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.