We are excited to showcase talented chefs, passionate winemakers, and culinary experts! 

An annual epicurean celebration that brings world-class chefs, winemakers, brewers, distillers, sommeliers, and spirits experts together.

Grand Tasting
Sip and swirl your way through an array of wines, beers, and spirits at the Grand Tasting.

Schedule of Events:

July 13, 2025

5:00pm - Tour de Fork Dinner: Whispers & Wildflowers

You are invited to an unforgettable culinary and sensory experience set under the open sky, where the warmth of the desert meets the magic of a Fleetwood Mac-inspired evening. Chef Travis McShane of Ostia will take you on a culinary journey though Italy that will be perfectly paired with renowned Tolaini wines poured by Alex Banville and Sommelier Jack Mason. As dusk settles, immerse yourself in the timeless sounds of Wild Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac cover band, adding an ethereal soundtrack to the evening. The night will be filled with stories, music, and flavors that evoke the richness of desert life. Join us for a journey through whispers of the past and blooms of the present, blending elegance with a touch of the untamed.

Location: Center for the Arts 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO 81224

July 14, 2025

3:30pm - 5:00pm - Patron Passholder Welcome Happy Hour

Celebrate the 2025 Wine + Food Festival in style and pick up your Patron Pass for the week's events! Gather in the Kinder Padon Gallery and Grace Atrium as we welcome the arrival of summer. Enjoy a sneak peek of festival wines paired with delectable snacks, setting the perfect tone for the festivities ahead. Afterward, we’ll make our way to Alpenglow, where you can unwind to the sounds of Easy Jim. Raise a glass and toast to the season with us!

Location: Center for the Arts 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO 81224

5:00pm - 7:00pm - Patron Passholder Tent at Alpenglow

Make your way to Alpenglow, where you can unwind to the sounds of Easy Jim. We'll have exclusive festival wines ready to kick off the festival in style. Raise a glass and toast to the season with us!

Location: Center for the Arts 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO 81224

July 15, 2025

9:00am - 11:00am - Foraging Hike: Sundrenched Hillsides

Guided by Amanda Ellis, an expert forager, you’ll explore the sunlit hillsides of Crested Butte and discover edible plants, herbs, and mushrooms, gaining insight into their culinary uses and health benefits. Along the way, enjoy the serene surroundings and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts.

What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, and a notebook (if you’d like to take notes!).

10:00am - 12:00pm - Getting Familiar with De-alcoholized Wine

Alcohol-removed wine has evolved far beyond its humble grape juice origins, with winemakers continuously innovating—from wine proxies to premium single-varietal vintages. In this seminar, we’ll take a deep dive into the dealcoholization process, exploring how these wines go from grape to glass while maintaining complexity and depth. We’ll also discuss the growing consumer demand for alcohol-removed wines and why incorporating them into your service is more important than ever.
You'll learn about different styles, from white to red, sparkling to still, and discover the best ways to serve and enjoy them—including how to enhance their flavors with bitters and other complementary ingredients. And of course, we’ll put theory into practice—sampling a selection of alcohol-removed wines and exploring how they can elevate your wine offerings!

Location: Montanya 204 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, CO 81224

12:00pm - 2:00pm - Wines of the Southwestern Landscape

Explore the rich and diverse wine offerings from this unique region! You'll discover the distinctive flavors and characteristics that define Southwestern wines, influenced by its vibrant landscapes and varied climates. Joe Buckel, Alex Llamas and Richard McDonald will walk you through how the Southwestern terroir brings a unique element to the wines they make.

Location: BruHaus 223 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

2:00pm - 4:00pm - Riesling corked

Come experience an enlightening class dedicated to one of the world’s most versatile and aromatic grape varieties—Riesling! In this engaging session, Troy Bowen will lead you through the diverse expressions of Riesling wines, ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, and learn about the regions that produce these exceptional wines. Led by Madeleine Martinez, this seminar will cover the history of Riesling, its unique flavor profiles, and the factors that influence its character, including terroir and winemaking techniques from around the globe.

