Holiday TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival Returns with Major Upgrades
3-Tier Progressive Dining Now Included with All Tickets at Nebraska's Second-Largest Wine Gathering
GRAND ISLAND, NE – October 2, 2025 – The Nebraska Wine and Grape Growers Association (NWGGA) announces the return of Holiday TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Fonner Park in Grand Island. For the first time in the festival's five-year history, all tickets include a 3-tier progressive dining experience featuring appetizers, entrees, and desserts paired with Nebraska wines throughout the day.
The festival expects to welcome 2,000+ wine enthusiasts for the state's second-largest wine gathering of the year. "Holiday TOAST is about gathering before the holiday rush – discovering wines to share at your table, learning pairing stories you can pass along to family and friends, and celebrating what makes Nebraska special," said Renae Littrell, newly appointed Executive Director of NWGGA. "This year, we're elevating that experience by pairing our wines with carefully curated food throughout the day. Attendees will taste, learn the pairing principles behind what they're experiencing, and then take those bottles and that knowledge home for their own holiday gatherings. It's education that becomes tradition."
The progressive dining format allows attendees to experience the art of food and wine pairing while exploring offerings from a wide range of Nebraska wineries. Wineries will feature recommended pairing selections during each dining tier, creating natural opportunities for education and by-the-glass or bottle purchases.
"Food and wine pairing go hand in hand – you need Nebraska wine at your Thanksgiving table," said Tim Nissen of Nissen Wine and NWGGA Marketing Committee Chair. "These pairings showcase connection - and bring our family brand to your family's table."
Holiday TOAST brings together 18 Nebraska wineries under one roof, offering attendees tastings of more than 100 unique wines. The festival represents the second largest gathering of Nebraska wineries, second only to the Spring TOAST festival hosted annually in Omaha in May, which has been named Best Festival of Omaha five years running. Holiday TOAST has become a premier wine event in the Midwest.
Nebraska wineries continue to earn national and international recognition for quality. Among the participating wineries, James Arthur Vineyards' Sweet Charlotte recently earned a wine score of 96 at the 2025 International Eastern Wine Competition, Cellar 426 Winery's Summer Blush won Best of Show Rosé at the International Cold Climate Wine Competition, and local Grand Island winery, Miletta Vista, scored 93 points with gold medals at multiple prestigious competitions. Many other participating wineries have earned recent accolades as well, showcasing the depth of quality across Nebraska's wine industry.
Entertainment and Programming
The festival features live music from Scott Meradith Acoustic and Lincoln-based soul/funk musician Josh Hoyer, who won the 2025 International Blues Challenge in Memphis and appeared on Season 12 of NBC's The Voice. Educational programming includes wine bingo with fan-favorite caller Meg, highly requested by TOAST regulars for her hilarious sessions, and styling sessions with Maddie Graham from The Frugal Fox.
Additional enhancements for 2025 include free bottled water throughout the event, a streamlined ticketing platform with Apple Wallet ticket integration, custom VIP tote bags, expanded Wine Bucks vouchers for wine purchases, and the TOAST Shop featuring Nebraska wine fan exclusive merchandise.
All activities and entertainment are included with admission. Additional costs apply only for wine and merchandise purchases from vendor booths and wineries.
Ticket Information
General Admission: $65 (increases to $75 after November 7) - Includes tasting glass, unlimited wine tastings, progressive dining experience, wine tote, $5 Wine Bucks voucher, free bottled water, and access to all entertainment and educational programming.
VIP Admission: $85 (increases to $95 after November 7) – Limited Availability - Includes all general admission benefits plus custom tote bag, $20 Wine Bucks voucher, $25 TOAST Shop voucher, and snacks.
Designated Driver: $40 - Includes progressive dining experience, wine tote, bottled water, and access to all non-tasting activities.
All tickets available at www.toastwinefest.com/tickets
Growing Nebraska Wine
"What I love most about TOAST is seeing all the friend groups come together and connect over something truly Nebraskan," said Katie Benner of Prairie Creek Vineyard and TOAST event chairman. "Watching Nebraskans appreciate a Nebraska-made product and embrace the vibrant wineries we have across our state in a fantastic venue like Grand Island – that's what this event is all about. It's community, it's Nebraska pride, and it's celebration."
Holiday TOAST is produced by the Nebraska Wine and Grape Growers Association, a nonprofit trade association dedicated to promoting and supporting Nebraska's wine industry through education, marketing, and advocacy. The festival provides critical exposure for Nebraska wineries while educating consumers about the quality and diversity of locally produced wines.
