Newport Mansions Wine And Food Festival 2025: 20th Anniversary Highlights and Insider Tips

The Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025 stands as the crown jewel of East Coast wine events, returning for its spectacular 20th anniversary celebration from September 19-21, 2025. This isn’t just another wine tasting—it’s a luxurious journey through flavor set against the breathtaking backdrop of Rosecliff Mansion’s historic grandeur. With ocean views stretching to the horizon and Gilded Age opulence at every turn, this coastal Rhode Island celebration promises an unforgettable blend of culinary artistry and fine wines.

What makes the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025 truly special is its perfect marriage of location and experience. Whether you’re sipping rare vintages on manicured lawns or enjoying intimate tastings within marble halls, this festival offers wine enthusiasts and culinary adventurers a uniquely sophisticated weekend escape. Mark your calendars now for what promises to be the most exceptional iteration of this renowned festival to date. Check out the official Newport Mansions festival website for early ticket access and event updates.

Quick-Glance Festival Highlights for Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025

The Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025 packs an impressive lineup of experiences into one glamorous weekend. Here’s everything you need to know at a glance:

• 📍 Location: Rosecliff Mansion, Newport, Rhode Island
• 📅 Dates: September 19–21, 2025
• 🍷 Focus: Rare vintages, curated gourmet food, seaside sophistication
• 💕 Perfect For: Wine travelers, foodie couples, mansion history lovers
• 🎫 Tickets: VIP & General Admission options available now

The weekend features several signature events including Grand Tastings on the Lawn, an elegant Opening Wine Dinner, a Jazz Brunch with rare pours, and fascinating wine seminars. If you’ve been wanting to explore top wine tourism destinations, this festival should rank high on your must-visit list.

The 20th anniversary celebration comes with extra special programming, including expanded VIP experiences and exclusive access to areas of Rosecliff not typically open during previous festivals. Ticket prices range from $125 for single-day general admission to $450 for the full VIP weekend experience, with all details available on the festival’s official page.

What Makes the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025 Different?

The Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025 isn’t your typical tent-in-a-field wine event. This is refined indulgence at its finest—a carefully orchestrated celebration that pairs world-class wines with architectural splendor. The festival’s 20th anniversary edition promises to be the most spectacular yet, with special programming that honors two decades of culinary excellence.

What truly sets this festival apart is its stunning historic venue. Rosecliff Mansion, built in 1902 and modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles, provides a backdrop that no conventional event space could match. Imagine sipping premium wines while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from a terrace that once hosted the most extravagant parties of America’s Gilded Age. The experience connects you to America’s rich wine history in a way that feels both educational and indulgent.

The festival features:

• 🥂 Exclusive Pours: Taste wines from over 100 world-renowned wineries, including limited releases and reserve collections
• 👨‍🍳 Culinary Excellence: Chef-led gourmet food and wine pairings uniquely crafted for each event
• 🏰 Gilded Age Splendor: Events take place both inside and on the grounds of Newport’s famed Rosecliff
• 🌊 Ocean Views: Stroll lawns overlooking the Atlantic with glass in hand

Unlike most wine festivals that feel crowded and commercial, the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival maintains an air of exclusivity and intimacy. Even at the Grand Tasting, you’ll find ample space to enjoy each sip without feeling rushed or crowded. The festival deliberately limits ticket sales to ensure each guest enjoys a premium experience worthy of its setting.

Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025 Schedule: What to Expect Each Day

The Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025 offers a perfectly paced three-day celebration of wine, food, and coastal elegance. Each day presents unique experiences designed to showcase different aspects of wine culture and culinary artistry.

Friday, September 19 – Opening Night Elegance

The festival kicks off with a VIP Opening Reception & Wine Dinner that sets the tone for the entire weekend. This intimate evening features premium wine labels and a multi-course tasting dinner served in Rosecliff’s magnificent ballroom. Candlelight flickers against marble columns as guests enjoy exclusive pours and chef-curated bites. The evening typically includes meet-and-greets with renowned winemakers and sommeliers who share insights about their craft. If you’re looking to impress a significant other, this romantic setting creates the perfect atmosphere for a memorable date night.