Location: Public House 202 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, CO 81224

4:00pm - 5:30pm - Desert Elixirs

Experience an innovative seminar where the rich flavors of Montanya Rum meet the unique ingredients of the Southwestern desert! In this hands-on experience, you’ll learn to create delicious cocktails inspired by the natural bounty of the region, using foraged plants and herbs. Guided by the skilled mixologists at Montanya, you’ll explore the art of cocktail creation, starting with an introduction to Montanya Rum’s distinctive profiles. Discover how to incorporate local, foraged ingredients—such as wild herbs, edible flowers, and desert fruits—into your drinks for a truly authentic Southwestern experience.

Location: Montanya 204 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, CO 81224

6:00pm - 9:00pm - Sunset Brews + Views

Step into the glow of the Southwest with Sunset Brews, an unforgettable evening of craft beer and bold flavors. Join Oxbow Brewing, Crooked Stave, and Jester King Brewery as we work our way through their amazing brews paired with a delicious dinner prepared by Elk Ave Food & Beverage chefs, Al Sedaghat, Mike Morgon, Cody Penton and Marcos Zuniga. With its laid-back vibes and intimate setting, BruHaus is the perfect backdrop for an evening of great beer, inspired food, and killer sunset views from the patio. This is more than dinner—it’s a celebration of summer, flavor, and craft!

Location: BruHaus 223 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

July 16, 2025

11:00am - 1:00pm - Champagne Showdown: Sabering Like a Pro

Pop bottles like a pro! Join Troy Bowen for a hands-on, high-energy seminar where you’ll learn the art (and thrill!) of sabering a bottle of sparkling wine. From Napoleon’s troops to modern-day celebrations, sabering has been the ultimate party trick for centuries—now it’s your turn to master it!

With expert guidance, you’ll learn the secrets to a clean, confident strike, ensuring your next toast is as dramatic as it is delicious. Expect history, technique, plenty of bubbles, and a whole lot of fun. Cheers to making a grand entrance—one bottle at a time!

No experience needed—just a sense of adventure and a love for good Champagne!

Location: BruHaus 223 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

11:00am - 1:00pm - Culinary Seminar: Live Fire Cooking with Chef Anthony

Join Chef Anthony Nelson of restaurant 212 for an unforgettable deep dive into the art of live fire cooking. In this hands-on seminar, you’ll learn how to harness fire, smoke, and embers to create bold, flavorful dishes that celebrate rustic techniques and refined execution. Once the food comes off the flame we'll enjoy an outdoor lunch together, paired with Cervantes Family Vineyards wines!

Whether you're a backyard grill enthusiast or a serious home cook, this session will ignite your passion for open-flame cooking. Get ready to stoke the fire and savor every bite!

Location: Center for the Arts 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO 81224

12:00pm - 2:00pm - Patron Passholder Luncheon

The Patron Passholder Luncheon at two twelve is your chance to enjoy the same bold, fire-kissed menu featured at Chef Anthony's Live Fire Cooking Seminar, without ever leaving your seat. Skip the smoke and settle in for something a little more refined—but just as delicious.  Even better? Winemaker Jero Cervantes will be joining us to pour and talk through his latest wines—because nothing pairs with a great meal like great conversation. It’s a little luxe, a little laid-back, and a whole lot of fun.

Location: 212 

2:00pm - 4:00pm - Grains to Glass: The Art, Science + History of Beer Fermentation

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion where the wonders of fermentation take center stage! Dive into the fascinating world where grains, microbes, and time transform into the complex flavors of craft beer. Our expert panel with Tim Adams of Oxbow Brewing, Jordan Fey of Crooked Stave, and Jester King Brewing will explore both ancient and modern techniques, highlighting the spontaneous magic of wild fermentation and the intentional precision behind today's brewing innovations. Celebrate the unrestrained creativity of fermentation and raise a glass to the craft rooted in nature's original flavor alchemy.

