Cheers to a remarkable celebration of food and wine with the 11th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival! With so many incredible events surrounding the Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival, it was a challenge to choose which ones to attend. Each one was carefully curated to capture the beauty and soul of the vintners and foods — a delicate act to balance I imagine.
So, this year, I went with two classic signature favorites and two brand new events. For the classics, there was Fresh Off the Farm and the Grand Tasting, what I consider two anchor events, and the Ultimate Wash-A-Shore Dinner and the Brunch Run. Next year, I know to sign up early for Lobsterpolooza with Yankee Magazine and Kendall Jackson, and the Somm Throw Down, which sold out very early on, as did many events this year.
Because each event was so dynamic, I have decided that it might be best to highlight each one individually. You all know I love to write lengthy stories. So let’s try four shorter ones this week!
Fresh Off the Farm
This year’s Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival kick-off event, at the iconic Ag Hall, featured an impressive selection of wines from Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, and an incredible display of food prepared by local chefs, much of which was made from local ingredients.
With each year, events grow and become more sophisticated, and I have to say that Fresh Off the Farm truly delivered with food this year. There were so many tasty bites, like State Road’s Island Pot Pie, which was chocked full of all sorts of yummy local ingredients.
How about the West Tisbury School delivering the most delicious zucchini fritters with local lamb sausage! They were incredible, and it is something you would find on their school’s menu because there is a focus at this school to eat as local as possible.
From Kulture Kombucha Martha’s Vineyard to Pie Chicks to Island Grown Schools, and several local restaurants, there was an unprecedented island bounty on display. I should mention that Island Grown Schools is one of the non-profits that is a beneficiary of the festival. It was wonderful to see Susie from IGI at the event. She teaches at the Oak Bluffs School, and because of her help, my children and so many Island children really understand where and how their food comes into their lives.
Wine Tasting
Everywhere you looked, there was something delicious to sample. Also, let’s not forget about the wine. Kermit Lynch brought an interesting selection of wines, many of which paired perfectly with the food prepared. I happened to be particularly fond of the Domaine Giacometti Patrimonio ‘Cru des Agriate’ Rouge, from Corsica, France. This wine was completely new to me, and I really enjoyed the herbal notes of this wine. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it averages only $20.00 a bottle!
With Good Night Louise providing live music, the simple beauty of the Ag Hall, all the food, and incredible wines (and beer – Wash Ashore Beer Company was on hand too), Fresh Off the Farm could be considered the Fall, more casual version of Taste of the Vineyard. There was so much local flavor! Islanders and festival guests, coming together at one special kick-off event with so many other stellar ones to follow.
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Do you love Martha’s Vineyard as much as we do? Well, let the world know what you love best. Vote for your favorites, voting is open for Best of the Vineyard 2019. Hope you consider voting for Point B Realty for Best Real Estate Company again, click here to vote.
