Our History
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 to the island and bottles were uncorked, a magical tradition was launched. The festival now draws over 3000 attendees to the island for this annual spring fête and boasts a continually growing family of vintners, wineries, renowned chefs and restaurants.
Today, the NWF marks the awakening of the island when restaurants, galleries, activities and tours open for the season. The Grey Lady, our nickname for the island, is known as a culinary destination. The NWF Luminaries are honored to visit, many return and every year new talent arrives to partake. Still, the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival remains boutique in style and intimate in its setting, true to its original roots.
