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Arts & Entertainment

State's Largest Wine Festival at Allaire

Wine enthusiasts end the summer with Allaire's Jazz it Up Wine Festival

Allaire Village on Saturday kicked off the first of a two-day "Jazz it Up Wine Festival" featuring 22 New Jersey breweries and over 300 wines.

Wine enthusiasts began lining up an hour early for the annual event, which is expected to draw more than 16,000 people, which continues today at the historic village.

Kathy Bullock, the event’s producer, said the event is not just for adults. There is face painting, balloon art, arts and crafts, sand art, and more for kids, Bullock said.

There's are seven food vendors, selling everything from gourmet food to chicken fingers, Bullock said. 

“It’s a great event to socialize and meet up with friends,” said township resident Howard Gross, 54.

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Gross and wife Barbara, 52, buy a case of DiMatteo wine every year. 

Frank DiMatteo, owner of DiMatteo Vineyards in Hammonton, was one of dozens of winemakers at the event. 

DiMatteo, 65, has been making wine for more than 50 years, ever since his grandmother taught him, he said.

“This event is as much about getting to sample wine as it is to meet the wine makers and learn about their process,” said Bullock. 

Eric Brown, 35, was among the crowds enjoying the event Saturday.

Brown said something unique to the event is the case of wine pick-up.

“When you buy a case they put it on a shuttle for you and give you a ticket. When you are leaving, you give them your ticket and can pick up your wine in the front,” said Brown. “I don’t have to carry it around.”

Other wineries in attendance included: Cream Ridge Winery, Coda Rossa, Tomasello Winery and more.

The event will be continue Sunday 4265 Atlantic Ave., 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The cost to sample is $25 per person which includes a glass. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

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