Imbibe to benefit the New Jersey Foodshed Alliance at the first ever Wine, Beer, and Spirits Festival this month at Alba Vineyard in Pohatcong Township

Slated for Saturday, September 24, from noon to 5 p.m., the event will donate 100% of its proceeds to the grassroots nonprofit, which dedicated to strengthening local food systems that nourish people, sustain farmers, respect lands, and build a resilient food economy.

The event will feature tastings of some of New Jersey’s finest wines, including those of Alba Vineyard, craft beers, and distilled spirits. Gourmet food specialties from restaurants and local farm-to-fork vendors will be available for purchase.

Michael White, renowned chef and owner of Altamarea Group restaurants, will be on hand to meet festival-goers and sign his best-selling cookbook. White is an award-winning chef known as a “hero of Italian gastronomy.”

While New Jersey has been known for some time for its wine industry, the craft beer sector has recently exploded, now entailing 61 production breweries in the state and more under development.

“We are pleased to have five of the state’s best craft breweries at our festival, Flying Fish Brewery, River Horse Brewery, High Point Brewing and Brix City Brewing,” said Kendrya Close, executive director of the Foodshed Alliance.

Claremont Distilled Spirits will also be taking part in the festival.

“Award-winning Claremont Distilled Spirits proves that world-class spirits can be produced using the finest locally sourced ingredients of the Garden State,” Close said. “From the potatoes used in the production of its vodka to the corn in its moonshine, it’s all Jersey made.”

Gourmet food selections will include stations from the Altamarea Group. Offerings include wood-fired pizza, seafood, pastas, charcuterie and local cheese, dry-aged beef hamburgers with toppings bar, and gelato and sorbet for dessert.

Coolers and outside food and alcohol will not be permitted.

Music at the event will be provided by BC Combo, which performs a variety of music genres to get the crowd moving.

Tickets for those aged 21+ are $25 in advance via foodshedalliance.org. Tickets at the door are $35. $10 tickets are available for Designated Drivers and teens 16-20. Those under 16 admitted free.