The Martha’s Vineyard Wine Festival returns stronger than ever in its third year — May 7 through May 10 — and 2015 is shaping up to be an unforgettable food and wine experience, as well as a philanthropic endeavor. Every year the Martha’s Vineyard Wine Festival chooses a charity to benefit, and this year Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club will be the beneficiary of all of the proceeds from the silent auction at the Grand Tasting event.
Thursday, May 7
To kick off the festival, start the weekend early with the reception at the Harbor View Hotel, where you’ll taste some of the best Provence rosé from Chateau D’Esclans Whispering Angel.
Attend a William Hill Estate Wine dinner at the Terrace at the Charlotte Inn, where Chef Justin Melnick will feature seasonal coastal New England fare with French and Italian accents.
Friday May 8
Head to Chesca’s Restaurant for the “Real Men Drink Pink” seminar, where Aimee Cronin from Drync will be hosting an unforgettable rosé tasting.
Love beer more than you love wine? Check out the Great Beer Challenge at Isola, where Peak Organic, Brooklyn Brewery, and Harpoon Brewery will compete for your vote on best beer!
Treat yourself to the Darioush five-course wine dinner at Détente in Edgartown. Host Simon Baiatian from the renewed winery will be on hand to talk wine, and Chef Kevin Crowell will create an unforgettable dinner around these wines.
Saturday May 9
Want to attend just one event during the weekend? The Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 9, from 2 to 6 pm will showcase more than 500 wines carefully curated by Martha’s Vineyard Wine Festival founder and director, John Clift. This year, the Grand Tasting will take place in the heart of Edgartown, with close proximity to shops and restaurants, an advantage over last year’s location at the Edgartown Rod and Gun Club.
Sunday May 10
What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day with the special lady in your life than at one of the festival’s brunch events. Détente will be hosting a bloody mary brunch and an oyster and champagne brunch will take place at a private venue in Edgartown as well.
“This is a big year for us, as we’ve doubled the amount of events, but kept the list of small-production wines uniquely curated and handpicked. Our big move to hosting the Grand Tasting in historic downtown Edgartown supports the ever-growing local community and gives us a chance to be more involved in Edgartown this year,” said Mr. Clift.
Check out the festival’s website: themvwinefest.com and follow them on Twitter for updates and giveaways at @MVWINEFEST.
Wondering what Mr. Clift is looking forward to drinking at the Grand Tasting this year? We asked him: 2013 EnRoute Chardonnay; 2012 Sea Smoke “Southing” Pinot Noir; and 2011 Hewitt Cabernet Sauvignon.
