Getaway To The Tropicana For The Jersey Shore Wine Festival 2017

Twelve winemakers will be the main attraction of the event including: Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery, Bellview Winery, Chestnut Run Farms, DiMatteo Vineyard, Old York Cellars, Plagido’s Winery, Sharrott Winery, Southwind Vineyard & Winery, Tomasello Winery, Valenzano Winery, Villari Vineyards, and Wagonhouse Winery. A variety of over 150 wines will be available for guests to sip and savor. Purchase your favorites by the bottle or case.

Optional Wine Seminars

Additionally, festival-goers will have the option of attending educational seminars featuring wine experts.

Saturday

Forty-Five Minute Wine Expert with John Mahoney
Saturday, February 25^th 1:00 p.m. (45 minutes) 

Become a wine expert in just forty-five minutes as John Mahoney, Certified Wine Educator breaks down everything you need to know.

Dr. John Mahoney is the author of seven books including “Wine for Intellectuals”  and “Every Bottle Has A Story”. He has judged wines across the United States and Europe, and has taught  wine courses at Montclair University and presently at Stockton University. He is also the World Ambassador for the Chef & Sommelier Wineglass series.

John taught British literature at high schools and colleges for over 45 years. He is Chancellor of the Dionysian Society International, a member of the American Wine Society, a Chevalerie du Verre Galant (Knights of Cognac), President of New Jersey Club Zinfandel, Director of the Tri-State Wine College, and is the voice of “Weekend Wine Tips” on the radio.  He also hosts corporate wine education seminars and teaches wine classes each semester.

Meet the Winemaker: Tony Valenzano (Valenzano Winery)
Saturday, February 25^th 1:30 p.m. (30 minutes)

Interested in the wine making process? Meet Tony Valenzano. Since 1996 when his family made their first commercial batch of wine, his family has grown their passion into their livelihood.  Today, they are one of the east coast’s largest wine producers, and many would say its most popular.  Their wines have won double gold medals from the Indy International Wine Competition, Fingerlakes International Wine Competition along with the NJ Governor’s Cup and dozens of prestigious awards. Tony will host an information session providing his background at Valenzano as well as their philosophies and wines. Question and answer session to follow.

Based in Shamong, New Jersey, in the center of the Pine Barrens, Valenzano Winery maintains 88 acres of farms where we proudly grow our vineyards.  We also look locally and nationally, sourcing the freshest and finest fruits imaginable to craft world-class wines that taste best when paired with the right foods and friends.

New Jersey Wines with Dr. Gary Pavlis
Saturday, February 25^th 2 p.m. (45 minutes) 

Discover New Jersey wines and ask Gary any questions you might have. Gary C. Pavlis is a professor and agricultural agent at Rutgers University. A leading authority on grape growing, Dr. Pavlis only travels to places that make wine. Dr. Pavlis is the organizer of the annual NJ Wine Competition and wine contributor to edibleJersey Magazine.

New Jersey Wines vs. the World with John Mahoney & Dr. Gary Pavlis
Saturday, February 25^th 3 p.m. (1 hour)

Discover how New Jersey wines stack up against French, Chilean and Argentinean wines in a blind taste test. Then vote for your favorites to determine the winner. You might be surprised how Jersey stacks up!

Dr. John Mahoney is the author of seven books including “Wine for Intellectuals”  and “Every Bottle Has A Story”. He has judged wines across the United States and Europe, and has taught  wine courses at Montclair University and presently at Stockton University. He is also the World Ambassador for the Chef & Sommelier Wineglass series.

John taught British literature at high schools and colleges for over 45 years. He is Chancellor of the Dionysian Society International, a member of the American Wine Society, a Chevalerie du Verre Galant (Knights of Cognac), President of New Jersey Club Zinfandel, Director of the Tri-State Wine College, and is the voice of “Weekend Wine Tips” on the radio. He also hosts corporate wine education seminars and teaches wine classes each semester.

Gary C. Pavlis is a professor and agricultural agent at Rutgers University. A leading authority on grape growing, Dr. Pavlis only travels to places that make wine. Dr. Pavlis is the organizer of the annual NJ Wine Competition and wine contributor to edibleJersey Magazine.

Wine-tertainment with Phillip Silverstone
Saturday, February 25^th 4:00 p.m. (1 hour)

Enjoy an hour with “Wine-tertainer” Phillip Silverstone.  Ever the consummate raconteur, Silverstone’s presentation will be filled with his un-snooty, unpretentious and unpredictable dry British humor.

Phillip Silverstone’s wine philosophy is refreshingly simple and unique. His anecdotes, short stories, outspoken opinions and practical “unstuffy” tips are aimed at anyone who enjoys a light-hearted approach to an often dull topic.

London born Silverstone is the producer and host of “Time Out With Phillip Silverstone” heard worldwide on Tunein Radio and his syndicated weekly column appears each week throughout the Delaware Valley.

Wine Comparative with Paul Tonacci  
Saturday, February 25^th 5:00 p.m. (1 hour)

Compare the quality and flavors of four New Jersey wines alongside four international wines including German, Italian and French varietals.

Enjoy a guided tasting covering everything from how the wines are made, the typical flavors you can expect in the glass and fun facts about wine. Question and answer session to follow.

Certified Sommelier, a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and a Certified Wine Judge through the American Wine Society and VP of National Account Sales for Vinedrea Wines.

