Savor Nantucket Wine Festival starting Wednesday

Nantucket takes on an international flavor for the 12th annual Nantucket Wine Festival from Wednesday through Sunday. More than 100 wineries will uncork offerings to be sipped and sampled against a backdrop of oceanic splendor.
The spotlight falls on Spanish wines in many events, including one of the three hourlong lunch symposiums. The talks at restaurants Cinco, Straight Wharf, and the Nantucket Golf Club culminate in a four-course meal utilizing the wines of guest vintners. Guest chefs, including Jody Adams of Boston’s Rialto and Antoine Camin of La Goulue in New York, will add zest and celebrity by cooking at island restaurants.
The festival includes glimpses into some of the island’s lovely homes to sample wines with the wealthy, a gala at the harborside White Elephant tent showcasing wines and top chefs, and the Celebrity Chef and Winemaker Auction Dinner, a Nantucket Historical Association benefit, that begins with a taste of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne and pairs the talents of chef David Daniels of Topper’s at The Wauwinet with the wines of Maison Alex Gambal. The popular Grand Tasting (Saturday and Sunday) pairs Nantucket seafood, artisan breads, and more at the Nantucket Yacht Club in two-hour sessions.
Experts lead the plentiful wine and food seminars that tackle topics from bargain hunting for fine wines to cheeses from France to Vermont.
Event prices range from $50-$800. Grand Tastings noon-2 and 3-5 Saturday and Sunday are $110 per session or $200 for both.
Posted by Marty Basch, Globe Correspondent