The harvest season is upon us! While this time images of apples, cider and pumpkin are usually remembered.all the beginning of autumn is also one of the best seasons for the spirits (and not just for the type of Halloween). Aren’t you ready to take your last summer sips? The fun New Jersey wine and beer festivals offer the taste of local elixirs to numb the pain. Oh, and there’s no need to travel to Germany for the Oktoberfest, his home state has it covered.
- Jersey Fresh Grand Harvest Festival
While the farmers ‘ markets of the summer will soon be packing up its tents for the year, Jersey Fresh, a supplier of many organic crops to local, is serving one last big hurrah at the Festival of the Great Harvest of Jersey Fresh. Craft and food vendors, live music, and special events for children will be ready to help you play in the fall. The real highlight of the Harvest Festival, however, are tastings of wines of high quality that it offers (see menu) for some of the wineries most recognized New Jersey, Valenzano Winery, Tomasello Winery, Four Sisters Winery, Cava Winery). The entrance includes your souvenir glass. Also, if you are interested in knowing all about how the wine in that glass came to fruition from Garden State’s grapes, enjoy a wine seminar. Admission: $ 30 (can be purchased in advance or at the event) Saturday, October 1, 2016, and Sunday, October 2, 2016, 12 pm to 6 pm; Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, 73 Kadena Road, Morristown
- Highlands Oktoberfest
No list of fall liquor events would be complete without the Oktoberfest. The 16th annual event in the Highlands, NJ, really looks for authenticity, as it is inspired by the traditional Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich. Put your travel hat (along with your best Bavarian outfit, of course): this event may be a bit of a drive, but it’s worth it. Live music and dance accompany the shops that are full of authentic German delicacies and cuisine. She participates in the “best dresses” costume contest and the 50 / 50 draw. If you wish, you can join in the beer jars celebration contest. Before you’ve tried the fare of the same name. Beer, beer, and more beer and a lively and friendly atmosphere make this festival an event that should not be missed. Admission and parking are free; products and activities are individually priced; Saturday, October 1, 2016, from 2 pm to 9 pm; rain date: Sunday, October 2, 12 pm to 6 pm; veteran’s Park, 23 Bay Avenue, Highlands
- New Jersey Whisky Festival
Hey, whiskey drinkers, don’t worry. They haven’t forgotten you. You’ve got a whole festival for you! The 2nd annual Whisky Festival in New Jersey will take place in Pig and Prince, a charming pub in Montclair located in the historical building of the Lackawanna train station. French cuisine, British and American, “farm to table” is available to accompany your display of more than 75 whiskeys (Johnnie Walker, George Dickel, Tomatin, Michter’s). Craft beers, live music, gastronomic delights, and cocktails complement the experience. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of tickets will benefit the St. Joseph Children’s Hospital. $ 60 for general admission; $ 95 for VIP admission and early admission (ticket prices); Thursday, October 6, 2016, from 6: 30 pm to 10 pm; 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
- Put the PUB in public Beer tasting in the garden
The leaves are changing color. There’s a cool breeze in the air. What better time to be out, right? Experience the seasonal splendor of nature firsthand at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit during the well-called “PUB” at the beer tasting in public gardens. Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company beers (a brewery based in Croyden, Pennsylvania) will be available for tasting. Local gourmet food will also be served and is included in the entrance fee. $ 50 per ticket, must be purchased in advance; Friday, October 14, 2016, from 7 pm to 9: 30 pm; 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit
- New Jersey Harvest Wine Festival
