Denver International Wine Festival
When: Oct. 29 – Nov. 1
Where: University of Denver’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management
More Info: www.denverwinefest.com
While Colorado may not have the wine world reputation of, say, Napa Valley in California, the state is catching the eyes of wine experts all over the world. A story published this month in the New York Times noted: “In recent years, the vineyards here have produced award-winning varietals and blends, making Colorado a rising star in the wine-making universe.” (Photo © C Davies)
Along with this rising star status, it makes sense that Denver should host a truly extraordinary wine festival. Enter the Denver International Wine Festival, which is celebrating its fourth year this October and November.
This year, the festival is bigger and better. The premier International Wine Festival in The Rocky Mountains has expanded to a three-day international celebration of wine, cuisine and travel! Proprietors and winemakers from around the world will present more than 400 wines for your discerning palate. No matter if you’re a dyed-in-the-wool oenophile or a newbie to the world of wine, this is yet another can’t miss Denver event, a wine filled weekend offering plenty of food, drink and fun.
One of the most popular events at the festival is the Taste of Elegance Chef’s Wine and Food Competition/Auction, taking place Thursday, Oct. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. Hailed by many as Denver's premier wine and food pairing competition, featuring samplings of expertly created cuisine paired with Gold Medal Winning Wines from the 2008 Denver International Wine Competition. Attendees will taste Gold Medal Winning Wines chosen through a blind tasting, from an accredited panel of judges. From those wines, competing chefs will create "Iron Chef" style dishes to pair with them. In addition, a live and silent auction will take place prior to the award ceremony.
On Friday, Oct. 31, take a tour of several Front Range wineries, including Boulder Creek, Bonacquisti and Balistreri Wineries where you’ll get to meet the winemakers and receive discounts on wine purchases. Included in the tour cost is transportation, all wine tastings, a gourmet catered lunch, afternoon appetizers, as well as bottled water and snacks on the coach. Your tour will be escorted by a sommelier who will give a lively commentary about wine and winemaking, which is both fun and educational.
Saturday, Nov. 1 is the main event – over 450 imported and domestic wines will be showcased by over 100 wineries from numerous areas around the globe. Wine Country International magazine's editors have personally selected premium wines based on quality, region and varietal. The "Grand Tasting" will include foods created by gourmet producers and Colorado restaurants. The festival will also include selected spirits, exhibits by luxury travel destinations, fine art and wine paraphernalia. This one-day event will also feature the Award-Winning Wines from the Denver International Wine Competition and a silent auction. A variety of optional Educational Seminars will also be offered throughout the day.
This is just the tip of the iceberg – get the complete scoop on this great event at www.DenverWineFest.com.
Take a tour of Denver area wineries!