There is something magical about Nantucket, kick the season off at the Nantucket Wine and Food Festival and this year they are celebrating their 25th anniversary. The festival draws over 3000 attendees to the island for this annual spring fête and boasts a continually growing family of vintners, wineries, renowned chefs and restaurants. This year’s festival will be one of the best yet, packed with fan favorite events and featuring some of Boston’s best chefs and wine experts!
When is the Nantucket Wine and Food Festival?
This year’s festival will run Wednesday May 17 through Sunday, May 21.
What are the best events to attend?
Wine Dinner with Marchesi di Barolo
When: Wednesday, May 17, 7-9pm
Where: Sistership
Why attend? The talented team at Sister Ship is thrilled to welcome you to a private Wine Dinner on Wednesday, May 17th, from 7-9pm with the owner of Marchesi di Barolo, Valentina Abbona. She will taste you on delicious wines from her vineyard, paired with delectable dishes from our own Executive Chef Nathan Parsons. It will be an evening you will not want to miss! Tickets are limited.
Q&A with Bonterra Estate
When: Wednesday, May 18, 1-3pm
Where: Sistership
Why attend? Join us at Sister Ship in our Courtyard on Thursday May 8th from 1-3pm for a Q&A with the owner of Bonterra Estate, America's #1 Organic Estate.
Christian Moreau Grand Cru Chablis Luncheon
When: Thursday, May 18, 11am-1pm
Where: White Elephant Residence
Why attend? Join the ‘King of Chablis’ Christian Moreau for this large format Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos Luncheon. Christian and his son Fabien have continued to grow Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils, while maintaining the integrity of the wine that the Moreau family began producing in Chablis in 1814.
What familiar faces can you expect?
Chef Conor Dennehy and Beverage Director Danielle Ayer are the husband-and-wife team who co-owner Talulla in Cambridge. The family restaurant provides a warm, intimate atmosphere and focuses on local and seasonal food.
The Harbor Gala
When: Thursday, May 18, 6:30-9:30pm
Where: White Elephant Main Tent
Why attend? This annual gala is a must attend, the extravagant evening features pairings of over 40 exquisite wines and stunning artisanal dishes from renowned winemakers and award-winning chefs.
What familiar faces can you expect?
Executive Chef of Woods Hill Pier 4 Charlie Foster. Chef Foster is an alum of two Boston classics, Toro and the greatly missed Clio.
En Provence | The Rosé Brunch
When: Friday, May 19, 10am-12pm
Where: White Elephant Main Tent
Why attend? This elegant, seated Brunch will feature 3 gourmet courses, each paired with a Provencal Rosé -featuring wines from AIX, Château d’Esclans, & Château Miraval.
What familiar faces can you expect?
Chef Erin Miller, Executive Chef and Owner of Urban Hearth in Cambridge, Chef Miller is proud to count Urban Hearth among the small number of acclaimed woman-owned and led restaurants in the Boston area.
Nantucket After Dark
When: Friday, May 19, 9pm-12am
Where: The Nantucket Hotel
Why attend? Experience Nantucket late night, ticket includes signature cocktails created with Mount Gay Rum, Botanist Gin, and Bruichladdich Scotch, fabulous tunes and late-night bites.
What familiar faces can you expect?
Chef Cassie Piuma, a Duxbury native, in 2013 Chef Piuma opened her own restaurant, Sarma. Located in Somerville, Sarma serves a modern version of Middle Eastern meze.
Dames Déjeuner | Luncheon
When: Saturday, May 20, 11am-1pm
Where: TBD
Why attend? This event boasts an all-star roster of women in the world of food and wine! Join hosts, Izabela Wojcik from The James Beard Foundation and Annie B. Copps, Chef, Cookbook Author, Food & Travel Writer, and Educator for an interactive and inspirational luncheon to celebrate the talented women chefs, vintners and trailblazers.
What familiar faces can you expect?
Chef Amarilys Colón, the Executive Chef and Business Director at Porto Boston. Chef Colón has been with Porto since 2018 working in various positions. She previously worked at Beacon Hill’s Figs.
La Fête
When: Saturday, May 20, 6:30-10pm
Where: TBD
Why attend? La Fête brings guests together with winemakers, chefs and sommeliers to taste and celebrate some of the world’s most extraordinary wines and award-winning cuisine. This charitable evening begins with an elegant Champagne and Caviar Reception and continues into a four-course dinner. Every guest brings a bottle from their cellar to share with their table.
What familiar faces can you expect?
Chef Johnny Sheehan, an alum of Boston favorites like UNI and Liquid Art House, Chef Sheehan is currently the Executive Chef and Managing Partner of Salt Restaurant in Plymouth Massachusetts.
Grand Tastings: Session 3 or Session 4
When: Sunday, May 21, 11:30am-1:30pm or 2:30-4:30pm
Where: White Elephant Main Tent
Why attend? Finish the weekend by attending one of the two Grand Tasting sessions taking place on Sunday. Taste different wines from prestigious wineries around the globe. Every year the NWF features new and exciting wineries as well as amazing food from regional restaurants and artisan purveyors.
What familiar faces can you expect?
While there may not be any Boston or New England locals at these Grand Tasting sessions, Nantucket Wine Festival regulars may recognize Christopher Follari, Culinary Director of the Good Eating Company. A true NWF family member, Chris has been involved with the Culinary Team for the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival since 2003.
Once you’ve decided which Nantucket Wine and Food Festival events to attend, its time to arrange all the details for the rest of your trip. We have got you covered when it comes to how to get there, where to eat and how to make the most of your time on island.
- Take the ferry, book on Hy-line Cruise or Steamship Authority, both offer 45 minutes ferries out of Hyannis.
- Starting May 17, Tailwind will be offering daily seaplane service from Boston Harbor to Nantucket.
- Read our Nantucket restaurant guide and book dinner reservations asap.
- Need help booking activities, renting bikes, or want your AirBnB fridge stocked when you arrive? Check out Pampr, they provide on-demand services and local experiences to save you time and enhance your vacation experience.
Nantucket is always one of our favorite New England getaways and the 25th Anniversary Nantucket Wine and Food Festival is sure to be a special occasion that should not be missed.