St. Ubaldo week got off to a rousing start Sunday in Jessup as several hundred people came out to Station Park to enjoy one of the first dry days in a while, while sampling wines.
The 15th annual Wine Tasting had a decidedly Italian bent. People enjoyed sandwiches made from lonza – a dry-cured pork shoulder that some people still make in their home. The St. Ubaldo Society sold T-shirts, hats and flags commemorating the town trademark “Race of the Saints” event. A duet performed Italian songs in the park pavilion and perusers tasted wines made by the borough’s amateur vintners.
The one-day event is sponsored by Jessup and the 21st Century Association, which promotes activities for the borough’s citizens.
Genevieve Lupini, vice president of the association, said the event has grown, attracting more than 500 people for this year’s wine tasting.
Since Italian immigrants came to Jessup about 100 years ago, winemaking has remained a pastime in the Midvalley borough’s garages and basements, said Joseph Nardelli, an award-winning amateur, who offered samples of his wines in tiny plastic cups.
“Going way back, Jessup always had lots of people making wine,” Mr. Nardelli said. “The winemakers come out to share their wine, help the 21st Century Association and start St. Ubaldo week.”
Joni Smith of Scott Twp. said she attended the event to spend time outside and drink wine.
Heather Woodruff of Pittston attended the event with her boyfriend, Paul Kazinetz of Dickson City. Like Jessup, Ms. Woodruff’s Luzerne County hometown has a large number of amateur winemakers. She was impressed by the quality of the homemade wine she enjoyed at Sunday’s festival.
“The food here is delicious and so is the wine,” she said.
The borough will host a series of events through the week culminating with the Race of the Saints on Saturday.
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Article source: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/wine-festival-kicks-off-st-ubaldo-week-in-jessup-1.1150828
