Every summer, Aspen trades skis for snacks at the Food & Wine Classic. Set against the dramatic peaks of Aspen, Colo., this event has been running for over 40 years now — and is a top destination for those eager to indulge in fine wine and rub elbows with the glitterati of the food world.
Capped at 4,000 people and with a steep price tag of $2,950, exclusivity is part of what you’re paying for — think self-proclaimed “chef whisperer” Tyler Florence showing off his latest creations while attendees clad in bolo ties and Gucci sunglasses clink champagne flutes. Over 40 cooking demonstrations and beverage seminars will be held with a star-studded roster of chefs including esteemed wine writer Anthony Giglio, Claudia Fleming of New York classic Gramercy Tavern and Fauchon in Paris, and James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi. On the schedule so far are classes such as Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs & Juice: Classic & Modern Cocktails, How Iconic Restaurants Build a Legacy, and Fine Wine Meets Crunchy Cravings.
The Grand Tasting Pavilion is the heart of the action — it’s open five times throughout the weekend — and serves bites and pours from over 150 brands. It’s included in the consumer ticket and is an Instagram goldmine for those who like their meals meticulously plated and perfectly lit. Last year some highlights were stuffed parathas, potato-stuffed kulcha, and barbecue shrimp washed down with ginger, lime and Meyer lemon mezcal margarita rimmed with lime leaf salt.
Feeling fancy? Or should we say, fancier? For a cool five grand, the Food & Wine Gives Pass throws you into the VIP stratosphere. This gets you access to swanky parties like the Welcome Party and Top of the Mountain Party, and a ticket to the Classic Cookout, Aspen Mountain’s fanciest al fresco nosh-up. A portion of the proceeds from this higher tier pass will be donated to charitable organizations such as Southern Smoke Foundation and No Kid Hungry. This is an event for those who take their gourmandizing seriously—and have the bank account to match.
The Specs
- The event is capped at 4,000 guests.
- The “Consumer” pass is priced at $2,950 and the Food & Wine Gives Pass starts at $5,000.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s Guide to Aspen.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the festival?
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is the easiest and just a few miles from the city center.
Who can attend?
Adults 21+ are welcome—Glitterati, especially.
Where should I stay?
Aspen is packed with ritzy hotels and home rentals, though Stay Aspen Snowmass is the festival’s official reservation center. Folks there will help you navigate the festival.
