The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival stands as one of the most anticipated annual events in Newport, blending the opulence of the Gilded Age with the pleasures of fine wine and gourmet cuisine. Hosted by The Preservation Society of Newport County, this multi-day affair typically takes place against the stunning backdrop of one of Newport’s iconic mansions, offering a unique and sophisticated experience for wine aficionados and food lovers alike.
Event Overview: Dates and Location for 2025
The 20th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival is scheduled to take place from September 19-21, 2025. The chosen venue for this prestigious event is Rosecliff, one of Newport’s most elegant historic mansions, located at Bellevue Avenue. All proceeds from the festival go towards supporting the historic preservation efforts of The Preservation Society of Newport County, a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the area’s rich architectural heritage.
Ticket Information: Options, Pricing, and Purchase
As of the latest available information (May 28, 2025), specific details regarding ticket tiers, pricing structures, and general on-sale dates for the 2025 festival have not yet been released.
However, a significant benefit is offered to Preservation Society members, who will receive early access to purchase 2025 tickets before they become available to the general public. For those interested in becoming a member to take advantage of this early access or to support the Preservation Society, information can be found on the Newport Mansions website. Based on the 2024 festival, tickets typically became available around mid-July.
Anticipated Schedule of Events: What to Expect
While the specific schedule for the 2025 Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival is yet to be detailed, the structure of past festivals, particularly the 2024 event, provides a strong clue of what attendees can expect. The festival typically spans the entire weekend, from Friday through Sunday, and is packed with a variety of culinary and viticultural highlights:
- Grand Tastings: Centerpiece of the festival, allowing guests to sample wines from a wide array of domestic and international wineries. Food from artisanal purveyors and top local and regional restaurants is also a key component.
- Wine and Spirits Seminars: The “Rosecliff Seminar Series” has been a feature, offering educational and engaging sessions led by wine experts, sommeliers, and spirit professionals. These seminars delve into specific wine regions, varietals, or spirit categories.
- Chef Demonstrations: Opportunities to meet and learn from famous local, regional, and national chefs are often part of the program, with live cooking demonstrations showcasing culinary techniques and signature dishes.
- Vintner Dinners / Wine Dinners: Exclusive dinners pairing exquisite multi-course meals with specially selected wines from featured vintners are a highlight for those seeking a more intimate and in-depth experience.
- Sunday Brunch: A leisurely and luxurious brunch event often concludes the festival weekend.
- Participating Venue Events: The festival may also include satellite events at various participating restaurants or locations in Newport.
Participating Wineries, Chefs, and Vendors
The official list of participating wineries, chefs, restaurants, and other artisanal food purveyors for the 2025 festival has not yet been announced. However, the festival consistently attracts a high caliber of participants. The 2024 event featured Presenting Sponsors, Grand Cru Sponsors, and Vintner Sponsors. Attendees can typically expect to encounter wines from major wine regions around the world and food from some of the best culinary talents.
Practical Advice for Attendees
To make the most of the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival experience:
- Book Your Hotel Now: Hotels will fill up fast and pricing will likely increase the longer you wait. Check for hotel availability here!
- Become a Member: For early ticket access and to support a worthy cause, consider becoming a member of The Preservation Society of Newport County.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the official Newport Mansions website for announcements on ticket sales, schedules, and participating vendors. Signing up for their email newsletter is also a good way to receive updates.
- Plan Ahead: Once the schedule is released, review the seminars, demonstrations, and special events. Popular sessions can fill up quickly, so booking in advance is often necessary.
- Transportation and Parking: Rosecliff has on-site parking, which is generally free at Preservation Society properties (except Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, which use street parking). However, for a large event like the festival, arriving early or considering alternative transportation might be wise.
- Attire: While specific attire guidelines for the 2025 festival are not yet available, events at the Newport Mansions often call for smart casual to more elegant resort wear, especially for evening dinners or special tastings. It’s best to check for any dress code recommendations once event details are published.
- Navigate the Event: Download the Newport Mansions app before visiting and bring earbuds, as this may be used for event information or audio guides. Familiarize yourself with the layout of Rosecliff to easily find different tasting areas, seminar locations, and amenities.
- Pace Yourself: With numerous wines and food samples available, it’s important to taste responsibly. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the event.
- Ask Questions: Engage with the vintners, chefs, and purveyors. They are there to share their knowledge and passion.
- Contact Information: For any specific questions leading up to the event, attendees can email [email protected].
A Toast to a Gilded Age Culinary Celebration
The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of sensory delights, set against the incomparable backdrop of Newport’s Gilded Age splendor. This is one of the most unique experiences in Newport and should not be missed!
