SHAMONG, N.J. — WineFestNJ returns to the rolling fields of Valenzano Winery on Sept. 20 and 21 for its 22nd annual celebration of New Jersey’s burgeoning wine and music scene. Organizers expect more than 180 locally crafted wines poured by 14 of the state’s favorite wineries, alongside live performances from top regional bands and more than 60 artisan vendors showcasing food, gifts and crafts.

Against a backdrop of Burlington County farmland, the festival opens at 11 a.m. both days and continues until 5 p.m. each afternoon, with wine tasting tents operating until 4:30 p.m. Admission is $40 per day for adults, $10 for under-21 guests, and VIP tent packages begin at $350, granting exclusive seating, complimentary charcuterie and private restrooms. Festival organizers advise arriving early to secure one of the limited paid parking spots at $10 in nearby fields, as complimentary parking fills quickly.

This year’s lineup includes 14 New Jersey wineries pouring reds, whites and fruit wines. Among the highlights are Jersey Devil Mead, Jersey Devil Chocolate Port and Jersey Devil Blueberry Port, each reflecting the state’s inventive approach to fruit-infused vintages. Valenzano Winery will spotlight its FIZZ line of lightly carbonated canned wines and feature special releases crafted for the festival.

Live entertainment plays throughout both days, with headline acts such as Five Dollar Shakes, 3AM Tokyo, Mystery Machine and The Core Band taking the main stage. Organizers caution attendees to avoid fraudulent social media posts that claim last-minute vendor availability, stressing that the festival is fully booked for craft vendors, food trucks and live entertainment.

More than 60 local artisan stalls will offer handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, textiles and other unique finds. A wide array of food trucks and restaurant vendors will ensure that no palate goes unsatisfied, with options ranging from wood-fired pizzas to gourmet sliders, regional barbecue and vegan fare. In keeping with community spirit, the Community Care Food & Clothing Pantry booth invites donations that will support area residents throughout the fall and winter.

Festival rules prioritize safety and comfort: guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating, umbrellas or ponchos in case of rain, and their own corkscrews for wine purchases. Unclaimed belongings left in high-traffic areas will be collected every 30 minutes. Wineries will stop pouring to any guest who appears intoxicated or poses a safety concern. Pets are prohibited, and all attendees must comply with New Jersey’s public safety regulations.

General admission includes entry to tasting tents, a souvenir wine glass and access to all live performances. VIP tent packages, priced at $350, offer front-row seating near the main stage, private restrooms, a dedicated server for wine and food orders, and complimentary charcuterie boards. Founding members of the Valenzano VIP Wine Club had first access to VIP tent reservations beginning April 16, with sales opening to non-members on April 30.

Local officials anticipate more than 10,000 visitors over the two-day weekend, a boost to area businesses and a testament to New Jersey’s expanding wine industry. WineFestNJ serves as a vital showcase for vintners to debut new releases and network with distributors, restaurateurs and consumers ahead of the fall harvest season.

Numerous award-winning producers from across the state will be on hand. Laurita Winery, White Horse Winery and Sharrott Winery are among those presenting their signature chardonnays, merlots and rosés, each hoping to earn consumer praise and foster repeat business.

Valenzano Winery, a family farm with roots in Burlington County dating to the early 1970s, organizes the festival. Founders emphasize sustainability and community engagement, balancing commercial success with environmental stewardship. Proceeds from WineFestNJ support local scholarships, area schools and maintenance of vineyards and event facilities.

For those traveling from beyond South Jersey, nearby lodging can be found in Medford, Hammonton and Toms River, all within a 45-minute drive. Festival planners advise early hotel reservations, noting lodging fills rapidly as towns prepare for an influx of wine tourists.

September temperatures in southern New Jersey can fluctuate from cool mornings to warm afternoons, and sudden showers are common. However, the festival proceeds rain or shine, with covered tasting areas and space heaters available in certain VIP zones.

Since its inception 22 years ago, WineFestNJ has grown from a modest gathering of a handful of wineries to New Jersey’s premier wine and music festival. Early editions featured under a dozen producers; today’s event underscores the state’s reputation as a vital member of the Garden State Wine Growers Association.

In an era of intense global competition, WineFestNJ highlights New Jersey’s unique viticultural identity. Clay-rich soils along the Hudson River valley, a temperate maritime climate and a culture that marries Old World traditions with New World innovation set the state apart. For small-scale producers, the festival offers a rare chance to connect directly with devoted consumers and explain the nuances of varietals such as traminette, vidal blanc and nero d’Avola.

First-time visitors often note the sense of camaraderie among winemakers, vendors and festivalgoers. “It’s like a family gathering,” one attendee observes, “where everyone shares a glass, a laugh and a story.”

As dusk falls on Sunday, festivalgoers savor their final sips, pack souvenirs and depart with a sense of fulfillment. They have tasted the best of New Jersey’s wine country, discovered new favorites and supported a growing network of local businesses. For organizers, the weekend is the culmination of year-round planning, countless volunteer hours and an unwavering commitment to showcasing New Jersey’s vinicultural potential.

Looking ahead, Valenzano Winery hints at next year’s festival, promising more participating wineries, expanded VIP experiences and enhanced music stages. But for now, WineFestNJ 2025 stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Garden State winemakers: a celebration of harvest and a reminder that community thrives when neighbors gather, raise a glass and share stories amid the vines.