By Mark Haynie, Published September 12 2012, updated June 19 2019.

Nestled in the middle of the Somers Point Plaza Shopping Center is an outlet that deals in both the retail side and the consumption of beverages.

Originally Sutor’s Point Liquors, entrepeneur Michael Bray was looking for an investment and decided to give the beverage business a try. Already an established business, a few renovations and a name change was all it took. Passion Vines hit the ground running and has been growing ever since.

A couple of years later, Bray also opened a second location on Ocean Heights Avenue in Egg Harbor Township.

As the business expanded, he found himself enamored with wine and began to learn all there is to know about it. Traveling to world-famous wineries and talking to the elite oenophiles, he and his staff are knowledgeable and able to make recommendations for any occasion.

Only limited by space, Passion Vines stocks some of the best wines found anywhere and those that provide the best bang for your buck.

In the last several years, he has found that beer holds a fascination for him also.

“Where wine is family and traditon, beer is about personal innovation and use of local and agricultural ingredients,” Bray says. “The craft beer market has increased exponentially over the last five years and the quality and quantity of them has gotten the attention of the world’s megabrewers.”

This has led Passion Vines to offer a great selection of the world’s best brews.

The expanded license it holds allows the location to serve beverages over the bar as well as sell them off the shelves. The large rectangular bar is the centerpiece of the store and now serves up eight craft beers and four wines on tap.

Manager Aaron Deretta keeps the taps well-stocked with an unbelievable selection and strong emphasis on local breweries. The growth of N.J. breweries has been phenomenal in the past two years and taps such as Tuckahoe, Kane and Carton brewing companies are regularly being served.

After enjoying a beer or two at the bar, take home a growler of your favorite to enjoy while watching the game. An outstanding collection of cheese, chips, crackers and other snacks is available to enhance the experience.

In addition, events are happening here every week. It now features Whiskey Wednesdays, where you can stop and taste about 20 different whiskies for a nominal price. Wine, beer and spirits tastings and classes are the norm here and an events list can be found on Facebook at Passion Vines Wine and Spirits Co. Like the page to stay updated on events and offers. You won’t regret it.

This weekend is the Atlantic City Seafood Festival at Bader Field. There will be a LOT of food from local vendors and also a great selection of beers and wines, again heavy on the local scene. Tuckahoe, Kane and Turtle Stone Brewing all will be in attendance to pour their best for the local crowds. Demonstrations by local chefs also are on the agenda. Check www.acseafoodfest.com for listings. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16.

After you have your fill at the fest, go across the street and visit Vagabond Kitchen and Tap House at 672 Trenton Ave. for some great beers. Slainte!

Mark Haynie is a craft-beer expert who lives in Somers Point and travels extensively to find new beers. He is a contributor to the Mid-Atlantic Brewing News and is the co-author of the book “New Jersey Breweries” with Lew Bryson. His column will run every other week.