Saturday, September 20 – Grand Tasting Extravaganza

Saturday hosts the festival’s signature event: the Grand Tasting on the Lawn. This day-long celebration brings together over 100 vintners and top chefs under elegant white tents sprawled across Rosecliff’s ocean-facing grounds. Live music fills the air as guests sample everything from bold California cabernets to crisp Loire Valley whites. Food stations feature gourmet bites designed to complement the wine selections, and cooking demonstrations run throughout the day. For those interested in expanding their wine knowledge, the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival also offers educational seminars on topics ranging from wine regions to proper tasting techniques.

Sunday, September 21 – Jazz Brunch Finale

The festival concludes with a sophisticated Jazz Brunch and special tasting events. This relaxed yet refined affair offers classic brunch fare paired with sparkling wines and morning-friendly varietals. Smooth jazz creates the perfect soundtrack as guests enjoy their final festival experience under Newport’s golden morning light. Sunday also features targeted tasting seminars for those wanting to dive deeper into specific wine categories or regions. Learning wine tasting terminology before attending can significantly improve your appreciation of these expert-led sessions.

Who Should Attend the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025?

The Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025 appeals to diverse audiences, but certain groups will find it particularly enchanting. If you recognize yourself in any of these descriptions, this festival deserves a spot on your calendar:

• 💑 Couples seeking romance: The festival offers a perfect backdrop for couples looking for a sophisticated getaway. The combination of historic architecture, ocean views, and fine wines creates an inherently romantic atmosphere. Many couples make this an annual tradition to celebrate anniversaries or simply enjoy quality time together in an elegant setting.
• 🍷 Wine enthusiasts of all levels: Whether you’re just beginning to explore wine or consider yourself a connoisseur, the festival caters to all knowledge levels. Newcomers can learn the basics while experienced oenophiles can discover rare vintages and engage with winemakers directly. Knowing the right wine tasting fashion dos and don’ts will help you feel confident throughout the weekend.
• 🍽️ Culinary adventurers: Beyond wine, the festival celebrates exceptional food. Culinary demonstrations, chef-prepared tastings, and thoughtfully designed food pairings make this a paradise for anyone who appreciates fine dining and gourmet experiences.
• 🏛️ History and architecture buffs: Rosecliff Mansion provides a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture and Newport’s rich cultural heritage. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience this historic property while enjoying contemporary pleasures.

“I’ve attended wine festivals across the country, but nothing compares to Newport,” shares wine blogger Melissa Thompson. “The combination of world-class wines, gourmet food, and that incomparable mansion setting makes it worth traveling for. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy.”

If you’ve enjoyed hosting your own wine and cheese nights at home, the festival offers professional inspiration to take your future gatherings to new heights. You’ll come away with fresh pairing ideas and presentation techniques from some of the industry’s best.

Essential Tips for Attending the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025

Having attended several iterations of this spectacular event, I’ve gathered some insider knowledge to help you make the most of your experience at the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025. These practical tips will ensure your weekend flows as smoothly as the premium wines you’ll be sampling:

Dress Code Essentials:

• ✅ Aim for “coastal chic” or “resort formal” attire that balances style with comfort
• ✅ Ladies: Flowing sundresses, sophisticated jumpsuits, or smart separates work beautifully
• ✅ Gentlemen: Linen or lightweight blazers with chinos or dress shorts hit the right note
• ✅ Consider statement accessories like wide-brimmed hats or unique jewelry—they’re conversation starters!

