The Inaugural Manchester Food & Wine Festival!

Hi, Friends! How many of you are looking forward to warmer weather this spring (the Vernal Equinox is March 20) and all the exciting events that come with it? I sure am! If you’re planning ahead for (or daydreaming about) this upcoming season, here’s a great idea for Memorial Day Weekend, the late spring respite that many view as the official start to summery weather. 

Photos provided courtesy of the Manchester Business Association

The Inaugural Manchester Food & Wine Festival offers a fun and savory experience, whether you're an out-of-town visitor for the long weekend or a local looking for an enjoyable staycation in your own neighborhood. As a self-proclaimed “foodie,” I am super stoked to experience all the delicious treats and spirits our local purveyors will bestow upon us. Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes a foodie as “a person who has an avid interest in food and the latest food fads.” I’m not big on fads, but I am big on food and how it can bring people together and shape who we are. I consider myself lucky to be living here in the Shires, and in the state of Vermont, where culinary expertise shines so brightly. 

The Copper Grouse / curATE Café

The Festival’s complete cultural journey will feature Vermont's signature local flavors, complemented by a selection of exceptional national and international wines. Bon appétit!

The Manchester Food & Wine Festival is proudly presented with the support of the Manchester Business Association, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, and Farrell Distributors, along with many other local sponsors and partners whose commitment to excellence helps make this inaugural celebration possible.

This Memorial Day Weekend, Manchester, VT will come alive with flavor, friendship, and a whole lot of Vermont charm as the inaugural Manchester Food & Wine Festival makes its debut from May 22 to May 24. This three-day celebration invites neighbors and visitors alike to gather, savor, and celebrate what makes the Manchester area so unique.

Framed by the rolling Green and Taconic Mountains, the Festival brings together standout local restaurants, respected national and international winemakers, and Vermont’s own makers, growers, and artisans. It’s a weekend rooted in place—where great food, good wine, and genuine hospitality come together in true Vermont style.

The weekend begins on Friday, May 22, with a VIP Opening Night Event at The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa. Guests will enjoy elevated bites, thoughtfully paired wines, live music, and the chance to mingle with chefs and winemakers in an iconic Vermont setting.

From there, the festival unfolds across Manchester and the surrounding area with a thoughtfully curated lineup of experiences. Guests can choose from intimate wine-pairing dinners, pop-up tastings, craft beverages, and one-of-a-kind events hosted by local restaurants, inns, and cultural partners. Each experience is designed to highlight the flavors, stories, and people that make the Manchester area such a special place to visit—and to call home.

Mystico / Depot 62

The festival culminates on Sunday, May 24, with the Grand Tasting, the signature event of the weekend. From 1pm to 4pm, with VIP access beginning at 12pm, attendees will sample wines from a diverse lineup of national and international wineries alongside nibbles from beloved local restaurants. The Grand Tasting also features a dedicated Vermont Marketplace, where guests can taste and shop products from local breweries, distilleries, food producers, and artisans.

“This festival is more than a celebration of food and wine—it’s a celebration of our community,” said John Burnham, Executive Director of the Manchester Business Association. “It’s made possible through the collaboration of our members, partners, sponsors, and volunteers. Proceeds from the Grand Tasting directly support our mission-driven work—from destination marketing to economic development initiatives that strengthen our local business community. When you attend, you’re not just enjoying a wonderful weekend—you’re investing in the future of Manchester.”

Burnham added, “This festival has been years in the making. We’ve always envisioned a signature culinary event that reflects the sophistication, creativity, and warm hospitality that define this region. We’re thrilled to finally bring it to life and to welcome guests from near and far.”

With its blend of world-class flavors and small-town charm, the Manchester Food & Wine Festival offers an unforgettable way to kick off summer in Vermont. Come taste, sip, stroll, and discover why Manchester is one of New England’s most beloved destinations.

For tickets, event details, and the full weekend schedule, visit here. To stay up to date as new events and experiences are added, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Facebook—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.