Event Details
What: Holiday TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival
When: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Fonner Park, Grand Island, Nebraska
Tickets: www.toastwinefest.com/tickets
Age Requirement: 21+ (valid ID required)
This is a rain or shine event. Free parking is available on site.
For more information, visit www.toastwinefest.com.
About Nebraska Wine and Grape Growers Association
The Nebraska Wine and Grape Growers Association (NWGGA) is a nonprofit trade association representing Nebraska's wineries through education, marketing, and advocacy. NWGGA produces the annual TOAST Nebraska Wine Festivals and manages the Nebraska Wine Passport program. Learn more at NebraskaWines.org.
6 Reasons It's Nebraska’s Can't-Miss Holiday Event of the Year
Ready to kick off the holiday season in style? Look no further than TOAST Nebraska's Holiday Wine Festival, the ultimate wine and shopping extravaganza coming to Grand Island, Nebraska on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
Ready to kick off the holiday season in style? Look no further than TOAST Nebraska’s 4th annual Holiday Wine Festival, the ultimate wine and shopping extravaganza coming to Grand Island, Nebraska on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
Here are six reasons why you absolutely can't miss this festive event:
Enjoy unlimited wine tastings from 20 Nebraska wineries.
1. Sip and Savor: With 20 Nebraska wineries in attendance, your taste buds are in for a treat. Your ticket includes free tastings from all participating wineries, allowing you to explore the best of Nebraska's wine scene.
With over 30 vendors, you're sure to find the perfect holiday gifts!
2. Shop 'Til You Drop: Browse through 30 vendor booths offering unique holiday gifts and artisanal products. It's the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses.
Enjoy live local music throughout the event!
3. Dance the Night Away: Enjoy live music throughout the event, creating a lively atmosphere that'll keep your toes tapping and your holiday spirits high. Enjoy music from Day Dream, Daniel Martínez, and Scott Meradith!
4. Game On: Try your luck at free wine bingo games with fun prizes up for grabs. It's a fun break from tastings with an extra layer of excitement!
Wine Bingo is the perfect mid-event break to kick back, enjoy a bottle of wine, and win prizes!
5. All-Inclusive Experience: Your general admission ticket - only $45* - is your key to a world of entertainment. It includes a tasting glass, wine tote, access to artisan & food vendors, educational sessions, music and dancing, and free wine bingo cards. (*prices increase to $65 on October 28)
6. Convenience and Comfort: Located at the spacious Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, TOAST offers the perfect venue for a night of wine, shopping, and merriment.
Enjoy our wine check service - extra wine totes always available!
Bonus Feature: Nebraska’s Only "Wine Check" Service: Don't let your purchases weigh you down. Take advantage of our "wine check" service – similar to a coat check, but for your wine! It's the perfect solution for those looking to stock up on wine for holiday gatherings and gifts. Extra wine totes are always available if guests fill their tote up!
Don't wait to secure your spot! Ticket prices increase by $20 on October 28, so grab yours early. For those playing it safe, designated driver tickets are available for just $25.
Exclusive wine barrel backdrop for all guests' fun event photos!
TOAST Nebraska is more than just an event; it's a celebration of Nebraska's wine culture, local artisans, and holiday spirit. Mark your calendars for November 9, 2024, and prepare for a night of unforgettable fun. Cheers to TOAST Nebraska!
Nebraska Wineries Gather to Host the 4th Annual 2024 TOAST Nebraska Holiday Wine Festival
GRAND ISLAND, NE – The Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association (NWGGA) is thrilled to announce the launch of ticket sales for the 4th annual TOAST Nebraska: Holiday Wine Festival set to take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, NE.
Now Nebraska’s largest gathering of wineries, the holiday festival has grown in size, surpassing the popular spring event held in Omaha earlier this year. With 20 participating wineries from across the state, this event offers attendees the unique opportunity to sample and purchase a diverse range of Nebraska wines all in one location.
In addition to the impressive winery lineup, the festival will feature more than 28 Nebraskan artisan and food vendors, live music, educational wine classes, and the ever-popular wine bingo. Guests can sip and savor wines while exploring local goods, learning more about Nebraska’s wine industry, and enjoying a day of festive entertainment.