Location: BruHaus 223 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

2:00pm - 4:00pm - Grappa: From Grape to Glass

Join Head Winemaker Joe Buckel of Buckel Family Wine and Head Distiller Megan Campbell of Montanya Distillers for a spirited exploration of grappa. Taste the wines made from the same grapes used in the grappa, learn about the fermentation and distillation process, and discover how this traditional spirit is crafted and bottled. The experience ends on a delicious note with a custom grappa cocktail. Grappa bottles will be available for purchase at a special event-only discount.

Location: Montanya 204 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, CO 81224

6:00pm - 9:00pm - Tour de Fork Dinner: Sunset Soirée

Join us for a Sunset Soirée; an evening where the warmth of the desert meets the refined flavors of Australian wines, all set against a breathtaking sunset backdrop at the home of John + Erin Kiltz.

Savor a multi-course menu crafted by Chef Michael deLeon, featuring dishes inspired by the rich flavors of live fire cooking, expertly paired with a selection of wines from Australia’s celebrated vineyards, curated by Master Sommeliers Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross. Each pairing is designed to bring out the earthy, sunlit essence of the dishes and the bold, coastal notes of the wines, creating a cross-continental culinary experience.

Gather with us under the glowing skies for a night of bold tastes, fine wines, and warm connections—a true celebration of horizons near and far, blending the beauty of desert sands with the sophistication of world-class vineyards.

Location: Private Home of John + Erin Kiltz

July 17, 2025

9:00am - 11:00am - Foraging Hike: Alpine Harvest

Guided by Amanda Ellis, an expert forager, you’ll explore the high alpine meadows of Crested Butte and discover edible plants, herbs, and mushrooms, gaining insight into their culinary uses and health benefits. Along the way, enjoy the serene surroundings and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts.

What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, and a notebook (if you’d like to take notes!).

9:00am - 2:00pm - Field Trip: First Annual Rosè + Clays Skeet Shooting Tournament

Take your shot and raise a glass at Rosè + Clays, a fun and relaxed skeet shooting tournament benefiting the Center for the Arts! No fierce competition here— just friendly shots, good wine and cheers!
Wine Poured by Casey Barber of ROSE GOLD
Chef-Prepared Lunch
Prize Ceremony (because why not?)
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just here for the wine and camaraderie, Rosè + Clays promises an unforgettable day in support of the arts. Come for the clays, stay for the rosé!

Location: Gunnison Sportsman's Association 881 Co Rd 18, Gunnison, CO 81230

11:00am - 1:00pm - Hidden Gems of the Mediterranean Vineyards

Explore the rich and diverse wine regions of Southern Italy in this captivating seminar with Tre Gerbitz. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Campania and Puglia to the rolling hills of Calabria and Basilicata, this seminar will introduce you to the distinctive flavors and grape varieties that define the wines of these regions.

Location: Elk Avenue Prime 226 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

12:00pm - 3:00pm - Agave Spirits Institute Intro Course

The Agave Spirits Institute's mission is to educate in the history, tradition, and sensory tasting of agave spirits. Designed for amateurs and professionals alike, the Introductory Course from the Agave Spirits Institute is intended to open your window into the vast and diverse world of agave spirits. We’ll learn the basics of how to taste like a spirits sommelier, learning how to identify aromas, flavors, and overall quality. Over the course of 2.5 hours, we’ll explore six different agave spirits, each one with a unique history, production, and taste. You’ll leave this course with the tools to better appreciate agave spirits, and an urge to keep exploring these vast and diverse drinks.

Location: Center for the Arts 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO 81224

1:00pm - 3:00pm - Tablas Creek: the Journey to Becoming the World’s First Regenerative Organic Certified Vineyard

Tablas Creek has been a pioneer of the American Rhone movement since the Haas and Perrin families chose Paso Robles for their Chateauneuf-du-Pape-inspired project in 1989. But over the last 35 years they have become farming pioneers as well. They began by farming organically, incorporated Biodynamic techniques early on, and in 2020 became the world’s first Regenerative Organic Certified vineyard. In this seminar, second-generation proprietor Jason Haas will take you through a vertical tasting of six vintages of Tablas Creek’s flagship blend Esprit de Tablas, from their first-ever 2000 to the newly-released 2022, and use those wines to share the journey the vineyard has made in its farming, its advocacy, and its impact on grapegrowing and winemaking in California and beyond.

Location: BruHaus 223 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

2:00pm - 4:00pm - An Inside Look at Mount Etna, Italy’s Most Dynamic Terroir for Wine

In this tasting and wine education seminar, writer and photojournalist Kevin Day will tell us the story of Sicily’s Mount Etna, and how Europe’s most active volcano became the epicenter of Italy’s most dynamic wine scene. Through the uniques stories of four celebrated producers and their wines, we’ll learn about how the volcano’s unique soil, climate, culture and history can all be understood through its brilliant, shape-shifting white and red wines.

Location: Elk Avenue Prime 226 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

3:00pm - 5:00pm - High Desert Wines of Argentina

Journey to the breathtaking high-altitude vineyards of Argentina in this immersive wine seminar led by Aaron Tomcak. Explore how the extreme elevations, sun-drenched days, and cool Andean nights shape the country’s most expressive wines. From the bold, structured Malbecs of Mendoza to the aromatic Torrontés of Salta, we’ll dive into the unique terroir, winemaking traditions, and innovative producers defining Argentina’s high desert wine regions.

Location: Wooden Nickel 222 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

5:00pm - 8:00pm - Bar Takeover: Honky Tonk Happy Hour with Banville

Location: Wooden Nickel 222 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

6:00pm - 9:00pm - A Dinner at Campfire Ranch

Get ready for a seafood feast under the stars at Campfire Ranch on the Taylor. This one-of-a-kind dinner will be expertly prepared in a stunning outdoor setting by Chef Pat Manning. But before we are seated for dinner, Oyster Wulff will start the night off with some super fresh oysters and we'll move through the sea from there!

Expect bold flavors, perfectly paired beverages, and the kind of communal dining experience that turns a meal into a memory. Whether you're an avid outdoors person or just love incredible food in a breathtaking location, this is a night you won’t want to miss.

Come hungry, bring your sense of adventure, and let’s toast to good food, good company, and a taste of the mountains!

Location: Campfire Ranch on the Taylor 3000 Co Rd 742, Almont, CO 81210

July 18, 2025

9:00am - 11:00am - Foraging Hike: Wildflower Wander

Guided by Amanda Ellis, an expert forager, you’ll explore the wildflower fields of Crested Butte and discover edible plants, herbs, and mushrooms, gaining insight into their culinary uses and health benefits. Along the way, enjoy the serene surroundings and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts.

What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, and a notebook (if you’d like to take notes!).

11:00am - 1:00pm - Knife Skills 201: Precision & Technique with Tahoe Knives

Take your knife skills to the next level in this hands-on seminar led by blade experts and husband and wife team, Devlin and Emily Forsythe. Designed for home cooks and culinary enthusiasts ready to refine their technique, this next level class focuses on advanced cuts, knife efficiency, and proper maintenance to keep your blades razor-sharp. And if you need your home knives sharpened, be sure to bring them with you as we'll have free sharpening available at the event.

Location: Center for the Arts 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO 81224

12:00pm - 2:00pm - Couch Crusher Wine and Snack Pairings with your NO SNOB SOMM!

Sam Somm, known for her bold stance on making wine fun and approachable for any level of wine enthusiast, will walk you through some fun and delicious budget friendly wine pairings that you can easily pick up any day of the week!

Location: Wooden Nickel 222 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

1:00pm - 3:00pm - Southwestern vs Southeastern Australia: Old Soils + Ancient Vines

Experience an unforgettable deep dive into the remarkable wines of Australia with renowned master sommeliers and celebrated authors Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross. Taking a page from their recent release How to Drink Australian, this in-depth seminar will delve into the unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions that define this extraordinary country. We’ll comparatively taste the southwest of Australia versus the east side of the country, with a special focus on old soils and ancient vines.