New Jersey Harvest Wine Festival is simply the dream of an enophile. With more than 150 wines (including select wines) from around the world, the Hilton Short Hills is transformed into a beautiful space, courtesy of New York Wine Events. Let yourself be carried away by the sounds of live jazz by saxophonist Will Donato while enjoying yourself among wine lovers. Light snacks, such as crostini, handcrafted cheeses, crudites, sauces, hot pastries, and past desserts, will be served. Stay at the hotel that night for a $ 169 discount rate and be sure to take home your engraved glass of wine as a souvenir. $ 50 per ticket; Friday, November 4, 2016, 7 pm to 10 pm; 41 John F. Kennedy Pkwy, Short Hills
- Spirits in the night
Located within the Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster, “Spirits in the Night,” which bears the name of an event in October, offers customers the opportunity to test out some of the best craft beers, distilled spirits and wine from New Jersey in a gallery with live music. Last year’s event ran out a week earlier, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance. An additional 100 gives you early access to the event at 6 pm, cocktails by the Claremont distillery and Metropolitan Seafood hors d’oeuvres. Night earnings will benefit the Center’s art classes and community outreach programs. Tickets start at $ 55; Friday, October 21, 2016; 6pm to 10pm; 2020 Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster
- The Big Brew Beer festival
The Big Brew Beer Festival, let’s say five times fast! Admission gives you access, a 4 oz. Pint glass with a 2 oz. Pour line, and the freedom to try 200 + beers (Allagash, Goose Island, Smuttynose and many, many more). Good thing there is a “designated driver” ticket option ($ 15): your group will probably need one! For those who do not have DD, the event is a free shuttle service from Morristown train station, so there is no excuse to drink and drive or miss the game. Live music will be played, and food will be offered from Cow and the Curd, Handsome Devil BBQ (don’t miss the “Hot Mess,” a picket with mac and cheese, covered with pork) and much more. $ 70 per ticket at the gate; Saturday, October 1st, 2016; Sessions from 2 (12 pm to 4 pm; 5: 30 pm to 9: 30 pm); 430 Western Ave, Morristown, NJ
- Ales ‘ N Oktoberfest party
The newest hot spot in North Jersey: Turtle Back Zoo. The attraction of animals better valued is deepening at the scene of the event from the hip with his latest, Ales ‘N Tails Oktoberfest, which benefits the Parks Foundation of Essex County. Watch and listen to an oomph band while enjoying a local drink (or not). Will be offered dozens (Brix City Brewing, Jersey Girl Brewing Co., Brooklyn Brewery and more), so be sure to try them after spending the day visiting monkeys, giraffes and all your favorite animal friends. $ 60 per ticket, $ 15 designated by a driver; Saturday, October 1st, 2016, 6 pm to 9 pm; 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
- Harbourside Craft Brew Fest
Prepare with a view, anyone? Take place on the Jersey City Boardwalk for the Harborside Craft Brew Festival. Local 15 NJ breweries (in addition to many others in the area) will bring 150 + handcrafted beers for festival attendees to show in two sessions (12 pm to 4 pm; 5: 30 pm to 9: 30 pm). Don’t miss musical performances by Drum and a Tantrum and Street Hassle and the Brass Balls. Bonus: take home your 5 oz. Shows the cup and filled it with food from Nuchas, Mac Truck, Urban Lobster Shack, and more. Everything else fails; at least you’ll leave with a big picture of Horizon for your Instagram! Note: parking is $ 5; $ 60 per ticket, $ 15 designated drivers; Saturday, October 15, 2016; Harborside Atrium and Waterfront Esplanade, 34 Exchange Place, Jersey City
- The 8th Annual Harvest Fest and NJ Microbrew Night for Charity
St. James Men of Charity are organizing their 8th Annual Harvest Fest to benefit needy families and charities inside and outside the parish, so drink for a cause, people! Craft breweries 20 + New Jersey, Cricket Hill, Ramstein Beer, Beach Haus and more) and the homebrewers will show the fruits of your labor. In an authentic style of Oktoberfest, salads of wursts, spaetzle, Ham and German potato will be served. Not in beer? Stirling Fine Wines Red and Prosecco will be available. The entrance includes the tasting glass, dinner, complicated tray, and live entertainment. Tickets $ 50 at the gate; Saturday, November 5, 2016, 6 pm to 10 pm; Church of Santiago, 200 So. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge