With its high altitude and extreme temperatures, Colorado may seem an unlikely place for a flourishing wine industry. But in recent years, vintners have found success in the sun-drenched valleys of the Western Slope. Cold-tolerant varieties, such as riesling, cabernet franc and viognier grapes, grow particularly well — and experts are taking note.
Discover the state’s best vintages alongside worldwide labels at Colorado wine festivals happening this year. Chef-inspired eats, engaging seminars and live entertainment will amplify these culinary experiences, which are well worth adding to your calendar.
Ouray Winter Wine Festival — February 14
Plan a romantic weekend getaway around the Ouray Winter Wine Festival set for February 14. Boutique wineries from across the Western Slope, such as Sauvage Spectrum and Sutcliffe Vineyards, will take part in this intimate event at the historic Wright Opera House. Rather than rushed pours and long lines, expect personal connections with vintners and cozy fireside lounges. Elevated food pairings and merchants will add to the $50 experience.
Food & Wine Classic in Aspen — June 19-21
Few culinary festivals are as iconic as the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. This summer’s chef talent includes Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan, Tyler Florence and Tiffany Derry, among many others. Leading wine experts, including Colorado’s own Bobby Stuckey of Frasca Food and Wine, will also join beverage seminars, cooking demonstrations, and five grand tasting events scheduled between June 19-21. Consumer passes are $2,950.
Crested Butte Wine + Food Festival — July 13-18
Two of the best summer experiences in Crested Butte will take place during the third week of July: the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival and the Wine + Food Festival. Admire abundant blooms and savor the season’s finest during multi-course winemaker dinners, bar takeovers, culinary seminars and the signature grand tasting. Tickets to these culinary events will become available this spring.
Telluride Reserve — July 30-August 1
Wine professionals and award-winning chefs from around the country will gather for Telluride Reserve, the region’s top-tier epicurean event. Pair sommelier-selected wines with flavorful dishes, many of which will spotlight the summer’s bounty. In addition to the grand tasting, which is priced at $210, the celebration will feature wine seminars, chef-driven dinners and an adieu barbecue from July 30-August 1.
Vail Wine Classic — August 6-8
From August 6-8, the beloved Vail Wine Classic will return with an à la carte lineup of experiences. Attend sommelier-led lunches and wine-paired dinners at top local restaurants. Sip while out on a scenic hike, sample premier pours during the “best of fest” event and find your new favorite vintage during the weekend’s grand tastings. Additional information and tickets will be released in the coming months.
READ MORE: Taste of Vail Combines Spring Skiing with Gourmet Food and Drink
Breckenridge Wine Classic — August 20-22
Those attending the Breckenridge Wine Classic can customize their itinerary with individually priced events happening from August 20-22. Various local restaurants and even backcountry trails will serve as venues for wine pairing experiences. Once available, purchase tickets to the grand tastings, which will feature more than 200 globally-sourced wines, gourmet bites and live music.
Denver Food + Wine Festival — August 26-29
Colorado’s biggest restaurant industry fundraiser is a four-day culinary affair. On August 26, the event will commence with an engaging exploration of how glassware shapes the wine experience. A food truck and cocktail showdown will take place the next evening, followed by auctioned experiences at some of the city’s most upscale eateries. The Denver Food + Wine Festival will culminate in a grand tasting on August 29. Stay tuned for ticket sales.
Passport to Pagosa Wine & Food Festival — September 18-20
There’s something for everyone during Colorfest Weekend in Pagosa Springs. This annual celebration will feature mass hot air balloon ascensions, one of the state’s best craft beer events and the Passport to Pagosa Wine & Food Festival. Listen to live music while sampling wines from around the world alongside local bites. Passes will go on sale closer to the event, which is scheduled for September 18-20.
Colorado Mountain Winefest — September 19
Having the state’s largest number of vineyards, it’s no surprise that Palisade hosts one of the best wine festivals in Colorado. The upcoming event on September 19 will feature major changes, with a significantly reduced capacity and more upscale ambiance than previous years. Enjoy unhurried tastings from thirty local vintners and talented chefs, plus live entertainment, shaded lounges and other amenities. Tickets start at $200 per person.
Steamboat Food & Wine Festival — October 1-4
Set for October 1-4, the Steamboat Food & Wine Festival will occur during Colorado’s peak harvest season. Appreciate small-batch wines and the region’s rich ranching heritage during intimate chef-led dinners, curated seminars, outdoor experiences and the lavish grand tasting. The comprehensive early release package costs $1,545. Tickets to individual events will become available for purchase later this year.
More Wine Festivals in Colorado
- Mile High Wine and Chocolate Fest — February 21
- Wine Festival of Colorado Springs — March 4-7
- Taste of Vail — April 1-4
- Durango Wine Experience — April 24-25
- Drink Red Wear Red — May 28
- Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival — June 6
- Keystone Wine and Jazz Festival — July 18-19
- Breckenridge Food and Wine — July 24-26
- Estes Park Wine Festival — August 8-9
- Front Range Wine Festival — August 15
- Snowmass Wine Festival — September 18-19
