The benefits of wine have been widely touted through the centuries by poets, doctors and world leaders. Ben Franklin famously said: “The discovery of a wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation. The universe is too full of stars.”

Organizers of the third annual Martha’s Vineyard Wine Fest would no doubt agree. This year the festival is located in downtown Edgartown, with events running four days — May 7, 8, 9 and 10. The Harbor View Hotel hosts opening festivities from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, and the final event on Mother’s Day features local oysters, champagne and live music.

Organizer John Clift, co-owner of Vintage MV Wine & Spirits with his friend Sara Webber, says the wine extravaganza will feature more than 500 different wines, beers and spirits.

“We’re excited that the festival has moved to town, closer to Edgartown hotels and restaurants,” Mr. Clift said in an interview this week.

He said one of his favorite events of the weekend is the grand tasting gala on Saturday, May 9.

“We’ll have 250 people under the tent on the grounds of the Kelley House,” Mr. Clift said. “We’ll have local vendors and a silent auction.” Proceeds from the auction benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club.

With 17 total wine-centric events planned and more than a dozen wineries participating, Mr. Clift said there is something for everyone. Enjoy a glass of chardonnay on the porch at Chesca’s. Witness a competition for best brews and best cocktail.

Mr. Clift said that wine and spirits go through trends, but he noted that interest in good wine has surged the past decade.

“It’s a great time to be in the wine industry,” he said. “Now we have all these 20-somethings trying different varieties.”

Although he’s been in the business of discerning wines for more than 15 years, when asked to name his personal favorite, Mr. Clift is quick to defer to the quote on the wall of his store: “What is your favorite wine? . . . The next one.”

Find out more at themvwinefest.com.