Newport, RI
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
Overview
Currently in its fifteenth year, the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival is one of the nation's premier events of its kind. Beginning on Thursday and running through Sunday, the festival consists of a wide variety of events in a range of spectacular locations. There are exquisite dinners in mansions; decadent food and wine tastings on vast, oceanfront lawns; and culinary demonstrations to suit everyone's interests. There's also a hip afterparty on Saturday night at the well-regarded Forty 1° North downtown for those who want to keep the good times rolling after the sun sets. Prices range from $140 to $750 per event, and are discounted for Preservation Society members, so if you're planning on attending more than one, it makes sense to buy a membership, which is tax-deductible.
Bordeaux Dinner
If you want to start your weekend early and with a bang, consider splurging on the The Bordeaux Dinner, the festival's kickoff event. The multi-course, seated dinner is prepared by award-winning chef Daniel Bruce and takes place in the elegant ballroom of the Elms, which was modeled after an 18th-century French chateau. The evening begins with a Krug champagne toast in the conservatory, and then moves to the dining room for an unforgettable meal featuring spectacular wine pairings with each course. At $750 per person, it's the most expensive event, but it's an experience that cannot be duplicated.
Wine & Rosecliff Gala
Friday evening brings the much-anticipated Wine and Rosecliff Gala, a lively event with a band, dancing, free-flowing wine, and unlimited food pairings. Held at Rosecliff mansion, which was modeled after one of the buildings at Versailles and is featured in the movie The Great Gatsby, this event is one of the most popular at the festival and sells out every year. It's a wonderful way to start the weekend, and a great value for the price. It's $250 per person ($225 for members), but if you think about it, how often in life will you get the chance to party like a Rockefeller?
The Grand Tasting
The most popular event of the weekend, The Grand Tasting takes place on both Saturday and Sunday. It's held at the magnificently ornate Marble House, home of the storied Vanderbilt family and one of Newport's crown jewels. VIP tickets get you in an hour early, so you can make your way through the tent at your leisure and have first pick of the multitudes of samples on offer. Not to worry if you miss out on VIP tickets, though, because the regularly priced tickets get you the same benefits, and the food and wine simply don't run out. Whatever events you choose to attend, if you are a lover of food and wine, you are sure to be delighted.
