Wine in New Jersey? Valenzano Winefest 2010

My very first Winefest EVER! Sure I've visited wineries, did the tour, checked out the grapes, sniffed the barrels, got my free wine glass, but Valenzano Winefest 2010 was so much more!

I chose my friend Keith to be my wine tasting buddy of the day. We paid $12.00 entry as opposed to the $8.00 advanced ticket price because we both have a problem with commitment. (Ok, not really! But we both know that life has a way of happening and sometimes it just doesn't happen the way we expect it to:) So being the typical taking-no-chances-duo, we made our way to the tasting tables because we are also try-every-wine-in-front-of-us-people. Free glass in hands, we were off!

(Keith's looking a bit angelic here. Don't let the clouds fool you.)

We went against all the rules! Valenzano suggests tasting all the dry wines, then move into the semi-sweets, then sweets and fruit blends, then lastly the port. We tried Red, White, and Blue Sangria which is a delightfully sweet blend of red cranberries, white cranberries, and blueberries. (Very clever Valenzano;) Of course the label is in red white and blue berries and corked with an American flag designed cork, I gravitated to the bottle like any Fourth of July "baby" would! Delightfully sweet and oh so delicious and very affordable at $9.99. For every bottle of Sangria sold, $1.00 is donated Operation Troop Aid. (Better get extra!)

Dry wines aren't as bad as I thought. We decided to live by the rules and do it right. I tried the Vidal Blanc and really loved it! A great dinner wine. I also tried the semi-sweet Pinelands Blush and learned it either has to be dry or sweet-- there's no in between for me. Blueberry was very tasty, but not my absolute favorite because of a slightly tart aftertaste.

Let's just face it, I love sweet wine.

Blueberry Bubbly is a wonderful sparkling wine that made me want to buy a case for New Years Eve. The Jersey Devil Port is one of my favorites and I adore the artwork of our very own New Jersey beast on the label. I'm partial to the port when there's snow on the ground. There is a perfect wine for every occasion isn't there?

Valenzano did not forget the kids. The children's section looked very entertaining for the little ones. They had live children's music with sing-a-longs, pony rides, games, face painting and other activities by Studio Lulu. The kids seemed to have a good time.

We really enjoyed music from Gas House Gorillas. (At least we think that was them!) It seemed like perfect wine tasting tunes. We didn't hear South Southern Delta, but I liked their attire--all jazz and blues looking. They had a car show and charities for various dogs. This was truly a dog-friendly event and many people brought their dogs for the day. They offered helicopter rides of the Pine Barrens for a fee--around $50.00 a person, discounted for two and Keith said, "Nuh uh, no way." Not in the flying mood Keith? Maybe some other time.

You could even rent party tables/tents for the day and bring your own picnic and beverages (just no outside alcohol)

Food, Food, Glorious Food! Vendors everywhere! Italian, BBQ, Snacks and Fried Oreos? Keith and I decided that was a heart attack waiting to happen. I'm still curious.

"LUCY! I am not going to be the father of that cheese!" (Ricky Riccardo exclaimed in an old "I Love Lucy" when she tried to smuggle cheese and pretended it was a baby.)
Keith and I never found the cheese tasting. We learned it was at the Pavilion on the opposite side of the field and we were hot and tired. Bummer. He promised me the Diner afterwards so I wouldn't start whining.

We cooled off a couple times by visiting the vendors under a huge tent. Woodworkers, candles, body soaps and lotions, jewelry, toys, sports souvenirs, specialty foods including honey, sauces, spices, gourmet foods, painted glassware, handcrafted items, etc. We ate honey sticks--we each tried some kind of berry and it was yummy! I tried some crab red sauce and thought it was delicious. Also, I found the candle called "Fireside" for Keith to sniff. I had smelled it at another festival last year. No lie, it smells like your fireplace. Neato! but, is that a smell I want? We didn't buy it.

But, we each bought a bottle of Sangria to take home! Wise purchase.

