouraged to check their social media channels and websites for updates.

While additional details will be provided as the reopening date draws near, New Jersey winery fans can look forward to enjoying the total wine experience again.

The Garden State Wine Growers Association is a non-profit organization of New Jersey-based wineries, vineyards and allied businesses.  It serves as a centralized information repository, resource and clearing house for industry members, and offers a unified voice advocating for issues important to the entire range of New Jersey winery and vineyard operations.  Central to this mission are efforts toward branding, marketing, public relations, education, and legislation and regulation for the furtherance of the vineyard and wine industries in the Garden State.

For more information, please visit www.newjerseywines.com

Wine & BBQ Experience on Memorial Day Weekend

Wine & BBQ Experience on Memorial Day Weekend

GSWGA-WineBBQ-Experience-3_31-282x300Garden State Wine Growers Association “Wine & BBQ Experience” Heads to Schooley’s Mountain Park on Memorial Day Weekend.

The “Wine & BBQ Experience” is returning to Schooley’s Mountain Park in Long Valley, New Jersey on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 from noon to 5 pm (rain date Monday, May 30).

This will be New Jersey’s biggest wine and barbeque holiday extravaganza. 

21 of the state’s finest wineries will be sampling over 200 wines at the event New Jersey wines continue to be regularly recognized as high quality in national and international wine competitions. 

The two-day event will also feature award-winning pit masters selling their barbeque including Ben’s BBQ, (Pitmaster and Kansas City Barbeque Society Certified Judge) and winner of mulitiple Star Ledger/Monmouth Park BBQ & Craft Beer Festival Awards; Texas Smoke, multiple winner of the Sussex County Champions of the Grill; Spanky’s BBQ & Catering, 2015 Alpha Phi Delta King of Wings Champion; Lost In The Woods (Pitmaster/Food Truck) and Oink and Moo BBQ (Food Truck); Nomad Pizza (Food Truck)  gourmet brick oven pizza and Cherries on Top (Food Truck) selling delectable frozen dessert treats.

Tickets are priced at $25 in advance and $30 on-site and can be purchased at www.newjerseywines.com. Sampling will take place from 12 noon – 4:30pm each day.  Those 21 and over that show proper ID will receive a wine glass and wristband with their admission. Those that do not want to sample will pay a $5 admission fee. The Admission Tent will open at 11:30am each day.

Cheers,

Veronique