BWW Preview: WINE ON THE BEACH at Seaside Heights NJ on SEPT 12-13

The summer fun doesn't end with Labor Day weekend. It will heat up on the sugar sand beach of Seaside Heights with a very special event, "Wine on the Beach." It will be held Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th from noon to 5 p.m.

Seaside Heights has long been an iconic destination for metropolitan area beachgoers. This spectacular wine event at the popular vacation destination is a first ever for the Garden State.

Wine on the Beach will feature 10 New Jersey wineries pouring samples, performances by top bands, including the Garden State Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday and food prepared by local area restaurants. It's all designed for visitors to Seaside Heights to enjoy New Jersey wines with a "Glass in Your Hand and Toes in the Sand."

"Seaside Heights offers visitors something for the whole family to enjoy and that is certainly the case with Wine on the Beach," said Anthony Vaz, mayor of Seaside Heights. "We're happy to bring a first to the state by hosting this festival on our sandy beaches."

"We have assembled some of the leading wineries in New Jersey along with an eclectic array of musical talent, great local restaurants and local crafters and artisans to make this one of the most entertaining events of the year," said Kathy Bullock of GPS, Inc., the event's organizer.

Wine on the Beach guests will be able to purchase wine by the bottle and case. They will also be able to open and drink their newly-purchased wine in the designated area on the beach.

Crafters and other vendors will be set up on the boardwalk with the local restaurants that will offer food for sale. These vendors and restaurants will be available for everyone walking the Seaside Heights boardwalk. There will be also plenty of children's activities including an inflatable obstacle course on the beach.

And, remember the classic Lucille Ball grape stomping episode? As a special treat, guests to Seaside Heights can kick off their shoes with a Lucy look-a-like on Saturday, September 12 on the boardwalk and participate in the tradition of Grape Stomping. Make it a family affair, both young and old can participate. We encourage you to dress up like Lucy and enjoy the afternoon making great memories.

Wine on the Beach participating wineries are: Coda Rossa Winery, DiMatteo Vineyards, Monroeville Vineyard, Plagido's Winery, Salem Oak Vineyards, Sharrott Winery, Tomasello Winery, Ventimiglia Vineyard, Villari Vineyard and Wagonhouse Winery. They will be set up on platforms facing out from the boardwalk as they serve attendees on the beach.

Musical entertainment will be performed on the Seaside Heights Summer Stage by:

Tympanic Plexus - Saturday, September 12th - An incredibly unique instrumental trip rock band from Toms River, NJ.

Garden State Philharmonic - Saturday, September 12th - The Jersey Shore's PREMIER professional orchestra.

Strumberry Pie - Sunday, September 13th - Acoustic trio performing pop to classic and hard rock, to indie folk and soul.

Parrotbeach - Sunday, September 13th - Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band and island music.

Local restaurants selling their food at the festival include:

Bubba's Doghouse

Chop Shop

Hemingway's Cafe

Park Seafood

PJ's Place

Ryan's Catering

Shake Shoppe Arcade

Wine on the Beach will be held on South Beach at Blaine Avenue. Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the gate and $10 for all Military and First Responders with ID. Spectators (non-drinkers) and those under 21 are free. Proof of age is required to sample. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass and opportunity to sample more than 200 NJ wines. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.exit82.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Wine on the Beach