Harvest Festival and Fall Events Calendar 2010 For NJ

The best part of summer for me is when it ends. Ok, so I've never handled the heat well. My parents knew this and Dad, being the practical man that he was would take Mom and us to The Philadelphia Zoo every year on the weekend after Labor Day Weekend because it was usually cooler and less crowded than the summer season. That zoo trip anniversary is today. The zoo was not my first choice for today, 2010. I had my hopes set on Burlington City.



Today, Sept. 11, was The Wood Street Fair in Burlington City and as always I missed it! This makes 3 years of my Wood Street Fair knowledge all for nothing! I quickly recuperated from Wood Street Fair Withdrawal when I realized that the temperature today reached 80 degrees-my ideal temp is 70 and the Fall season has just begun!


Autumn is my favorite season and unlike any other season, I find it appeals to all of my senses-the crisp leaves crunching under my feet as I walk the dogs, the smell of a fireplace, the taste of peach pie and hot apple cider. I want to make homemade soup and I find I'm drawn to New England styled chowders and squash recipes. Fall makes me want to burn candles and cuddle up in a blanket or sweater. It's cozy.


To begin my Fall Festivities, I have decided to venture to Valenzano's Winery in Shamong next weekend on Sept. 18 and 19 for their Winefest with my friend Keith. I discovered their fabulous Jersey Devil Port Wine at the Bordentown Cranberry Fest last year. My sister, Michele Rose a home stager, uses the Jersey Devil bottles in her business. The artwork is fabulous and hey, the Port isn't too bad either! I supply her with her bottles:)
Can't make it to Shamong? Go to Kirby's Mill in Medford for their Flea Market on Sept. 18.


This year, the Bordentown Cranberry Fest on Farnsworth Avenue is on Oct. 2 and 3. I love this festival and intend to go this year. I wheeled Mom in her transport chair last year and found the crowds to be pleasant, the food and wine to be fabulous, and the vendors most professional. This is definitely a family event with a separate street block entirely devoted to kids. I'm so glad sis and I stumbled upon this festival years ago!

This year I am living close to Pemberton where the Pemberton Borough Fall Festival on Hanover Street is taking place on Sept. 25. Pemberton is a tiny town but with a few hotspots that you should know about. If you go to the Fall Festival, don't bother going to Wawa or Burger King for lunch or snacks. Make your way about a mile to Budd's KNP Farmers Market 132 Vincentown Road where they will give you some good home cooking and don't forget to try some ice cream or baked goods. The Grist Mill Antiques Center is a great way to spend some extra hours for browsing around. Clark's Canoe Rental is excellent for the kids to spend a day on Rancocas Creek. The Village Thrift is sponsored by The Christian Caring Center and brand new to "the boro."

Pemberton just isn't your scene? Check out a community event, The Spirit of Chesterfield Festival in the Village of Crosswicks on Sept. 25. There's a 5K run, rummage sale, crafters, vendors, artisans, pony rides, baked goods, pumpkin weight guess, bands, chili cookoff, rummage sale, historic church tours, bands, book sale, antiques, cars, kids games, and more, more, more!

The Yorkshire Alliance East Union Street Yard Sale Burlington City is from 9am-3pm on Sept.26. Eat lunch or dinner at Francesco's Italian Restaurant at 351 High Street. I loved their shrimp and broccoli alfredo. Park in the back and skip dessert because you'll want to walk up to Ummms for ice cream. The snickers chocolate is to die for with freshly made waffle cones. Don't want to drive? Hop on the Riverline.

Don't know what on earth to do with gourds other than carve and pop a candle inside? Westampton at 2 Academy Drive is Bringing Vegetables To the Table: A Celebration of The Harvest on Sept 30 and Oct 1 for $3.00. The focus is on vegetables grown locally in NJ and ways to prepare and enjoy the bounty of autumn vegetables.


Medford is an active community for Fall events. On Oct. 2 Oktoberfest is celebrated from 4pm-8pm on Main Street in Medford.

Oct. 9 go toThe Annual Apple Festival at Kirby's Mill for crafts, vendors, baked goods, and homemade apple ice cream, then head over to Main Street Medford for The Scarecrow Contest and Harvest Festival and Concert!

