Wine, Chocolate, and Fundraising

By Brianne Harrison

Delicious wines, hors d’oevres, music, and fundraising for foster kids—sound good? You’ll find it all at Hudson County CASA’s 4th Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser this Friday. The Wine Library of Springfield will be on hand with a tasting of more than 80 different wines, and there’ll also be a silent auction and raffle, as well as food and music. Cap off the evening with a chocolate tasting—a delicious way to end the night!

The Wine Tasting Fundraiser will be held at the Atrium at Harborside Financial Center in Jersey City. Tickets are $65 in advance and all proceeds support CASA and its mission to advocate on behalf of Hudson County’s 700+ foster children. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit hudsoncountycasa.org.

A Healthier, Happy Valentine’s Day

By Brianne Harrison

It’s Valentine’s Day this weekend, and yes, there are lots of lovey-dovey events going on across the state. But as important as it is to show your honey you care, it’s also important to show yourself a little love every now and then. So, this weekend, why not check out one (or all!) of these events, which should get your heart pumping, bring a blush to your cheeks, and help you get a little healthier?

First up, on Saturday, is Fit for Cancer at the Hunterdon Health & Wellness Centers at Clinton and Whitehouse Station. What started as a grassroots event with a few spinners has exploded over the years, raising over $200,000 for Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center. Participants pledge to raise $250 and in return they get an intense three-hour workout. Choose from one of five programs, including Spin for Cancer—a high-energy, indoor cycling program that allows you to go on a virtual outdoor road race; a boot camp combining cardio and strength training; a biathlon swimming and running workout; a Zumba dance and fitness workout; or a senior water & walk class. For more information, visit fitforcancer.kintera.org.

If you’re looking for a workout you can do with that special someone, take a trip to Unionville Vineyards, which is hosting Taste and Tango Lessons with Cliff Marino on Sunday the 14. Marino has been teaching all styles of ballroom and Latin dance for the past 20 years, and he trained with some of the best dance coaches both here and abroad. He’ll be teaching the Argentine Tango for starters to intermediates in the vineyard’s historic cave room. Afterwards, take a tour of the winery or treat yourself to a tasting of some of Unionville’s wines—remember reds have heart-health benefits! Visit unionvillevineyards.com for more information.

Oenophile’s Weekend

By Brianne Harrison

January’s the month winter blues tend to set in—the weather’s lousy, and there aren’t many big holidays to look forward to (unless you count Valentine’s Day). But I’ve found that one thing that helps chase away the winter blahs is a nice glass of wine, and New Jersey’s vineyards and wine shops are ready to provide it this weekend.

The folks at Natali Vineyards in Cape May Courthouse have planned a Kick the Winter Blues Festival this Saturday. Appropriately, entertainment will be provided by blues legend Frank Bey. There will also be local crafts and food specialties available to sample or buy and, of course, wine tastings. For more information, visit natalivineyards.com.

Also getting into the swing of things is Heritage Vinearyds, which is hosting Rhythm, Reds & Whites—a Special Wine and Jazz Event Saturday and Sunday. Check out their wines, paired with hot hors d’oeuvres, cheeses, and desserts, while listening to the music of a jazz trio. Heritagewinenj.com

CoolVines will be holding a Many Faces of Riesling tasting at both their Princeton and their Westfield locations on Saturday. Learn about where Riesling comes from, why it’s wonderful, and what foods pair perfectly with it. Visit coolvines.com for more information.

Amalthea Cellars will have its 2007 New Release Celebration Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Try the new wines and enjoy special barrel tastings and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. amaltheacellars.com

Heat up the Winter at Four Sisters Winery Saturday and Sunday. Complimentary wine tastings, cellar tours, and desserts will help chase away the chill! foursisterswinery.com

Father John Morley of Seton Hall University will lead a Blessing of the Vineyards at Laurita Winery on Saturday. The ceremony will be followed by wine and feasting, as it should be. Lauritawinery.com

‘Wining’ not ‘Whining’

You know, I’d been thinking that there just aren’t enough opportunities for me to combine my love of a nice wine with my desire to help homeless animals (no, really, I was actually thinking that), when lo and behold, two such events come to my attention. Kismet? Serendipity? Whatever it is, it’s nice to be able to try a few good reds and whites while helping out animals in need.

The lineup:
First up is the Wine Tasting for St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, scheduled for Friday, November 6 at the Morris Museum. A $45 ticket gets you samplings of more than 100 wines from around the world, hors d’oeuvres provided by area restaurants, and access to the museum’s exhibits, which currently include Invitations to a Wedding: Bridal Gowns from the 1820s to the Present; Horseplay: A History of Equestrian Sports in New Jersey; and Sculpture by Sassona Norton and from the Collection of the Morris Museum. Tickets can be purchased online at sthuberts.org or at Main Street Wine Cellar at 300 Main Street in Madison.

Up next is All Star Pet Rescue’s First Annual Wine Tasting on November 20. Swing by the Salt Creek Grille in Rumson to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a Tricky Tray raffle, and entertainment. All Star is currently accepting donations for the Tricky Tray. For more information, e-mail AllStarPets@comcast.net or visit allstar.petfinder.com.

This economy is hitting everyone hard, but animal shelters have been having a particularly difficult time of it—funding and donations are down, and more pets than ever are being handed over. So why not spend an evening living it up and helping out? It’s a decision you’re very unlikely to regret.

Pictured: Frankie, Noodles, and Panther, three dogs available for adoption through All Star Pet Rescue