Cheers to the South Coast at the inaugural Johnny Cake Hill Wine Festival

Cheers to the South Coast at the inaugural Johnny Cake Hill Wine Festival

Coastal Bubbles + Wine Bar, The Drawing Room, and WHALE join forces to celebrate wine, history, and community on October 5th in New Bedford

The wine will be flowing on Johnny Cake Hill on Sunday, October 5th for the inaugural Johnny Cake Hill Wine Festival. Casual wine fans and vinophiles alike will enjoy as wineries, artisans, and the vibrant spirit of the South Coast come together for this special event. Tickets are on sale now at bit.ly/JCHWineFest2025.

The wine festival is a collaboration between Coastal Bubbles + Wine Bar and The Drawing Room, two downtown businesses situated on opposite ends of historic Johnny Cake Hill. Both first collaborated earlier this year to launch the Johnny Cake Hill Wine Club, which features a monthly selection of thoughtfully curated wines from small producers and hidden-gem vineyards.

“We opened our wine bar a few short months ago and have loved becoming a part of the neighborhood,” said Tammy Foshay, co-owner of Coastal Bubbles Wine Bar. “We are thrilled to share interesting wine selections with our customers and to introduce New Bedford to new visitors with our first Johnny Cake Hill Wine Festival.”

“Autumn is a magical time to be outdoors in historic downtown New Bedford,” said Anthi Frangiadis, owner of The Drawing Room. “The Johnny Cake Hill Wine Festival will be a chance for us to celebrate the warmth and charm of our neighborhood while enjoying wine, food, music, history, and architecture with our extended community.”

The event will also give back to the area with 10% of ticket sales benefiting WHALE (Waterfront Historic Area League), a non-profit dedicated to restoring and reimagining New Bedford’s historic properties.

“Johnny Cake Hill blends historic character with modern energy,” says Erin Miranda, executive director of WHALE. “It’s seen centuries of stories and we’re delighted to be a part of its next chapter as new business owners make their own mark on the street and contribute to the enduring legacy of this area".

The Johnny Cake Hill Wine Festival will also mark the return of the famous WHALE Auction. Original art work, museum passes, overnight stays, antiques and more will be up for grabs in this combination online/live auction. Bidding is live online now and concludes in person at the Johnny Cake Hill Wine Festival on October 5. All proceeds go directly to funding WHALE's programs and operations, helping preserve, restore and revitalize historic places and spaces in New Bedford.


Johnny Cake Hill Wine Festival Fast Facts

DATE: Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 1:00PM-5:00 PM (VIP entrance: 12:00 PM)

LOCATION: Johnny Cake Hill and William Street in historic downtown New Bedford

TICKETS INCLUDE:

  • Wine tastings with 80+ selections

  • Complimentary tasting glass

  • Artisanal pairings with local food partners

  • Auction to benefit WHALE

  • Live performances from local musicians

  • Access to the historic Seamen’s Bethel

  • VIP Tickets are also available (includes early access and additional gifts)


TASTE LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL WINES WITH: 

  • Nasketucket Bay Vineyard

  • Croatian Premium Wine Imports

  • Running Brook Vineyards

  • Greenvale Vineyards

  • Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery

  • Brands of Portugal

  • MS Walker

  • Biagio Cru & Estate Wines…and more.

ABOUT COASTAL BUBBLES + WINE BAR
Founded by Tammy and Alan Foshay, Coastal Bubbles + Wine Bar was created with a simple but powerful idea: to build a welcoming space where people can relax, connect, and celebrate. Located in the heart of historic New Bedford, the bar blends the easy rhythm of the coast with the sophistication of a curated wine experience. It specializes in sparkling wines but celebrates all styles that bring people together. Tammy and Alan’s backgrounds in hospitality, events, and design come together to create a space that feels both approachable and elevated. From intimate tastings to lively pop-ups and collaborations with local artisans and chefs, every experience is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate wine, food, and the people who enjoy them. Raise a glass to meaningful connection, everyday celebration, and the joy of gathering—because life’s best moments are always worth toasting. 

ABOUT THE DRAWING ROOM
The Drawing Room is a carefully curated art, design, and wine shop located in historic New Bedford, featuring original work by regional artists who create paintings, pottery, jewelry, artful gifts, and home furnishings. Committed to a vibrant New Bedford, The Drawing Room also hosts free public events throughout the year, including artist talks, wine tastings, pop-up events, and outdoor concerts.