Every summer, food buffs flock to Aspen, the gorgeous ski resort town of Colorado to join celebrity chefs and internationally renowned winemakers for celebrating one of the most spectacular food and wine festivals in the world. In 2015, the Food & Wine Classic brings together globally renowned chefs such as Tyler Florence, Jacques Pépin, and Marcus Samuelsson. If you are planning to visit Aspen in summer, you just can’t afford to miss this event. Here is a quick look at the particulars.
Dates
19-21 June 2015
The 2015 Classic 5K Charity Race
Before gorging on those classic dishes and sampling fine wines, give your body a boost of metabolism – participate in the 5K Charity Race. The Food & Wine Classic 5K Charity Race is one of the most entertaining parts of the festival. Visitors run with their favourite chefs and wine experts across the beautiful parks and streets of Aspen. Besides indulging in a lot of fun, participants help raise money for a non-profit organization, which strives to create a healthy and sustainable food system.
The Grand Tasting Pavilion
The Grand Tasting Pavilion is the most awaited part of the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. Commanding the centre stage at Wagner Park, the event features five consumer Grand Tastings and two Private Trade Grand Tastings. Foodies, wine aficionados, and hedonists walk their way through the tents savouring internationally renowned wines and classic dishes. The Grand Tasting Pavilion also offers a great chance to mingle with celebrity chefs and get your cookbook autographed.
It is important to know that the Grand Tasting Pavilion is located at a completely grassy area; it is recommended for the ladies that they leave their high heels at home.
Important Information and Tips
- Aspen Food & Wine Classic is an adults-only event; visitors under the age of 21 is not allowed into any of the demonstrations, seminars, or the Grand Tastings.
- Pets are not permitted.
- Aspen Food & Wine Classic is a no-smoking event.
- Casuals are fine for the day but pick something formal for the night. It is recommended to dress in layers as the evenings can be quite cool here.
- Enjoy the best of the Classic by staying hydrated. The event involves lots of walking in the sun, and not to mention the wine tastings. Both sun and the wines can cause your body to dehydrate. Drink as much water as you can.
- Do not forget to bring sunscreen; the sun rays are more intense at higher altitudes.
Get Here
Air: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is situated only three miles from the heart of Aspen. UK travellers can fly to Denver (Colorado, USA) and catch connecting flights from there to Aspen.
Car: From Denver, I-70 West to Glenwood Springs is the most popular route. However, during summer months, visitors can opt for another gorgeous route I-70 West to State Highway 91 South through Leadville to US 24 South, then west onto SH 82 over Independence Pass.
Shuttle: A number of carriers pick visitors from Denver, Grand Junction, and Eagle airport.