Several New Jersey wineries are celebrating N.J. Wine Week with events and festivities.
Just one year ago, winemakers from across the East Coast gathered at Auburn Road Vineyard and Winery in Pilesgrove to launch the Vintage Atlantic Wine Region.
With a climate similar to that of Napa Valley, California, and Bordeaux, France, the South Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland area is becoming known as one of the great wine regions of the world.
In celebration of the increased tourism and delicious wines produced in New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie recently signed a proclamation declaring Sept. 18 to 27 New Jersey Wine Week.
Wine Week kicks off Sept. 18 at Cedarvale Winery in Logan Township where representatives from the state Department of Agriculture and the Garden State Wine Growers Association will observe grape harvesting and the wine-making process.
The festivities will continue throughout the nine-day celebration at many of the area's wineries.
Winefest 2015
Sept. 19 and 20
Valenzano Family Winery - 1320 Old Indian Mills Road in Shamong
This is the 14th year the Valenzano family has opened their winery for their annual party -- WineFest 2015.
In addition to more than 100 New Jersey wines available for sampling, WineFest will feature five stage of live music, crafters and vendors, food options from local restaurants, and kids activities such as pony rides, pumpkin picking and a corn maze.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Children 14 and younger are free.
For more information and to order tickets, call 609-268-6731 or visit valenzanowine.com.
Heritage Wine Festival
Sept. 19 and 20
Heritage Vineyards - 480 Mullica Hill Road in Mullica Hill
Along with Heritage's award-winning wines, guests will be able to sample wines from seven additional wineries including Auburn Road Vineyard and Winery, Bellview Winery, and Cape May Winery and Vineyard.
Carolina Blue, The Pizza Wagon, and Weckerly's Ice Cream are just a few of the food vendors that will be on hand for the festival.
MORE: Vintage Atlantic Wine Region gives N.J. wine lovers a destination
Guests will be able to listen to live music from artists such as Brian LaPann Trio, Laura Cheadle, and The Sermon! all weekend long.
Tickets range from $5 to $75 including Wine Club VIP perks such as early admission, catering, and entrance to the exclusive 250-person VIP tent in the vineyards.
For tickets and more information, visit heritagewinefestival.com.
Jersey Fresh Wine Festival
Sept. 26 and 27
Burlington County Fairgrounds - 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Road in Columbus
Rebranded as New Jersey's biggest and only wine-themed farmers' market, the Jersey Fresh Wine Festival will pair fresh, local produce with some of the state's best wines.
Vendors offering cheeses, honeys, nuts, spices, and food trucks from Brother Bear BBQ, the Empanada Guy, and Bonjour Creperie will add to the festivities.
More than 200 wines from throughout the state will be available for tasting, and live music from bands such as Mesquite Honey and CrabDaddy will provide entertainment.
Tickets are $25 for anyone 21 years old and older. Guests younger than 21 are admitted free.
For more information and tickets, call 609-588-0085 and visit www.newjerseywines.com.
South Jersey Wine and Food Festival
Sept. 26 and 27
Lake Lenape Park East - 753 Park Road in Mays Landing
The 5th annual South Jersey Wine and Food Festival presented by the Mays Landing Merchants Association is expected to draw more than 10,000 people during the two-day event.
There will wine samples from eight South Jersey wineries, food from local restaurants and the students from the Academy of Culinary Arts, vendors, and live music from Dan Burke Acoustic Band, Billy Walton Band, Beth Tinnon Trio, and Danny Eyer.
Judging for the third annual Amateur Winemakers Competition will take place at 3 p.m. both days with white wine being judged on Saturday and red wine on Sunday.
For more information and tickets, visit sjwinefestival.com.
Appel Farm Music and Wine Festival
Oct. 3
Appel Farm Arts and Music Center - 457 Shirley Road in Elmer
The wine festivities continue even after Wine Week concludes at Appel Farm.
There will be wines from 15 wineries spanning New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland including Auburn Road Vineyard and Winery, Coda Rossa Winery, and Wagonhouse Winery.
Bands playing the main stage include No Good Sister, Swing That Cat, and Steppin' Razor.
The event is from noon to 6 p.m. and VIP tickets are available that give purchasers early access to the festival and other perks.
For more information and tickets, visit www.appelfarm.org or call 856-358-2472.
Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.