For over age 16, Oct. 9 from 6pm-11pm is The Witches Ball in Downtown Mount Holly! Costume contests, live music, art, shopping in The Black Market, and find your future at The Gypsy Village. Hear true tales of hauntings from members of South Jersey Ghost Research. Commemorate the evening with a portrait. (Oct.31 is designated for the kids:) Check out The Historic Prison sometime, but not for "Halloween at The Prison" mainly because they do not allow you in the building after a certain time and it is strictly an outdoor event. (I learned this tidbit last year.)

Oct. 16 is the Celtic Cafe Concert at 7pm at the Friends Meeting House on Union Street and on Oct. 30 at 7pm is the Halloween Parade on Main Street in Medford!

On Oct 16 and 17 is The Cranfest in Chatsworth! I've lived close to Chatsworth for many years and have yet to go. It is the third largest Cranberry Festival in the United States and this may be the year I actually make it! There is a small fee for parking. Tons of vendors, food and crafters! Don't miss it!

On Oct. 24, check out the Halloween Parade in Bordentown at 2pm and later on that day go on The Ghost Walk from 6pm - 9pm for $10. Take a ride around town afterwards and check out the decorations for the House Decorating Contest. Raindate is Oct.31.



In Burlington City, go on The Ghost Tour on Oct. 29 or Oct. 30 at 6pm. The Halloween Hoopla is on Oct. 31 from 3pm-5pm.

On Nov.6 from 9am-4pm go to Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church for the Holiday Craft and Vendor Sale in Cherry Hill.

Nov. 11 is the Veteran's Day Parade in Burlington City and Home For The Holidays is on Nov. 26 at 6pm. I have no clue what that is, but I think I want to find out!


And in the in-between time? Check out Johnson's Corner Farm on 133 Church Road in Medford for pick-your-own everything! Hayrides are free, taking visitors to the fields for picking. Pay by weight of produce. Recently Johnson's was featured on CBS, The Morning Show.


Click here for Other New Jersey Festivals and have a fabulous Fall!

9/11 A Moment of Silence, Light A Candle

This past year I went out with some friends and somehow 9/11 came up in conversation. One friends response went something like, "It's the past, so what? It's over." I was shocked and mortified! (and oddly, speechless!)



It is in my make up, no, not just my make up but my entire being to never forget my history, our history, Americas history. Was I cut from a diffferent form? Am I the odd one here? History is how we got to the place we are today, including the events of 9/11. Am I the only fool who gets choked up over the thought of our forefathers battling the harsh winter, breaking the ice to paddle up the Delaware River to Trenton to surprise attack the enemy troops? Americas history is what makes an American. Watch the History Channel, "America: The Story of Us." It's how we came to be. 9/11 made us who we are today.



The year after 9/11, the local radio stations and television news reported a scheduled Moment of Silence in memory of those who died because of 9/11, in honor of the brave men and women who fought to rescue and recover the victims, and in honor of the people who meticulously cleaned up Ground Zero. I was on my way home from having bloodwork done and listened closely to the radio, preparing to "Stop Everything" as they said. "Park your car and take a Moment of Silence." I pulled over into the shoulder and had my Moment of Silence as the radio waves went quiet. I prayed and I cried. I looked up to find that only one other car had pulled over, but I felt a camaraderie with just that one person.



Was a Moment of Silence really that important? I've seen footage of people in other countries who participate in a Moment of Silence and am in utter awe. Thousands upon thousands of people unified in Spirit, unified in grief, simply being quiet. Silence is the most humbling and powerful form of unity I've ever seen. Why can't we just be quiet for just one minute?

One minute.

Today marks the 9 year anniversary of 9/11. I haven't forgotten and being the sensitive one that I am, I admit, I get weepy. As suggested on Facebook, I'll be lighting a candle and setting it on my front porch at sunset to burn throughout the night. Nine years ago, when it became apparent that there were no more survivors to be rescued at Ground Zero, the media suggested burning candles on porches. I lived in a condo and burned 3 candles, a red white and a blue. When I walked my dog that night, there were candles all over the neighborhood.

Will you light a candle tonight? Will you have a Moment of Silence?