I can remember when the Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival was just an idea. A seed that had been planted and was being nurtured by the Edgartown Board of Trade.
“The discovery of a wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation. The universe is too full of stars.”
― Benjamin Franklin, circa 1700s
From it’s very first year, you could tell that it was a festival that would grow and become more amazing year after year, better with age, like a fine wine. And now in its 12th year, it has become a truly fantastic festival celebrating food and wine within the shores of Martha’s Vineyard.
Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival: From Doughnuts to Grand Tasting
What a festival week it was – from private wine dinners with vintners and celebrity chefs in restaurants and homes, to Fresh Off the Farm, a celebration of bounty from Island farms, to educational aquaculture events, to an epic Grand Tasting, Doughnuts and Champagne and more. The Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival had something for the wine and food lover in all of us.
There are ones that are quite popular and sell out quickly, like Lobsterpalooza, Oh Shucks, the An Evening Featuring the Wines of Far Niente Wine Estates, the Grand Tasting (VIP too) and others. Since each event is carefully curated and many feature an intimate setting, we are seeing more and more selling out early in the season.
After all, how often can you sit at a table with Joseph Carr? Experience his passion for the wines he creates in person. The events of this festival give you an almost one-on-one opportunity to connect with wine, vintners, chefs, and restauranteurs. Not only is each event special, but the locations are just as memorable. Magic happens on the Island during this festival.
We went to a number of MVFW events this year, and each one offered guests a unique experience. This festival, though it has grown in size, still affords the wine enthusiasts and foodies an intimate experience that is truly special.
Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival: An Even Grander Grand Tasting
This was the year I felt that events truly blossomed, especially the Grand Tasting at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort. When walking through the entrance, I had to take a step back and take it in. The beauty of it all — the wines lined up, new and familiar labels, uncorked ready to be sampled, the selection the largest yet, and it was all happening here, on Martha’s Vineyard.
With hundreds of wines and a couple of other fun beverages to sample, it was a feast for the soul. This event is about discovering new favorites (like Chamisal Chardonnay) and learning about the wines from people who are so knowledgeable and passionate about what they pour, boosting knowledge and appreciation for wines from all over the world, from all price points.
The Grand Tasting is an adventure filled with notes and pictures of your new favorites, delicious bites from incredible chefs, and of course, fun with friends, neighbors, and visitors. This is an event that brings hundreds of us together, a true celebration of food and wine, a true Grand Tasting, with the most stunning of locations, Martha’s Vineyard.
Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival: Healthy Additions
I also wanted to mention how great the Brunch Run 5K or 10K was this year. The Katama General Store is a great location, the food was fabulous, the weather perfect, and the new day, Saturday, made it a lot easier. I felt ready to venture to the Grand Tasting after feeling good about a run. Cheers to this healthy addition (with wine) to Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival.
Cheers to a wonderful and memorable festival! Mark your calendars for next year’s, October 21st – 25th, 2020.
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Pro tip: Create your Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival itinerary early next year because events do sell out.
*Special thanks to David Welch Photography for the Grand Tasting crowd picture and the aerial of the festival at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort.