Nantucket is the most magical island for celebrating the holidays in a quintessential New England style. From joyful strolling on the cobblestone lined streets and festive holiday shopping in the warm, welcoming shoppes, to ringing in the New Year with a nautical theme, there are plenty of fun-filled activities to be found on island this time of year. Advanced Sommelier Jenny Benzie offers a short list of Holiday Highlights not to be missed in island this season, along with a lovely wine suggestion for gift giving purposes or to accompany your celebration. THANKSGIVING TURKEY PLUNGE The 18th Annual Cold Turkey Plunge, where hundreds of swimmers of all ages brave the icy cold waters at Children’s Beach, is held every year on Thanksgiving morning at 10 am. Funds raised during this event support the Nantucket Antheneum’s Weezie Library for Children and make it possible for them to host over 500 free programs and services for patrons each year. A few essential...Read More >
October marks the official start of Nantucket Bay scallop season, yippee! This special delicacy unique to our island is available first to anyone who obtains a recreational shellfish license from the Town of Nantucket before the commercial harvest season begins November 1st. Not only is it an adventure to put on your waders and spend some time on the water, it is also an experience to shuck all your little gems and easily use them to create a culinary masterpiece. Advanced Sommelier Jenny Benzie offers a selection of fabulous, distinctive white wines of distinction to pair with your favorite Nantucket Scallop recipes. COME ON IN, THE WATER IS FINE The Anjou region of the Loire Valley in northwestern France is better known for their red wines than the limited production of their stellar whites. Located in the heart of this region is the estate farmed by Jean-Bernard (4th generation vigneron) and Catherine Chauvin, along with their son Denis. Here they...Read More >
If you weren’t already filled with joy just by being on Nantucket, your heart will overflow with abundance attending a wedding or getting hitched here yourself on island. The beauty of the isle is able to provide the perfect backdrop to what is considered the best day of one’s life in many cases. Surrounded by family and dear friends as you vow to your special someone, everyone will surely be ready to celebrate your union with you. With wedding season upon us, choosing what to drink at your reception is almost as important as what to eat. Being that the two oft times go hand in hand, Advanced Sommelier Jenny Benzie offers some wedding reception bliss advice to get your new life as one on the right track. PARTY STARTER Upon arrival at the wedding reception, greeting guests with a fanciful signature cocktail that is symbolic of the bride and groom’s courtship is a perfect introduction to what lies ahead. ...Read More >
It has often been said many times before that the island of Nantucket takes a big sigh as soon as the month of September begins. Time to catch up on whatever was left behind to enjoy summer days and also an opportunity to gently transition into what will soon be the holidays before we know it. Nantucket is a very friendly, neighborly island where we love to support each other as we roll into this shoulder season. Advanced Sommelier Jenny Benzie of Épernay Wine & Spirits offers a selection of Nantucket highlights to enjoy this time of year and the perfect wine pairing for such splendor. BOOKS + BUBBLES Rob Cocuzzo is no stranger to adventure or writing about it. His latest book about to be released, The Road to San Donato, is an adventurous travel memoir of an American father and son tracing their Italian heritage by bicycle. With only their bare essentials, Cocuzzo and his sixty-four year old...Read More >
