Each May, fresh off the colorful springtime Daffodil Festival, the charming island of Nantucket transforms from a gardener's dreamscape into a haven of vines, vintners, and culinary delights during the annual Nantucket Wine & Food Festival. Celebrating its 27th anniversary, the 2025 festival is scheduled from May 14 to 18. It welcomes wine and food enthusiasts to five days of exceptional wine tastings, gourmet culinary experiences, and engaging events showcasing the island's rich epicurean culture.
A Storied Tradition of Culinary Excellence
Founded in 1996 by Denis Toner, the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival has evolved into one of the nation's most esteemed wine and food events. What began as an intimate gathering has become a festival attracting over 4,000 attendees annually, featuring a distinguished lineup of vintners, wineries, renowned chefs, and restaurants. Despite its growth, the festival maintains a boutique and intimate atmosphere, staying true to its original roots.
2025 Festival Highlights
The 2025 festival boasts nearly 50 individual events, from wine tastings to seminars to themed culinary gatherings, all designed to delight connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts. Most notable among these are the festival's signature events and standout experiences, including:
Grey Lady Welcome Reception
The Nantucket Hotel & Resort
Kick off the festivities on May 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at this elegant gathering that sets the tone for the days ahead, featuring select wines from California, France, Germany, and Italy and gourmet hors d'oeuvres.
Kick off the festivities on May 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at this elegant gathering that sets the tone for the days ahead, featuring select wines from California, France, Germany, and Italy and gourmet hors d'oeuvres.
Stargazing with Maria Mitchell
Loines Observatory
Also, on May 14, from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., immerse yourself in an evening under the stars, combining celestial observations with fine wine—a genuinely unique Nantucket experience.
Also, on May 14, from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., immerse yourself in an evening under the stars, combining celestial observations with fine wine—a genuinely unique Nantucket experience.
French Country Luncheon
Straight Wharf Restaurant
Slated for May 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., this luncheon offers a taste of the French countryside with expertly paired wines and dishes in a picturesque waterfront setting.
Slated for May 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., this luncheon offers a taste of the French countryside with expertly paired wines and dishes in a picturesque waterfront setting.
Island Gala
Bartlett's Farm
The festival's centerpiece, this extravagant walk-around tasting event on May 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., features renowned winemakers presenting their wines alongside gourmet creations from award-winning chefs.
The festival's centerpiece, this extravagant walk-around tasting event on May 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., features renowned winemakers presenting their wines alongside gourmet creations from award-winning chefs.
Champagne Clambake
Bartlett's Farm
Indulge in the quintessential New England clambake, but with some distinctive wine festival flavors on May 16, from noon to 3 p.m. Featuring champagne and oyster bars, an incredible spread of steamed lobsters, clams & mussels, grilled chicken and pork ribs, their requisite accompaniments, and live music, this is the celebration to satisfy all of your senses.
Indulge in the quintessential New England clambake, but with some distinctive wine festival flavors on May 16, from noon to 3 p.m. Featuring champagne and oyster bars, an incredible spread of steamed lobsters, clams & mussels, grilled chicken and pork ribs, their requisite accompaniments, and live music, this is the celebration to satisfy all of your senses.
Grand Tastings
Bartlett's Farm
While the Island Gala is the festival's centerpiece, the Grand Tastings are its cornerstones. Spread across two days—May 17 and 18—and three sessions; these lively wine and food tastings are festival goers' best opportunity to sample wines from prestigious wineries around the globe, savor artisanal foods from across the region, and sample delicacies from nationally renowned chefs.
While the Island Gala is the festival's centerpiece, the Grand Tastings are its cornerstones. Spread across two days—May 17 and 18—and three sessions; these lively wine and food tastings are festival goers' best opportunity to sample wines from prestigious wineries around the globe, savor artisanal foods from across the region, and sample delicacies from nationally renowned chefs.
La Fête Charity Wine Dinner
Sconset Casino
A festival favorite, at 7 p.m. on May 17, the La Fête Charity Wine Dinner gets underway with a celebration that includes more than 20 winemakers and sommeliers over a four-course dinner prepared by award-winning chefs.
Participating Wineries and Culinary Talent
The festival prides itself on curating a diverse selection of wineries and culinary experts. Attendees can look forward to offerings from esteemed wineries from across the world. Additionally, the event features an extraordinary global network of winemakers, chefs, sommeliers, and presenters who come to share their talents and unique stories.
Planning Your Visit
The Nantucket Wine & Food Festival is more than a series of events; it celebrates the island's community, culture, and commitment to culinary excellence. The festival's charitable initiatives, such as supporting local culinary arts programs, highlight its dedication to nurturing future talent and giving back to the community. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience at the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival, consider the following:
Tickets
With events selling out quickly, it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets for individual events are available through the festival's official website.
Transportation
The island is accessible by ferry and air. Plan your travel arrangements ahead of time to ensure a seamless journey.
Where to Stay
If you're traveling from afar to witness Nantucket bathed in a sea of yellow blooms, the island is also home to a range of luxurious lodging options. Among the most popular is Nantucket's majestic collection of vacation rentals. From quaint, cozy cottages to stunning waterfront compounds to charming historic homes, there are plenty of options to meet your every need.
Embrace Nantucket's Culinary Scene
Beyond scheduled events, this is an excellent opportunity to explore Nantucket's vibrant food landscape. While many of the island's renowned restaurants participate in the festival, those eateries not directly involved often feature special menus and host wine tastings to coincide with the main event.
A Celebration of Nantucket's Community and Culture
The 27th annual Nantucket Wine & Food Festival promises an unforgettable experience, blending world-class wines, gourmet cuisine, and the island's unique charm. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, the festival offers a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences waiting to be explored.
If you're ready to explore more of the island beyond its seminal culinary festival, including vacation rentals or the purchase or sale of Nantucket real estate, call or email me, Bernadette Meyer, today and allow my extensive knowledge and expertise to help you navigate this extraordinary luxury real estate market.
