Kate Elaine Photos
Vermont Business Magazine The inaugural Manchester Food & Wine Festival concluded Memorial Day weekend after an extraordinary celebration of food, wine, spirits, and Vermont hospitality. Festival organizers extend heartfelt thanks to the chefs, restaurants, wineries, distilleries, sponsors, volunteers, and guests who helped make the weekend such a success.
Throughout the weekend, attendees enjoyed a diverse lineup of culinary events and one-of-a-kind experiences, showcasing the best of Southern Vermont and beyond. From intimate dinners and tastings to pasture walks and signature gatherings, the festival highlighted Manchester as a premier culinary destination.
“I was thrilled that Hildene was able to participate in the Manchester Business Association’s Food & Wine Festival,” said Craig Gemmell, President of Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home. “Those who attended our event were able to connect with one of Hildene’s lesser-known assets, the Dene Farm. Watching people sip Vermont wines while petting month-old lambs or exploring our native plant gardens was a thrill and excites me for the future.”
A special highlight of the weekend was the debut of the Grand Tasting, the festival’s signature event. Held Sunday afternoon, the Grand Tasting welcomed approximately 300 guests who enjoyed an exceptional showcase of wines, spirits, craft beverages, gourmet food offerings, and Vermont artisan products in a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
“Seeing hundreds of visitors and locals enjoying the inaugural Food & Wine Festival drove home yet again how special Manchester is, not only for its scenic Vermont views and cultural assets, but also for its foodie culture,” said Amelia Wiggins, Executive Director of the Southern Vermont Arts Center.
Festival organizers would like to sincerely thank the many participating chefs, restaurants, beverage partners, distributors, culinary vendors, and Vermont businesses whose enthusiasm and generosity created an unforgettable experience for attendees.
The festival also extends its sincere gratitude to the sponsors whose support made the weekend possible, including Presenting Sponsor Oliver Automotive Group, Gold Sponsor Manchester Designer Outlets, and host property The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa.
We are equally grateful to the many food and beverage partners, local businesses, and community supporters who contributed in countless ways throughout the weekend, including Farrell Distributing, Couch & Cork, Beacon Bank, The Reluctant Panther, The Barn at Center Hill, Heritage Family Credit Union, Big Butterfly Promotions, Coco Goose, The Bank of Bennington, Dorset Union Store, H.N. Williams Store, Downtown Window & Design, Edible Vermont, Vermont.com, and Kate Elaine Photo. We also thank the generous businesses that donated Grand Tasting door prizes, including J.K. Adams, Le Creuset, Coco Goose, Charlie’s Coffee House, and Union Underground.
“The enthusiasm from attendees, sponsors, culinary partners, and the community exceeded all expectations,” said Adam Koffman, Interim Co-Executive Director of the Manchester Business Association. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring the Manchester Food & Wine Festival to life and look forward to growing this event for years to come.”
For additional information and future festival updates, please visit the festival’s official website at vermontfoodfestival.com and follow @vermontfoodfest on social media.
https://www.manchestervermont.com
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
Vermont Business Magazine