(Pennsauken, NJ) – On Saturday, the Camden County Commissioners and Visit South Jersey will host their third annual Down and Derby Wine Festival on Veterans Island at Cooper River Park.
Visitors can sample local wines from South Jersey’s leading wine producers while immersing themselves in Derby themed fashion and festivities. The event will also feature food trucks, games and live music.
“We are thrilled to bring back this much-loved event after inclement weather cancelled it last year,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. “This is the biggest day in the horse racing schedule, and we encourage all our residents to come out and see what the region’s best wineries have to offer.”
Participating wineries include Amalthea Cellars, Salem Oak Vineyards, Auburn Road, Sharrott Winery, Tomasello Winery, Valenzano Family Winery, Villari Vineyards, Wagonhouse Winery and White Horse Winery.
Bottles of sample wines will be available to purchase at the event while supplies last.
“There are few places with the agricultural diversity of South Jersey, and the quality of both the local wine and cuisine really highlights that,” Cappelli said. “We’re hoping the festival provides an opportunity for our community to discover new wine, food, and entertainment that comes from Camden County and that supports local business.
The Commissioner Board is partnering with Visit South Jersey (VSJ) to host the event. Visit South Jersey is the official destination marketing organization for Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties, and the Outer Coastal Plain Wine Region in South Jersey. VSJ is a non-profit organization supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.
“The Down & Derby Wine Festival is a great primer for both fans of – and newcomers – the bounty of South Jersey’s Outer Coastal Plain Wine Region. One picturesque location offering tastings from nine award-winning wineries, each cultivating grapes within roughly an hour’s drive of this special event: it’s really something,” said Scott Donnini, chairman of Visit South Jersey. “A festive Derby party with costumes, music and performers, local food trucks for any taste to compliment your palate and a riverfront beauty on all sides, you couldn’t ask for a better way to spend an afternoon in South Jersey. And to sample the fruit of the New Jersey wine country, whether it’s your first time or you’re a fervent believer in our booming wine region.”
Tickets are available at visitsouthjersey.com/2023-down-derby-wine-festival