This year’s annual Food and Wine Festival will start Thursday, Oct. 13, and continue through Sunday, Oct. 16. Enjoy four days and nights of unique-to-the-Island culinary experiences. Meet the local talent — the chefs, farmers, fishermen, oyster producers, and artisans that make up the Vineyard’s rich food and wine traditions. The annual event is presented by the Edgartown Board of Trade, and a portion of the proceeds benefit Island Grown Schools and the Agricultural Society’s Farmers Program. Events are à la carte, so guests create their own taste-based weekend itinerary. Here’s what’s happening:
Thursday
Fresh off the Farm: A celebration of local farms and chefs. This signature gathering kicks off the festival at the Ag Hall on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 7 to 9 pm. Eat and drink your way through this tasting adventure, featuring sustainable and family-run Island businesses among the tunes of local band Good Night Louise. Tickets are $75.
Friday
Somm Throwdown: Watch three wine personalities face off, pairing 12 wines with four small plates designed by local culinary masters. This event is on Friday, Oct. 14 from 3 to 5 pm, at the Harbor View Hotel. Tickets are $100.
Sweet Tooth: Treat yourself at Murdick’s Fudge on Friday, Oct. 14, from 3 to 4 pm. Fudge expert Mike McCourt will take you through the art of his craft, pairing desserts with pours recognized by experts in the field. Tickets are $35.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Dinner: Ball out with a four-course dinner prepared by Shane Tank, one of the Island’s top private chefs. Each course is paired with specially crafted Woodford Reserve cocktails that draw out the best flavors in each dish. The dinner is held in an elegant private home, limited to 20 guests, on Friday, Oct. 14, from 7 to 10 pm. Tickets are $150.
Saturday
Oh Shucks! Enjoy a dozen oysters from the freshest Vineyard waters and learn from experts about pairing them with their perfect pours. On Saturday, Oct. 15, from 11 am to 12:30 pm at the Atlantic. Tickets are $75.
Cheese and Charcuterie Seminar: Join artisan food purveyor Sid Wainer & Son for all things cheese and cured meat at the Harborside Inn from 1 to 2:30 pm. Tickets are $60.
Grand Tasting: A highlight of the weekend celebration, featuring over 300 winemakers, spirits, breweries, gourmet foods, and restaurants against the backdrop of Edgartown Harbor on the Grand Lawn of the Harbor View Hotel. The event goes from 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, Oct. 15, and tickets are $135.
Sunday
Heirloom Apple Tasting Seminar: Join Yankee Magazine food editor Amy Traverso as she guides guests through her heirloom apple tastings and recipes. Explore the flavors, textures, and taste varieties on Sunday, Oct. 16, from 10 am to noon at the Harbor View Hotel. Tickets are $50.
To purchase tickets, and for more information, visit mvfoodandwine.com.
This article originally appeared on mvtimes.com.
