An Island tradition since 1996, The Nantucket Wine & Food Festival is known as one of the nation’s most celebrated wine and food events. Whether participating as a luminary, sponsor, volunteer, or attendee, people from across the globe flock to the island of Nantucket every spring to be part of this exquisite annual event. The festival engages the island community and embraces the unique island style.

Festival History

Our beloved Nantucket becomes the nation’s wine capital every May. Famous for its vast array of featured winemakers and talent, the Nantucket Wine Festival began in 1996 as a one-day Grand Tasting event held on the beach in Siasconset, the eastern-most tip of the island.

With the help of island purveyors, restaurants, and retailers, founder Denis Toner created what would become one of the most prestigious events of its kind. When the first vintners arrived on the island and bottles were uncorked, a magical tradition was launched.

The festival now draws over 3,000 attendees to the island for this annual spring fête and boasts a continually growing family of vintners, wineries, renowned chefs, and restaurants. It has grown to the now 5-day event complete with 3 Grand Tastings, and over 50 other events including meals perfectly paired with exquisite wines, seminars by famous vintners and chefs, book signings, and parties. For a full event list, and to purchase tickets please see nantucketwinefestival.com

While it has come a long way since its inauguration 21 years ago, the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival remains boutique in style and intimate in its setting, true to its original roots.

Head to the organizer’s site to stay up-to-date with the latest information and book your ticket. Our ferries will be busily running back and forth to Nantucket. Please remember that during this busy weekend punctuality, kindness, and good manners are appreciated more than ever. We all want the trip to be as smooth as possible! Please arrive early for your departures, do not place bags, feet, or animals on the seats, and be courteous to your fellow passengers by keeping noisiness inside the vessel to a minimum. Keep this in mind, and it will be smooth sailing for all!

To book ferry tickets for this weekend, click here.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe, and grape-filled weekend on Nantucket!