Newport Rhode Island Wine & Food Festival
Fall Weekend Get-Away in New England for Foodies & Wine Enthusiasts
Sep 9, 2009
Newport Rhode Island, nestled at the entrance to the Narragansett Bay on the Atlantic Coast of northeastern United States, is a destination worth visiting any time of the year, but autumn can be an especially pleasant time to visit this New England coastal town.
A great weekend get-away, Newport is only 3.5 hours from New York City and 1.5 hours from Boston. For foodies and wine enthusiasts, the 2009 Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival weekend, held the fourth weekend in September, can be a real treat with over 100 wineries represented and almost two-dozen restaurants and caterers.
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
Held annually at the Vanderbilt mansions, The Breakers and on the grounds of Marble House, the Wine & Food Festival takes on the ambiance of the Gilded Age. A Friday night Gala with auction is held at The Breakers. Sunday's Jazz Brunch is held at Marble House where the large tent is set up on the back lawn overlooking the Atlantic Ocean for the elegant wine tasting and food sampling on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
In previous years, wine tasters entered the Grand Tasting events by going around the side of the mansion to the back lawn, but in 2009 the entrance is through Marble House where attendees will be able to tour the main floor – a nice addition to the wine tasting days.
Food & Wine magazine is the primary sponsor with American Public Television's celebrity chef, Jacques Pépin, being honored for his culinary achievements during Friday evening's Gala at The Breakers. He and several other noted chefs will be featured throughout the weekend. Proceeds from the festival benefit The Preservation Society of Newport County
Schedule & Tickets for Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
Connoisseur's Package – $255 in advance:
- Vintage Evening at The Breakers Friday, September 25 (7:30-11:30 pm)
- Grand Tasting on Marble House grounds Saturday or Sunday (12 pm-4 pm)
- One Newport Mansion tour
Vintage Evening at The Breakers – $175 in advance:
- Friday, September 25 (7:30-11:30 pm)
Grand Tasting on Marble House grounds – $90 in advance:
- Saturday, September 26 (12 pm-4 pm)
Grand Tasting on Marble House grounds – $75 in advance:
- Sunday, September 27 (12 pm-4 pm)
Jazz Brunch Package –$125 in advance:
- Buffet Brunch at Marble House with live music Sunday, September 27 (11 am)
- Grand Tasting on Marble House grounds Sunday, September 27 (12 pm-4 pm)
The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival is an adult event – no one under 21 will be admitted. Advance ticket sales must be made prior to September 22. After that, add $20-$25 to the price of the ticket.
For those on a budget, the most economical way to participate is the Grand Tasting on Sunday. Advanced ticket purchase for Sunday's Grand Tasting is $75/person.
Newport RI is Great Weekend Get-Away
There are numerous Bed & Breakfasts in the town of Newport and most within walking distance of the Thames Street business district, the marina on America's Cup Boulevard, and the mansions along Bellevue Avenue. Newport also has several hotels on the outskirts of town.
The shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants along Thames Street and Bellevue Avenue are always welcoming. Visitors can get a head start on shopping for unique holiday gifts, have a bowl of New England clam chowder or a lobster roll, enjoy a favorite brew at one of the local pubs, and experience fine dining in one of the restaurants on the wharf.
Weekend visitors can also attend mass Sunday morning at the church where John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier were married in 1953 – St. Mary's on the corner of Spring Street and Memorial Boulevard.
For those who are looking for an entertaining weekend escape, Newport Rhode Island during the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival can be a delightful weekend get-away. Another great time to visit Newport in the off-season is during the winter holiday season.
Source:
The Preservation Society of Newport County website
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