Labor Day is just around the corner, which means two things – local’s summer is just getting started and the Garden state Wine Grower’s Association is kicking it off with its Jazz It Up Wine Festival – the official “end of summer/beginning of local’s summer” bash! 

On September 5th and 6th, instead of battling for a quiet spot to lay your towel at the beach or listening to that horrible boom box that your neighbor just refuses to turn down, enjoy a day out at Allaire State Park where you can get completely “jazzed up” on wine and great music.

“Our festival isn’t an overcrowded, overhyped day at the beach,” said John Cifelli, Executive Director of the Garden State Wine Growers Association. “Skip the crowds and parking hassles, and join NJ wineries for a relaxing afternoon, tasting wine in the woods.”

Did Cifelli say woods? Oh yes he did. Set in the secluded portion of Farmingdale’s historic Allaire Village, the Jazz It Up Wine Festival is the perfect place to combine old and new. Join in with the villagers of this early 19th century ironworking town as you make your way through 300 locally-produced wines from 17 New Jersey wineries.

Jazz It Up Wine Festival Caps Off the Summer

In addition to great wine, there’s the jazz music, after all it is the Jazz It Up Wine Festival! During the two-day festival, patrons will enjoy hours of live jazz performances. On Saturday, bring a blanket and chairs to take in the tunes of Philadelphia’s Dirk Quinn Band who will be releasing their third studio album. Or set up for “Sunday funday” with The Jazz Lobsters who promise to serve up a dish of hot brass-drawn butter – a glass of Chardonnay is optional.

“Wine and Jazz have so much in common,” said Cifelli. “They’re both craft products that are best enjoyed when produced by the masters. NJ wineries are growing up – and the Coltrane, Armstrong, and Ellington of NJ winemaking are emerging as incredible talents.”

Combine all this great New Jersey wine and groovy jazz with craft vendors, and of course lots of activities to keep the kids occupied and very happy. Add in delicious food trucks including Nomad Pizza, Mexiflip Taco Truck, Oink & Moo BBQ, and even Waffle de Lys – and this event is one that will cap your summer off on a high note.

We’re convinced that a beach day just won’t compete with a day at the Jazz It Up Wine Festival. For just $25 per taster (order online for a $5 discount through September 4th) you’ll take home a souvenir wine glass, maybe a new favorite wine, some more appreciation for the melodic horns, and lots of memories. And since kids and non-tasters pay no admission, why not bring the entire family along?

The Jazz It Up Wine Festival will run from noon to 5pm each day. In our humble opinion, it’s the best place to set up your beach chair this Labor Day weekend – good music, lots of space, and delicious wine included. You can’t beat that!