Festivals

The Garden State Wine Growers Association will hold its annual Blues & Wine Weekend Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24 at Natirar Park -a 411-acre preserve set in the scenic hills of Somerset County.

This year's festival brings together a weekend celebration of hundreds of award winning wines, live blues, artisan vendors, gourmet food and kids activities. Special treat will be the appearances of the Craig Thatcher Band Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m. and the Matt O’Kee Band Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m.. The Craig Thatcher Band has a well earned reputation for blending classic rock and blues standards with impressive original tunes, all with a joy of playing that's up front and bold. Blues performer, Matt O’Kee, is a Blues guitarist who has performed and shared the stage with such legends as BB King, Buddy Grey, Leslie West and Mountain, the Marshall Tucker Band and The Outlaws.

Both bands will be playing against the verdant setting of Natirar, which showcases many aspects of the area’s rich architectural, cultural, historic and archaeological heritage. Festival participants can blend their wine and their blues with a two-mile walk along Natirar’s picturesque loop trail that passes along the scenic North Branch river corridor, through wooded areas and across open fields.

Festival hours for both days are noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased only at the association web site for $18 a person. A discount price of $16 per person is available for bus groups and group sales of 15 or more. Large groups and bus groups can call the Association “Wine Line” at 609-588-0085 for more information.

The Blues & Wine Weekend is one of five festivals held during the summer and fall by the Garden State Wine Growers Association. The other four events include:

The Jersey Fresh Wine & Food Festival
Aug. 8 and 9
Heritage Vineyards, Mullica Hill

Jazz It Up
Sept. 5 and 6
Allaire State Park, Farmingdale

Grand Harvest Festival
Oct. 3 and 4
Alba Vineyard, Milford

Cape May Wine Festival
Oct. 10 and 11
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Cape May


Directions to Natirar
Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey

From Route 78 West
Follow Route 78 west to Route 287 North (Exit 29)
Take Route 287 North to Exit 22B (Route 202/206 North Bedminster/Netcong).
Take Route 202/206 North to the split and bear right to stay on Route 202.
Take Route 202 to the first light (Willies Tavern will be directly across the street).
At the light, make a right onto Main Street (still Route 202).
Take Main Street approximately ½ mile across the North Branch River to the first light.
Make a left at the light onto Peapack Road (Route 512).
Take Peapack Road approximately 1 mile to the main entrance.
Cross the railroad bridge.
The entrance is immediately after the two brick pillars and white cottage on the right.
Turn right into the driveway and bear left at the Natirar park sign.
Parking is in one of the three gravel parking areas near the barn complex.

From Route 78 East
Follow Route 78 East to Route 287 North (Exit 30)
Take Route 287 North to Exit 22B (Route 202/206 North Bedminster/Netcong).
Take Route 202/206 North to the split and bear right to stay on Route 202.
Follow directions above.

From Route 287 North
Take Exit 22B (Route 202/206 North Bedminster/Netcong) from Route 287 North.
Take Route 202/206 North to the split and bear right to stay on Route 202.
Follow directions above.

From Route 287 South
Take Exit 22 (Route 202/206 North Bedminster/Netcong) from Route 287 South.
Take Route 202/206 North to the split and bear right to stay on Route 202.
Follow directions above.