If you’re ready to kick off summer and don’t want to wait until Memorial Day Weekend, Nantucket Wine and Food Festival is the perfect place to start! This year marks the 26th Nantucket Wine and Food Festival and the weekend is packed with all-stars from the food and win industry. Taking place May 15-19, guests can expect elegant tastings, education seminars, and fabulous meals paired with award winning wines.
With so many enticing options it can be hard to choose which events and tastings to get tickets for. We’ve rounded up all our favorite events from years past and new additions we can’t wait to check out!
And if you are planning on attending, check out our top summer travel accessories to order on Amazon before your trip!
Stars, Sips, and Sweets
Who: Taylor Fladgate Cocktails, wine with Sweets by Sandrine Wallace, and MMA Astronomer, Dr. Regina Jorgenson
Where: Maria Mitchell Association Loines Observatory
When: May 15, 8:30-10pm
What: Enjoy an evening under the stars as you sip hand crafted cocktails and taste a selection of wines as Dr. Regina Jorgenson guides you through constellations and the galaxy above at the Maria Mitchel Associations Loines Observatory. Guests will have the chance to look through the telescope and view the night sky and debate the mysteries of the universe. Astrotourism is one of the latest trends driving travel, dip you toe in just for a night and you’ll know why!
Harbor Gala
Who: Over 40 world renowned winemakers and award-winning chefs from around the globe.
Where: White Elephant Main Tent
When: May 16, 6:30-9:30pm
What: The annual gala is one of the major highlights each year. If you can only attend one event, this is the one to choose! Get dressed up and head over to the White Elephant Main Tent for a decadent night of music, wine, and small bites from over 40 vendors.
Moving Wine Along – Climate, Sustainability, the Future
Who: Journalist, author and wine enthusiast Elin McCoy and top winemakers
Where: TBD
When: May 17, 10:30am-12pm
What: Taste beautiful wines and learn about the world-wide mission to address climate and natural challenges in wine production and wine business. Hear from experts and ask questions on how the wine industry is working to become more sustainable and safeguard the future of wine against climate change.
Bubbles and Claws – Champagne and Lobster Luncheon
Who: Chef Robert Sisca of The Banks Fish House and Bistro du Midi, Chef Lisa Dahl of Mariposa Restaurant, and Chef David Daniels of the Boston Harbor Hotel
Where: The White Elephant Main Tent
When: May 17, 1-2:30pm
What: Calling all lobster lovers! Each dish in this 3-course luncheon is a work of art that will have you craving lobster all summer long. Each dish is expertly paired with a distinctive cuvée from Veuve Clicquot. Each chef will walk you through their dish and the champagne pair, make sure to reserve your tickets before this lunch sells out!
Don Julio Tequila Masterclass
Who: National tequila expert, Vanessa Leon
Where: Maria Mitchell
When: May 17, 5-6pm
What: We know it’s a wine festival but we can’t resist a good tequila tasting and masterclass! Discover the unique characteristics of Don Julio’s Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and the legendary 1942!
Grand Tasting Session 1
Who: 16 Luminaries from the wine industry and tons of other food and wine vendors.
Where: White Elephant Main Tent
When: May 18, 11:30am-1:30pm
What: There are several grand tasting sessions throughout the the festival and you should try to attend at least one of them. This is your chance to try tons of different wines, cocktails, and bits from some of the 40+ vendors in attendance. Session 1 features wine industry legends like Christian Moreau, the king of Chablis, and world-class chefs from local favorites like Chef Charlies Foster of Woods Hill Pier 4.
Lobster “GLAMbake”
Who: Executive Chef, Michael Hervieux of the Nantucket Hotel and Château Miraval
Where: Nantucket Hotel
When: May 18, 1-3pm
What: A classic New England clambake but with a luxurious twist. Enjoy a feast of lobster, clams, mussels, grilled corn and potatoes paired with crisp refreshing wines from Château Miraval.
Yappy Hour with Tito’s! For NISHA
Who: Your dog, Tito’s Vodka, and Nantucket Island Safe Harbor for Animals (NISHA)
Where: Maria Mitchell
When: May 19, 10:30am-12pm
What: Bring your four-legged friends to Yappy Hour at the Maria Mitchell Association’s front lawn. Guests will enjoy Tito’s Bloody Mary’s and pastries and furry attendees will get plenty of dog treats.100% of ticket proceeds goes to NISHA to help raise funds to support the island’s animals.
And if you are planning on attending, check out our top summer travel accessories to order on Amazon before your trip!
Nantucket has so much to offer, explore all the reasons you should plan a trip to Nantucket this summer from outdoor activities like sailing and pristine beaches to shopping in the historic downtown.
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