He participates as a judge in competitions throughout the US and in London. Paul’s goal is to raise the profile of wines from all over the world, especially New Jersey’s own and currently consults

Sunday

Wine-tertainment with Phillip Silverstone
Sunday, February 26^th 1:00 p.m. (1 hour)

Enjoy an hour with “Wine-tertainer” Phillip Silverstone.  Ever the consummate raconteur, Silverstone’s presentation will be filled with his un-snooty, unpretentious and unpredictable dry British humor.

Phillip Silverstone’s wine philosophy is refreshingly simple and unique. His anecdotes, short stories, outspoken opinions and practical “unstuffy” tips are aimed at anyone who enjoys a light-hearted approach to an often dull topic.

London born Silverstone is the producer and host of “Time Out With Phillip Silverstone” heard worldwide on Tunein Radio and his syndicated weekly column appears each week throughout the Delaware Valley.

Meet the Winemaker: Jack Tomasello (Tomasello Winery)
Sunday, February 26^th 1:45 p.m. (30 minutes)

Interested in the wine making process? Meet Jack Tomasello, third generation Winemaker at Tomasello Winery in Hammonton, NJ. Jack will host an information session providing his background at Tomasello as well as their philosophies and wines. Question and answer session to follow.

Tomasello currently has 70 acres under vine, with more than 30 different varieties of grapes including Native American, French hybrids and classic vinifera. Tomasello Winery is located in the heart of the Outer Coastal Plain – American Viticultural Area (AVA). This federally recognized viticultural region is home to some of the oldest wineries in the country

Bodies and Legs with John Mahoney
Sunday, February 26^th 2:30 p.m. (45 minutes)

John Mahoney leads a seminar where wine enthusiasts can get the answers on how to pick that perfect bottle of wine to go with your favorite foods or that special occasion.

Dr. John Mahoney is the author of seven books including “Wine for Intellectuals”  and “Every Bottle Has A Story”. He has judged wines across the United States and Europe, and has taught  wine courses at Montclair University and presently at Stockton University. He is also the World Ambassador for the Chef & Sommelier Wineglass series.

John taught British literature at high schools and colleges for over 45 years. He is Chancellor of the Dionysian Society International, a member of the American Wine Society, a Chevalerie du Verre Galant (Knights of Cognac), President of New Jersey Club Zinfandel, Director of the Tri-State Wine College, and is the voice of “Weekend Wine Tips” on the radio. He also hosts corporate wine education seminars and teaches wine classes each semester.

Artisan Crafters

Artisan craft vendors round out the offerings of this festival offering unique items for purchase.

A Time For Wine–  Nestled in the Quarter at Tropicana is a fabulous blend of fine wines, liquors, the largest selection of cigars in the county, and many, many, unique gifts to do with all of the above!

The Bacon Jams– Bacon Jams is a half of pound of bacon goodness and some other yummy ingredients in a jar. To be used as a spread, condiment, or a cooking and baking ingredient…. adds a special wow factor to burgers, appetizers, desserts and much more. We have three delicious flavors; The All Original, Red Chile Garlic, and Black Pepper.

Busy Bees NJ– Pure, Raw and Natural Honey and Products of the Hive.

City2Shore Gourmet– Aged Balsamic Vinegars, EVOO, infused oils, sea salts and rubs and Olive Wood products.

Gail Adams Jewelry– unique, fine sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry at fair prices. 

Gourmet Creations– Packaged, gourmet dry herb and spice mixes.

Jerky James– Gourmet beef & chicken jerky, Gourmet beef sticks, Apple juice infused dried strawberries, Apple juice infused dried cherries, Dried mangos, and Dried apples.

Karen’s Colorful Corner– Hand painted wine glasses, coasters, salt & pepper, cake domes, carafes, mailboxes, and more.

Magical Scentaments– Handmade soap, candles, body lotion, bath bombs (fizzies), gentle face cloths.

SoVal Art – Hand painted custom coasters, paintings, wine & beer accessories.

Tasted Artisanal Market– Handcrafted, gourmet cheese spreads and cheese accompaniments- we are best known for our Marinated Asiago Spread and Smoked Bacon Pub Cheese.  Customers also love our delicious chutneys that are crafted with all local fruit, herbs, and wine.  They pair particularly well with local cheeses and meats

Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski– Beautiful, Genuine Swarowski Jewelry

Whitehouse Station Sauce Company– All natural handmade hot sauces

Wine & Whiskey Barrel Home Décor– Wine racks, wine barrel tables, end tables, coffee tables, bar stools, lazy susan, and much more

What’s on the Menu

Hungry for more? Delight in various hand selected food items that are sure to complement your favorite wines from the Tropicana Chef’s and Bake Shop. Choose from a variety of grab-n-go eats like award-winning lobster bisque and Cape May clam chowder, artisan antipasti plate and homemade potato chips with craft beer cheese dip.  Homemade handcrafted pretzels are available with black angus hot dogs or smoked sausage, plus BBQ pulled pork, beer braised Kielbasi, and roasted turkey wraps.

Homemade desserts including cookies, chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels, warm blueberry or apple fritter, apple cider and pumpkin spice donuts, Ghiradelli chocolate fudge brownies and more baked by Tropicana’s Bake Shop will be available.

Overnight Packages

Tropicana will offer 2 special hotel packages that will include (2) two tickets to the Jersey Shore Wine Festival and an overnight stay on Saturday, February 25 for $329.99 or Sunday, February 26, 2017 for $99.99. Book your package here.

Just can’t get enough of a particular wine? Purchase your favorites by the bottle or by the case. Tickets are $25 and include a tasting glass, a cheese and fruit plate and optional wine seminars. Tickets can be purchased at the Tropicana Box Office and through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or 1.800.745.3000.

To learn more about Tropicana, visit www.Tropicanacasinos.com.