Location: BruHaus 223 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

2:00pm - 4:00pm - A Tumbleweed Connection: Sounds and Saveur of the Southwest

Journey through the soulful flavors and rhythms of the Southwest in this unique wine seminar that blends music and wine into a multisensory experience. Inspired by the iconic storytelling of Tumbleweed Connection, this tasting explores how sound influences our perception of flavor. Guided by Charlie Humphreys, guests will sip a curated selection of Southwestern-inspired wines—bold reds, crisp whites, and expressive blends—each paired with carefully chosen songs that evoke the landscapes, history, and spirit of the region. From desert ballads to outlaw country, discover how melody and terroir intertwine, deepening your appreciation of both. Raise a glass, savor the notes, and let the Southwest sing.

Location: Public House 202 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, CO 81224

4:00pm - 7:00pm - Author Talk + Bar Takeover: Ted Genoways in conversation with Glenn Pollak

Author talk will be from 4-5pm with an agave spirit focused bar takeover 5-7pm.
Author talk is free to attend, tequila tastings will be sold on site if you would like to partake.

Join us for a spirited hour of conversation and tasting with two of the best in the agave game. True tequila aficionado Glenn Pollak brings his deep love and knowledge of agave spirits—from traditional styles to regional nuances—while acclaimed author Ted Genoways (yes, that Ted Genoways of Tequila Wars fame) dives into the rich, rebellious history behind the bottle.
Together, they'll engage in a lively conversation and a side-by-side tasting of standout tequilas—consider it equal parts education and celebration. Stick around afterward as the party turns into a Bar Takeover featuring special pours of tequila and mezcal. Glenn and Ted may even hang out for a drink or two. We hope you will too.

Location: Kochevar's 127 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

6:00pm - 9:00pm - Tour de Fork Dinner: Canyon Twilight

Gather with us for an unforgettable night where flavors and melodies intertwine under the stunning twilight sky.

As the sun dips below the horizon, you will be treated to a thoughtfully curated multi-course dinner crafted by James Beard nominated celebrity chef Brother Luck. Chef Brother's unique Southwestern-style culinary delights will be expertly paired with a selection of wines from Tablas Creek, renowned for its commitment to organic farming and Rhône varietals that capture the essence of the region.

After dinner, the evening will transition into a lively concert featuring Dead Floyd, a tribute to the iconic Grateful Dead. Let the sounds of the band fill the canyon as you relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, blending exquisite cuisine with soulful music.

Location: Public House 202 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, CO 81224

July 19, 2025

11:00am - 2:00pm - Champagne Brunch: A Sparkling Summer Celebration

Join us for the our Annual Champagne Brunch, where laid-back elegance meets the best of summer indulgence. Set against the backdrop of a warm, sunlit morning, this relaxed yet refined gathering invites you to savor casual, delicious fare paired with an exceptional selection of sparkling wines. Walk to the Grand Tasting after you enjoy a morning of bubbles!

Location: Private home of Jim + Beth Stormont

2:00pm - 6:00pm - Grand Tasting VIP

Want to take your Grand Tasting experience to the next level? VIP ticket holders get early access, exclusive tastings from top notch wineries and additional chef-created food options all in a private lounge.

Location: Big Mine Ice Arena 620 2nd Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

3:00pm - 6:00pm - Grand Tasting General Admission

Get excited for the main event of the Crested Butte Wine + Food Festival – the Grand Tasting! Guests will be vibing and sipping their way through endless wines, beers and spirits, all in a super fun and energetic atmosphere. With live music, killer bites, and surprises around every corner, it’s going to be an epic day of tasty discoveries and nonstop good times!

Location: Big Mine Ice Arena 620 2nd Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

July 20, 2025

11:00am - 2:00pm - Halvsies Event!

One last toast to an unforgettable festival! Halvsies is your final chance to sip your way through the festival’s incredible lineup of wines—without the full pour commitment. For just $15, you can wander the Crested Butte Farmers Market and then join us to taste a curated selection of festival wines, discovering new favorites as you soak in the mountain town vibes. No set menu, no formalities—just great wine, good company, and a fun, relaxed way to toast to an unforgettable week.

Location: Center for the Arts 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO 81224

Date: July 13 - 20, 2025

Location: Various Venues in CO

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