Weekly Planner: Taste of Vail Edition
The festival's annual lamb cook-off is a walking multi-course feast.
Image: Courtesy Taste of Vail
If you happen to be in Vail this week, you're in luck -- the annual Taste of Vail culinary celebration kicks off Wednesday, (April 5) and runs until Saturday (April 8), with plenty of tastings, cook offs, dinners, and luncheons in between. And just as lucky as the timing (if you happen to be in town) is the fact that we've broken down the whole event so you don't miss a single dish -- or sip.
Wednesday, April 5
Taste of Vail Signature Event
Signature events are must-do's on the culinary celebration's schedule, and festival pass holders are automatically ticketed for the event.
Debut of Rosé 2016, 3 to 6 p.m., The Arrabelle, Lionshead Village
Over 100 just-released varieties of pink-drink from 2016's vintage will be on hand for attendees to the kick-off Taste of Vail event.
Wine pairings and tastings are all part of the event.
Image: Courtesy Taste of Vail
Thursday, April 6
Taste of Vail Seminar Schedule
Seminars are more intimate venues to discover more specific niches of food and drink, and are led by some of the best -- and most knowledgeable -- chefs and sommeliers in the valley and country. Tickets must be purchased separate from the festival pass for individual events.
Paella Luncheon & Spanish Wine Seminar, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., White Bison Restaurant, Vail Village
Olé Imports founder Patrick Mata takes attendees on a tasting tour of Spain, with accompanying wine pairings from winemaker Alberto Orte.
Pinot Noir Around the World, 2 to 3:15 p.m., Cucina at the Lodge At Vail, Vail Village
Let Master Sommelier Brett Zimmermann be your guide on a tasting tour of pinot noir varietals from Germany, Oregon, and Burgundy.
Taste of Vail Signature Event
Signature events are must-do's on the culinary celebration's schedule, and festival pass holders are automatically ticketed for the event.
The American Lamb Cook-Off & Aprés Ski Tasting, Vail Village
This is the event you won't want to miss -- restaurants (and their chefs) from around the valley throw down in a lamb cook-off that sprawls throughout Vail Village. Wines are also available for purchase for the perfect pairing.
Chefs throw down for the lamb cook-off.
Image: Courtesy Taste of Vail
Friday, April 7
Taste of Vail Seminar Schedule
Seminars are more intimate venues to discover more specific niches of food and drink, and are led by some of the best -- and most knowledgeable -- chefs and sommeliers in the valley and country. Tickets must be purchased separate from the festival pass for individual events.
Howell Mountain Exploration - Napa's Magic Mountain, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Cucina at the Lodge At Vail, Vail Village
Master Sommelier Sean Razee moderates a tasting of Napa's sub-region, Howell Mountain, that's beloved by California wine-lovers and general wine enthusiasts alike.
Hard to Handle: Perfect Pairings for Difficult Dishes, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Express Lift, Vail Village
Ever wonder what wine would go with that dish you love to make for friends and family? If so, this tasting is meant for you.
James Beard Foundation's Celebrity Chef Tour, 6 to 10 p.m., Larkspur Restaurant, Golden Peak
Calling all foodies, Taste of Vail and Golden Peak's Larkspur Restaurant join forces to present a decadent multi-course feast featuring dishes from some of the top chefs in the country, and exceptional wine pairing to go along with every taste.
Taste of Vail Signature Event
Signature events are must-do's on the culinary celebration's schedule, and festival pass holders are automatically ticketed for the event.
Mountain Top Tasting, Noon to 2:30 p.m., Top of Eagle Bahn Gondola, Lionshead
Get a bird's eye view of some of the best food, beer, wine, and spirits -- and of course, the Gore Range -- for Friday's signature tasting on Vail Mountain.
The Mountain Top Tasting redefines the meaning of an elevated dining experience.
Image: Courtesy Taste of Vail
Saturday, April 8
Taste of Vail Seminar Schedule
Seminars are more intimate venues to discover more specific niches of food and drink, and are led by some of the best -- and most knowledgeable -- chefs and sommeliers in the valley and country. Tickets must be purchased separate from the festival pass for individual events.
Blend with one of the best, Bob Iantosca from Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Vail Marriott Mountain Resort
Work your way through a tasting with Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards before creating your own custom blend.
Grenache Tasting, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Matsuhisa Restaurant, Vail Village
California producers of one of the world's most planted grape varietals set up shop for grenache enthusiasts to sip.
Blind Tasting with Advanced Sommelier Jeremy Campbell, 1 to 2:30 p.m., The Sebastian, Vail Village
Local sommelier -- and Root & Flower co-owner -- Jeremy Campbell walks participants through a sommelier exam-style blind tasting. Don't worry -- the chosen wines are sure to be winners even if your guesses aren't.
Riesling Rising: Refined, Expressive & Dry, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Matsuhisa Restaurant, Vail Village
Master Sommelier Jesse Becker and winemaker Richard Grosche offer a glimpse into the world of dry riesling, and offer some unforgettable tastes of the varietal along the way.
Explore the hidden treasure: Portuguese wine, 3 to 4:30 p.m., The Sebastian, Vail Village
Master Sommelier Brett Zimmermann tackles Portuguese wines by region with Pedro Lopes Vieira from Esporão and Luis Louro, from Quinta do Mouro.
Taste of Vail Signature Event
Signature events are must-do's on the culinary celebration's schedule, and festival pass holders are automatically ticketed for the event.
Grand Tasting and Auction, 6 to 9 p.m., Vail Mountain Marriott Resort, Grand Ballroom
The Taste of Vail's grand finale is just that -- a grand tasting in the Vail Marriott's Grand Ballroom that's annually billed as Vail's premier food and wine tasting.
