This weekend the annual Nantucket Food & Wine Festival draws hundreds of wine enthusiasts and fine dining connoisseurs to Nantucket Island. While the many NWF ticketed events promise to tantalize taste buds and delight oenophiles, Current Vintage is inviting the public to attend an intriguing series of ten free tastings and events in their shop from May 16 to 18.
Nestled in the heart of town at 4 Easy Street, Current Vintage is well-known and loved for their carefully curated selection of nearly 400 handpicked wines at all price points, featuring small and iconic producers. Founder Beth English and Sommelier Savannah Johnson are happy to help customers choose bottles for every occasion, along with cheese, charcuterie, and artisan snacks they sell in their shop to complete your festivities.
Whether you’re seeking to uncover hidden gems, refine your palate, or simply savor the rich flavors of exceptional wines, the events at Current Vintage promise an unforgettable journey through the world of viticulture for curious beginners as well as seasoned connoisseurs. No tickets are needed for these free events, so Beth and Savannah enourage visitors to drop by Easy Street and enjoy a taste.
Many of the wines CV is showcasing during these tastings are not commonly found: “We really enjoy turning people on to wines they many not have tasted before,” English explained, “wines that are not on everyone’s radar.” Each of the Current Vintage tastings feature “entry-level to top-shelf.”
This Thursday, May 16, the fun begins with a tasting featuring world class Bordeaux-blends and rosé from Viña Vik, in the beautiful Millahue Valley, Chile. Owners Carrie and Alex Vik will be pouring their wines and sharing their vision.
Six Friday events at Current Vintage begin at noon with Brick & Mortar founder Alexis Laconis guiding guests through their artisanal Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines. Brick & Mortar was named as one of “Napa’s Innovative New Guard Winemakers” by Wine Enthusiast. With delicious wines at approachable prices, this is an ideal tasting for those just starting to explore wine.
A tasting of benchmark Vaillons 1er Cru and Les Clos Grand Cru from 2pm to 3pm with Christian Moreau Chablis (a Current Vintage favorite) leads into a tasting of Bourgogne Favorites led by the cultivated and engaging Denis Toner, founder of the Nantucket Wine Festival. “Denis is one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve ever met,” said English. “He always discovers new gems, and Denis is expert at finding new producers—this tasting will be great for the collector!”
One of the most exciting aspects of a wine tasting is the opportunity to explore new varietals and expand your palate. From 3 to 4:30 pm on Friday, May 17, Current Vintage hosts a Ceretto Tasting with Federico Ceretto, who will be on-island from Alba to share his family’s iconic Barolo & Barbaresco, along with some outstanding whites produced in the Langhe subregion of Piedmont.
And from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, Sir Anthony Hamilton Russell, who traveled here from South Africa, will present his excellent coastal Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and signature Pinotage from Hamilton Russell Vineyards, one of the most southerly wine estates in Africa. “I’ve been a fan of Hamilton Russell for years: [their wines] rival the best of California and Burgundy,” English commented.
Friday events at CV end with a special Wine Tasting and Book Signing with Alex Gambal. Beth English is very excited to welcome Gambal to 4 Easy Street to sign his new book, Climbing the Vines in Burgundy, a fun and fascinating account of his journey from intern to world-famous winemaker. “He’s smart and engaging and has had an incredible journey,” said English, “and there are references in his book to people in the wine trade as well as some Nantucket people.” Gambal Burgundy wines have been sought after on Nantucket for decades, and this tasting is a terrific opportunity to meet the winemaker and taste fine Alex Gambal wines from both Burgundy and his American project in Santa Rita Hills.
These tasting voyages around the globe continue on Saturday, May 18 at Current Vintage with a noontime CV Champagne Supernova Tasting led by Sommelier Savannah Johnson. This is a rare chance to taste some favorite limited production Grower Champagnes such as Marie Courtin, Christophe Mignon, and Champagne Nowak.
From 1 to 2 pm, guests have the chance to meet Silvia Allegrini, a member of the seventh generation of Allegrini wine-makers and heir of the prestigious 16th century Allegrini Winery. She will share their famous Amarone, Valpolicella, and Lugana wines from the Veneto.
A tasting of Wine Festival Icons begins at 2 pm on Saturday, May 18, and from 3:30 to 5 pm, Current Vintage ends their festive tasting series with a sparkling session featuring Ca’del Bosco Franciacorta paired with Calvisius Caviar from Lombardy. As a special treat, acclaimed restaurateur Cesare Casella will be at CV, carving his rare-breed heritage breed American prosciutto. His Casella Prosciutto is internationally known for his slow, on-the-bone curing process that results in an incomparable prosciutto that is juicy, marbled, delicate, and nutty.
Beyond the pleasure of tasting exquisite wines, these sessions offer an educational experience led by knowledgeable experts. Attendees have the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of winemaking, the influence of terroir on flavor profiles, and the art of pairing wine with food. Whether you’re curious about the nuances of varietals or eager to learn the secrets of the perfect wine and cheese pairing, there’s something at Current Vintage for everyone to discover.
These Current Vintage tastings offer a chance to enjoy a special camaraderie as you gain a deeper appreciation for the world of wine. Mark your calendars, gather your fellow wine enthusiasts, and come to Current Vintage at 4 Easy Street for a wine journey through the vineyards, one glass at a time.
— by Suzanne Daub