Outer Coastal Plain Wineries Win Big at Wine Competition

Plus: Upcoming food events and wine dinners in Somers Point, Jersey City, Morristown and beyond.

It’s only January and South Jersey won big in wine already. The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest competition of its kind for American wines, and this year Sharrott, Bellview, Auburn Road, and 4JGs wineries—all from New Jersey’s Outer Coastal Plain AVA—took home 21 awards. (Out of 1,132 wineries in competition, New Jersey won a total of 36 awards.) For more information on Outer Coastal Plain AVA and its wines, check out the Outer Coast Plain Vineyard Association.

Burns Night at Josie Kelly’s Public House
Friday, January 25, 7 pm

In case you weren’t aware, Scots celebrate something called “Burns Night” on January 25 in honor of famed Scotsman poet Robert Burns. Josie Kelly’s Public House in Somers Point is an Irish coastal-style pub, but they’ll be doing a celebratory “Burns Supper” just the same. Expect food, bagpipes, and (maybe) a recitation of Burns’s “Address to a Haggis,” with or without presentation of said meat product. No advance tickets required. Josie Kelly’s Public House, 908 Shore Road, Somers Point; 609-904-6485

Winterfest 2019 with the Jersey Shore Chef’s Association
Sunday, January 27,  3:30–7 pm

The Jersey Shore Chef’s Association is an established chapter of the American Culinary Federation, and this Sunday it’s holding its annual “Winterfest” fundraiser, gathering the talents of its members for “A Tailgate to Remember.” Tickets are $65, and the day includes an hors d’oeuvres competition, various chef stations, a silent auction, and tailgating games. Proceeds go to benefit non-profits including Oceans of Love, the Victor J. Houston Scholarship Fund, Childhood Hunger Day, and Fulfill (formerly Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties). No need to bring plastic chairs: the (upscale) tailgating takes place at the Crystal Point Yacht Club, 3900 River Road, Point Pleasant; 732-295-7000

Beer & Cured Meat Pairing Class in Jersey City
Tuesday, January 29, 7–8:30 pm

Even if you’re still clinging to your New Year’s resolution, if you love beer and/or cheese you should head over to Jersey Wine & Spirits in Jersey City this Tuesday. As part of their monthly pairing class series, they’re partnering up with fellow JC business Van Hook Cheese & Grocery to teach you everything you need to know about pairing cured meats and tasty beer. Tickets are $40 and include all your sips and bites. Jersey Wine and Spirits, 492 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City; 201-763-5888

Istine Wine Dinner at Stella Marina
Wednesday, February 6, 7–10 pm

Angela Fronti is owner and winemaker at Istine Winery in Chianti, Italy, and this Wednesday evening she’ll return to Stella Marina in Asbury Park for their annual wine pairing dinner, featuring her Chianti Classico selection. Roberto Scarpati of SoilAir Selection wine importer and wholesaler will be on hand to assist in the night’s revelry. Tickets are $75 and details on the menu are “coming soon.” Stella Marina, 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park; 732-775-7776

Robert Sinskey Vineyards at South + Pine
Thursday, February 7, 7–10 pm

It’s the Napa Valley by way of Morristown on Thursday, February 7, for the first-ever wine pairing dinner at South + Pine, featuring “earth friendly,” biodynamic wines from Robert Sinskey Vineyards. Maria Sinskey (seasoned chef, RSV Culinary Director, and wife of Rob) will be on hand to discuss the wines as they’re served alongside chef Leia Gaccione’s menu for the evening. The night begins with the light fruit and florals of Sinskey’s Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, courses into chef Gaccione’s Spice-Rubbed Pork Loin and Charred Strip Loin—the latter paired with a 2011 Robert Sinskey Marcien, the vineyard’s organic, Napa Valley ode to “Right Bank” Bordeaux. The meal ends with a Local Ricotta Cake paired with a Late Harvest Pinot Blanc. Not a bad start to the weekend, though fair warning it’s $125 plus tax and tip. Still, it should sell out, so (hasty) reservations are recommended by contacting Amanti Vino at 973-509-9463. South + Pine, 90 South Street, Morristown; 862-260-9700

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