Around the middle of June, it’s customary to hear visitors and locals in Aspen exchanging cheerful greetings of “Happy Food & Wine!” This three-day culinary celebration hosted in Wagner Park has evolved into a local holiday over the years, gaining an international draw and welcoming over 5,000 participants to partake in savoring samples and immersing themselves in the food and beverage industry. As the festival has evolved throughout its four decade-long existence, the enthusiasm surrounding it has grown alongside it.
Photo: Food Network celebrities Maneet Chauhan and Tyler Florence raise a glass to Food & Wine weekend.
The inception of the Aspen Food & Wine Classic dates back to the 1980s, when it was founded by local liquor and wine store, Of Grape and Grain, owner Gary Plumley. Initially known as the International Wine Festival, it attracted 300 attendees in its inaugural year, hosting events in both Aspen and Snowmass. Attendees quickly grew to love the occasion and rapid expansion ensued, leading Food & Wine Magazine to join as a prominent event sponsor within just a few years.
To gain admission to the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, participants must acquire credentials: festival passes which grant access to an extensive array of over 40 seminars led by industry experts and celebrities, numerous book signings, and entry into the most exquisite event of the weekend, the grand tasting tent. The grand tasting tent creates a blended experience with hundreds of vendors showcasing their finest food and wine offerings in five two-hour sessions distributed throughout the weekend. These festival passes can be hard to come by, with the highest level clearance typically selling out months before. To operate an event of this caliber, there are many volunteer positions required and some folks will donate their time to receive a day pass to the event.
Photo: A bird’s eye view of the Food & Wine festivities
If you were unable to secure a pass this year, it’s no sweat! You can join in on the excitement by attending some of the parties and private tastings offered free-of-charge at various locations such as the Aspen Art Museum, art galleries, retail stores, and restaurants. While this town cherishes the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, a stroll through downtown Aspen will offer plenty of activities and events aligning with the general atmosphere of Aspen itself: inclusive, energetic, and buzzing with life!
Photo: Aspen Food & Wine Classic guests enjoy a complimentary party in the Hotel Jerome garden.
Not able to make it to Aspen for the event? Enjoy this year’s festivities from home and create your own grand tasting from Sotheby’s Own Label, offering options from a refreshing rosé champagne to a Chianti Rufina Reserva to a bubbly and vibrant prosecco. Pair these options with your favorite snack–or perhaps a charcuterie board for added extravagance– and create the Aspen Food & Wine Classic at home. No matter where in the world you are, it’s easy to join in on the festivities of this local celebration. If you’re planning ahead for next year’s festival, check out our vast inventory of luxury vacation rentals from Aspen through Carbondale. With more rentals than any other real estate agency in the Roaring Fork Valley, we have your dream home away from home.
Photo: The Sotheby’s Own Label offers a wide selection of options for your at-home celebration.
To learn more about the 2024 Aspen Food & Wine Classic, visit this link.
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