The TOAST Nebraska: Holiday Wine Festival also provides the perfect opportunity to stock up on holiday wine essentials, with multiple bottles available for purchase. To make things easier, the festival offers a convenient wine check service, allowing attendees to shop worry-free and collect their purchases before leaving. Guests are welcome to enjoy their wine on-site as well, making it a perfect way to share a bottle with friends while playing wine bingo in the Quilt Room.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Time: Noon to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Pinnacle Bank Expo Center, Fonner Park, Grand Island, NE
Tickets:
General Admission: $45 (includes a wine-tasting glass, unlimited wine tastings, a wine tote, access to artisans and vendors, live music, educational classes, and wine bingo)
Designated Driver Admission: $25 (includes a bottle of water, a wine tote, and a $5 food voucher)
Ticket prices increase to $65 after October 28, 2024.
Please note, this is a 21+ event—no infants, children, or pets are permitted.
Tickets are available at www.toastwinefest.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toastwinefest. Space is limited, and on-site ticket availability is not guaranteed, so early purchase is encouraged.
It’s the best in the Midwest…
If you're a wine lover in the Midwest - or new to wine and looking to find your favorites, mark your calendar for the 2024 TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival on May 17-18 in Omaha. With the highest attendance of any wine festival in the Midwest region, TOAST is an event you don't want to miss.
Hosted by 17 local Nebraska wineries through the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association (NWGGA), TOAST offers an unparalleled festival experience. From Broken Arrow Cellars in Imperial, NE to Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard & Winery in Brownville to Nissen Wine in Hartington, you'll have the chance to sample a diverse array of wines from 17 of the Nebraska’s top producers. But TOAST is more than just a tasting – it's a full-fledged celebration of what’s been said to be Nebraska’s most fun agricultural offering - wine!
Use code BESTMIDWEST for $10 off now through May 12!
In addition to the wineries, TOAST features local Nebraska vendors, food trucks, and live music from Nebraska's talented musicians and bands. You can shop for unique wares, savor delicious bites, and groove to entertaining tunes, all while sipping on your favorite vinos.
What really sets TOAST apart, however, are its unique offerings. Play "wine bingo" and learn fun facts about wine tastings and Nebraska grape varietals. Take advantage of the "wine check" service—a perk so impressive that a secret shopper hired by NWGGA, who had attended over 100 wine festivals, had never seen anything like it before.
"I've attended hundreds of wine festivals and events nationwide from Napa Valley and all along the West Coast to Virginia up through the East Coast. TOAST Nebraska is one of the most professionally run and enjoyable wine events I've ever experienced. A wine check, I've never seen that before – genius." - Liz Mercer, WISE Academy
This convenient feature allows you to take multiple bags of wine bottles home to enjoy at your leisure. They’ll even give you an extra wine tote if you fill up your first - another complimentary perk, free with your ticket purchase!
With its unbeatable selection of wines, lively atmosphere, and thoughtful extras, TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival is truly the best wine festival experience in the Midwest. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this extraordinary event.
Tickets are on sale now at TOASTWineFest.com/tickets. Use code BESTMIDWEST for $10 off now through May 12!
5 Reasons the TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival is a Can’t-Miss Event!
Are you looking for a fun and unique way to spend your weekend? Look no further than the 2024 TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival! This annual event celebrates Nebraska’s wine country and brings together wine lovers from all over the state. Here are 5 great reasons why the TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival should be at the top of your weekend to-do list:
1. Unlimited Wine Tasting Samples – No juggling drink tickets here - your wristband allows you full access to sample wines from over 16 Nebraska wineries and helps you discover your new favorite vintages. With three recommended samples at each winery, you can taste over 50 wines and find the perfect bottle to bring home. Sip across Nebraska in one convenient location and find what you love best!
2. Shopping at Artisan Vendors – Browse through over 50 artisan vendor shops and find unique gifts, home goods, and other one-of-a-kind items. Shop small at our featured local small businesses!
3. Live Music – Enjoy the sounds of live music while you sip and shop. There is a fresh lineup of bands every year and eventgoers enjoy a nice mid-day picnic in front of the stage.
4. Playing Wine Bingo – Put your newfound wine knowledge to the test with a game of wine bingo. Win wine bucks and show off your wine expertise at the same time!
5. Enjoying Great Bites from Food Trucks – What pairs perfectly with a glass of wine? Food, of course! Enjoy delicious bites from a variety of food trucks and find your new favorite dish.
Don’t miss out on the TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival on May 17-18, 2024 at Stinson Park in Omaha! With unlimited wine-tasting samples, shopping at artisan vendors and food trucks, live music, wine education sessions, and everyone's favorite - wine bingo, it’s the perfect way to spend your weekend.
See you there!