12th Annual Nantucket Wine Festival

by Vera Thornton

When: May 14 – 18, 2008

In just a few weeks, the historic whaling capital of Nantucket will once again become the nation’s wine capital. According to the Quarterly Review of Wines in its Spring 2008 issue "the Festival...has become one of the best wine events in the nation, with some of the finest global wine talent on hand every year....".
Events take place in the heart of downtown Nantucket, with everything in easy walking distance. Here are some of the highlights of the weekend.





Opening Reception
Wednesday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m.
The White Elephant

Featuring champagne,
appetizers,
and guitar music.
Tickets: $60








The Gala
Thursday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m.
White Elephant Hotel

Sample great wine and superb food specially chosen to compliment it.
This event offers 30 stations at which a winemaker is paired with a restaurant chef, some from Nantucket’s great restaurants and some who are special guest celebrity chefs. During the Gala there will be a Silent Auction to benefit the Nantucket Historical Association.
Tickets: $175




Luncheon Symposia
Friday, May 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Three separate events at different locations will present a discussion between distinguished winemakers and patrons, followed by a four- course luncheon.
Tickets: $175 - $250






Grand Tasting
Saturday & Sunday, May 17 & 18
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Nantucket Yacht Club

This is your chance to taste great wines paired with some of Nantucket’s finest food, and take in cooking demonstrations from culinary geniuses. All four sessions will offer the same wines and foods. The hourly cooking demonstrations, however, will vary.
Food authors will also be on hand for book signings.
Please note that the Saturday 3:00 p.m. session is SOLD OUT.
Tickets: $110, single session; and $200, double session




Great Wine in Grand Houses
Thursday & Friday, May 15 & 16, starting times from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 17, starting times from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 18, starting times from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.


If a more intimate setting is what you’d like, these guided tastings in private homes are limited to 20 people, and require two hours. Some include brunch or dinner, as well. Due to limited attendance, please reserve early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets: $110 to $200





Celebrity Chef & Wine Auction Dinner
Saturday, May 17 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.
The White Elephant

A spectacular five-course dinner prepared by Chef David Daniels of the Nantucket’s Wauwinet will feature wines from Alex Gambal, one of Burgundy’s most respected winemakers. The auction immediately following offers rare wines and lifestyle packages, including a Napa Valley excursion and a five day, chauffeur-driven trip through Spain. The auction benefits the Nantucket Historical Association.
Tickets: $250
Call (508) 228-1128 to purchase, or email info@nantucketwinefestival.com



For a wine festival program, poster, or reservations,
call (508) 228-1128
or visit www.nantucketwinefestival.com


Photo credits:
Photo #3: Marlo Fogelman, www.marlomc.com
Photos #1, #2 and #4 - #7: www.nantucketwinefestival.com