DINING

These New Jersey food, beer and wine festivals are worth a road trip

Sarah Griesemer
Asbury Park Press

Monmouth and Ocean counties are home to some great events for foodies, but sometimes, you just want to take a drive – preferably one that ends with food, wine and beer.

When wanderlust strikes, it helps to be prepared. Here are some tasty events taking place within an hour or two drive from our part of the Garden State.

Somerdale-based Flying Fish Brewing Company's beers can be found at The Arc of Sussex County's upcoming Uncorked & Uncapped event.

Uncorked and Uncapped

Every year, The Arc of Essex County hosts a wine, beer and food fest to raise funds for its programs. This year's event, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Westminster Hotel in Livingston, will feature wine, craft beer, spirit tastings, samples from restaurants, and a silent auction.

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All proceeds will benefit the Arc, which supports people with Down syndrome, autism, and other disabilities. Tickets cost $100 per person and can be purchased at www.uncorkedanduncapped.com.

The hotel is at 550 W Mount Pleasant Ave. For more information, call 973-535-1181 or visit http://uncorkedanduncapped.com.

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Small plates of a chicken dish from Morris Tap and Grill in Morristown; the restaurant will take part in next month's Big Brew Beer Festival at the Morristown Armory.

The Big Brew Beer Festival

More than 200 styles of craft beer - need we say more?

This annual festival, taking place Oct. 7 at the Morristown Armory in Morris County, will feature beer samples, seafood from Angry Archie's food truck, cheesy dishes from the Cow and The Curd, barbecue from The Bearded One BBQ, sweets from Glazed and Infused Doughnuts & More, and New American cuisine from Morris Tap & Grill. 

The fest also includes music and vendors. 

There are two sessions: noon to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. A free shuttle will be available at the Morristown train station, 122 Morris St.

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Tickets cost $60 per person and include a five-ounce cup for unlimited samples. Tickets for designated drivers cost $15.

The Morristown Armory is at 430 Western Ave. in Morristown. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://bigbrewnj.com/morristown.

 

After the Harvest

The season for harvesting grapes is coming to a close, and the Garden State Wine Growers Association is celebrating with a wine-themed event. After the Harvest, taking place from 1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Hudson County Community College Culinary Arts Institute in Jersey City, will feature the wines of six New Jersey wineries and dishes from the cooking school.

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The event also will feature live entertainment and wine seminars on the history of New Jersey wine, the health benefits of wine, and the sensory aspects of tasting wine. 

Tickets cost $25 per person; designated driver tickets cost $10.

The Culinary Arts Institute is at 161 Newkirk St. in Jersey City. For more information or to purchase tickets, search After the Harvest at www.eventbrite.com.