The Taste of the Vineyard Marks Its 27th Year

The night when you can eat at nearly all the Island’s restaurants at once happens this evening as the Taste of the Vineyard returns. Tonight, over 90 restaurants, caterers and vendors will come together under one tented roof and serve up samples of their best of the best for lucky ticketholders on the lawn of the in Edgartown.

With the vendors included about 1200 people will be at the event this year that has been sold out since May.

“On May 25, the tickets went on sale to the general public and we sold out in a matter of hours,” said Meg O’Connor, Vender Coordinator for the Taste of the Vineyard. “The event sells out every year but the demand is stronger and stronger every year.”

Some call this a young event, attracting many of the Islands twenty-somethings, but for O’Connor, “It’s more ‘young at heart’ event because we have a wide range of ages. We are continually amazed at the varied demographic the event draws.”

Inspired by the Taste of New Orleans, and brought to the Trust by Wendy Reily, a board member and resident of the New Orleans, the Taste of the Vineyard is now in its 27^th year. In addition to an array of food and beverages there is always dancing and music provided by Jerry Bennett and the Sultans of Swing's 12-piece band. “The dance floor will be wild,” said O’Connor.  “The Sultans of Swing put on such an amazing show and it’s the one night we are allowed to play late - and amplified on the property.”

Proceeds benefit the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust, which preserves and maintains eighteen historic properties in the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust’s stewardship, including , the , the and the Dr. Daniel Fisher House in Edgartown.