What to Bring:

• ✅ Sunglasses and quality sunscreen (the lawn events offer limited shade)
• ✅ A camera or fully-charged phone for capturing the stunning mansion backdrop
• ✅ Light layers or a stylish wrap for evening events when ocean breezes pick up
• ✅ Business cards if you’re interested in connecting with wineries or industry professionals

What to Skip:

• 🚫 High heels (they’ll sink into the lawn and make walking uncomfortable)
• 🚫 Heavy perfumes or colognes (they interfere with the wine tasting experience)
• 🚫 Overly casual attire like athletic wear or beach flip-flops
• 🚫 Arriving late to scheduled events (many seminars and tastings start promptly)

Smart Festival Strategy:

Plan to arrive at the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival at least 30 minutes before your first scheduled event. This gives you time to park, check in, and get oriented without rushing. During the Grand Tasting, start with lighter wines (sparkling and whites) before moving to heavier reds. Take breaks between tastings to cleanse your palate with water and the provided bread.

Don’t try to sample everything—it’s simply not possible. Instead, review the participating wineries beforehand and prioritize those you’re most interested in exploring. Most importantly, pace yourself and remember to stay hydrated throughout the day!

Where to Stay During the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025

Selecting the right accommodations can make your Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025 experience even more memorable. Newport fills quickly during festival weekend, so booking early is essential—typically 6-8 months in advance for the best selection.

For the ultimate luxury experience, consider these top-tier options:

• The Chanler at Cliff Walk (thechanler.com) – This boutique hotel occupies a 19th-century mansion and offers twenty uniquely designed rooms with stunning ocean views. Its location at the start of the famous Cliff Walk puts you in prime position to enjoy both the festival and Newport’s scenic beauty. The property’s award-winning restaurant, Cara, provides an excellent dining option for evenings when you’re not at festival events.
• Hotel Viking (hotelviking.com) – A historic hotel dating back to 1926, the Viking offers elegant accommodations within walking distance of downtown Newport and a short drive to Rosecliff. Their rooftop bar provides the perfect spot for a nightcap after a day of wine tasting.
• The Vanderbilt (aubergeresorts.com/vanderbilt) – This restored Gilded Age mansion turned luxury hotel offers a fitting continuation of the mansion experience. Its central location in downtown Newport means you’ll be close to shops and restaurants while maintaining easy access to festival venues.

For more budget-conscious options that still offer character and convenience:

• The Attwater (theattwater.com) – A stylish boutique hotel with a contemporary vibe and comfortable rooms at a more moderate price point.
• Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina (newporthotel.com) – Offers waterfront rooms with harbor views and convenient access to downtown.

Location tip: Stay near Bellevue Avenue or downtown Newport for the most convenient festival access. These areas put you within easy reach of Rosecliff while also positioning you close to Newport’s restaurants, shops, and other attractions for when you’re not at festival events.

Many hotels offer special festival weekend packages that include transportation to and from events—worth inquiring about when booking. Some accommodations also partner with the festival to offer exclusive experiences or priority access to certain events. Check the festival website for official hotel partners and special offers.

A Toast to Newport’s Premier Wine Weekend

The Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025 represents the perfect blend of historic elegance and contemporary indulgence. From the moment you step onto Rosecliff’s manicured grounds until your final sip of champagne at Sunday brunch, this festival delivers an experience that satisfies all senses. The 20th anniversary celebration promises to be the most spectacular iteration yet, with expanded programming and exclusive experiences that honor two decades of wine excellence in America’s most picturesque coastal setting.

What makes this one of the most exceptional wine festivals in Rhode Island isn’t just the quality of wines or the caliber of chefs—though both are outstanding. It’s the magical combination of these elements with Newport’s unparalleled Gilded Age backdrop and ocean vistas that creates an experience impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, seeking to expand your wine knowledge, or simply wanting to treat yourself to an extraordinary cultural experience, the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2025 deserves a prime spot on your calendar. Book your tickets early, secure your accommodations, and prepare for a sophisticated celebration of wine, food, and coastal beauty that will leave you with memories—and perhaps a few new favorite vintages—to savor long after the weekend concludes.