The Ultimate Wine Festival for Adventure Seekers: Vail Wine Classic Announces Add-On Experiences including New Pickleball Event
Photo courtesy of Ryan Cox Photography.
On August 8-11 enjoy intimate wine dinners at Vail’s top restaurants with renowned winemakers, somm-led scenic hikes paired with award-winning wine and cuisine, Bubbles and Brunch, and more
GOLDEN, Colo. (April 18, 2024)- Team Player Productions has announced tickets for Vail Wine Classic’s lineup of add-on experiences August 8-11 are on sale now. Elevate your Vail Wine Classic itinerary with immersive activations such as an exclusive wine dinner featuring DAOU Vineyards’ wine portfolio at Chasing Rabbits, one of Vail’s most eclectic venues that features psychedelic spaces including a restaurant, library, and 13,000-square-foot rabbit hole. Enjoy a scenic mountain trail hike taking in the striking vistas of Vail Valley followed by a delectable paired lunch at Gessner Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Vail, and engage in a round-robin style pickleball tournament that also includes expertly hand-picked wines and curated eats, and more.
“While the crown jewel at the Vail Wine Classic is our all-inclusive grand tastings, we encourage adventure-seeking wine lovers to partake in all that the Wine Classic has to offer,” says Vail Wine Classic Event Director Kristen Slater. “Enjoy a sunset tasting at the Vail Nordic Club at Best of Fest, take a mid-morning somm-led hike through the picturesque Rocky Mountains that concludes with a curated lunch at a mountainside restaurant, and get your heart rate up playing pickleball to determine the Vail Wine Classic pickleball champion!”
Experiences for the 2024 Vail Wine Classic are included below. Fixed menus will be released this summer. All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times are subject to change with reasonable notice. Check out the schedule for more information.
Thursday, August 8:
The Vail Uncorked Dinner Series (prices vary, dinner starts at 7 p.m.) will feature five-course dinners at Vail’s best restaurants. Fixed menus will be released this summer.
Prologue Pairings Wine Dinner: Open a new chapter in your book of wine knowledge as DAOU Vineyards showcases their portfolio at one of Vail’s most eclectic venues, Chasing Rabbits. Indulge in an unforgettable evening of culinary excellence paired with the exquisite wines of DAOU Vineyards including Soul of a Lion at the exclusive Wine Dinner. Experience the rich history and complexity of these exceptional wines with a perfectly paired gourmet dining experience thoughtfully crafted to complement their nuanced flavors. ($285 plus fees)
Cabernet Connoisseurs Wine Dinner: Engage in lively discussions led by Robert Craig President & CEO Elton Slone, unraveling the secrets behind the Cabernet grape and its regional nuances while dining on masterfully crafted courses by Deca + Bol's culinary team. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, this exclusive evening promises an unforgettable journey through the refined elegance of cabernet sauvignon. ($195 plus fees)
Willamette Wonders Wine Dinner: Join us for an enchanting evening celebrating the renowned Willamette terroir and exquisite flavors of this esteemed wine region led by expert Sommelier and founder of SommSchool, Kellie Martin. Indulge in a curated multi-course menu presented by the culinary team at The Arrabelle expertly paired with exceptional Willamette Valley wines in their Great Room. ($225 plus fees)
Pacific Pours Wine Dinner: Dive into a coastal culinary adventure at our Pacific Pours Wine Dinner in collaboration with the Lounge at Leonora by The Sebastian and Belle Glos, Elouan, Quilt, Threadcount and Boen. Delight in a meticulously crafted five-course meal paired with a diverse selection of wines. From the rugged landscapes of Oregon to the sun-kissed vineyards of California, each sip will transport you to the heart of the Pacific. ($215 plus fees)
Summit Selections Wine Dinner: Elevate your palate to new heights while celebrating the unique and exquisite wines cultivated in high-altitude vineyards at the Summit Selections Wine Dinner. Jackson Family Winery presents their thoughtfully crafted portfolio for guests to experience the distinct terroir and exceptional flavors that emerge from these lofty regions. To complement these exceptional wines, the culinary artisans from Ludwig's at Sonnenalp Vail have curated a sumptuous five-course menu inspired by the flavors of the mountains. ($225 plus fees)
Friday, August 9:
Uncharted Territories Lunch: Immerse yourself in the undiscovered realms of Old Bridge Cellars wine under the expert guidance of Sommelier Chris Rowe. Prepare to journey through Tasmania, Hunter Valley, and the Margaret River, where Tasmanian wines have emerged as a notable revelation in recent years. However, Chris's expertise extends beyond these regions, promising a diverse and enriching tasting event. Complementing this sensory experience, the culinary artisans at Root + Flower will present vibrant pairings crafted from the freshest ingredients, ensuring an unforgettable seminar that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. ($130 plus fees)
Sip & Savor Spain Wine Lunch: Transport yourself to the sun-kissed vineyards of Spain as you indulge in an evening of culinary delights thoughtfully curated by the culinary team from the Slope Room by Gravity Haus. Savor this carefully crafted menu, expertly paired with an exceptional selection of Pinea Wines. This lunch celebrates all things Spanish culture including wines produced in the Olmedillo de Roa region. ($130 plus fees)
Trail to Tasting Hike & Lunch: Set out on an exhilarating journey through beautiful mountain trails, where adventure meets exquisite wines. Embark on a for a three-mile guided hike through the stunning vistas of Vail Valley. After immersing yourself in nature's splendor, indulge in a delectable paired lunch in Gessner Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Vail. Presented in collaboration with J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, savor authentically flavored cuisine while sipping on award-winning wines from sustainably farmed vineyards in Monterey County and Paso Robles. ($145 plus fees)
Saturday, August 10:
Vino and Views Hike & Lunch: Embark on an unforgettable 3-mile guided hike through the majestic Gore Range in Vail. Led by Kylie Bearse, Fox31 meteorologist and founder of The Approachable Outdoors, this experience promises to be extraordinary. Marvel at the panoramic views along the hike before indulging in a paired lunch at Ridge + River at the Manor Vail, in collaboration with Stringer Cellars. Sip and savor California's finest single-vineyard vines and learn about the history behind Stringer's elevated portfolio. Please allocate up to 90 minutes for the hike and an additional 90 minutes for the delightful lunch experience. Fixed menu to be released this summer. ($145 plus fees)
Savor the Summer Wine Lunch: Inviting all comfort food and wine lovers! Slope Room by Gravity Haus offers something for everyone in its dedication to curating a friendly and inviting atmosphere and cuisine. Paired with Gravity Haus's solace, Cline Family Cellars, located in Sonoma, Calif., is dedicated to producing sustainable, quality wine which produces intensely flavored grapes. Come experience comfort and excellence alongside the Cline Family winemakers themselves at this three-course lunch! Fixed menu to be released this summer. ($130 plus fees)
Sip & Serve - Pickleball Tasting: Uncork your competitive spirit for this fusion of sophistication and sport! Presented by Vail Recreation Pickleball, players will engage in a round-robin style tournament to compete for the title of Vail Wine Classic Pickleball Champion. After the pickleball-fun, sip on a selection of premium wines handpicked by our wine expert from Piattelli Vineyards as you mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts and enjoy small bites curated by Ridge + River at Manor Vail. Paddles and balls will be available for rent, although bringing your own gear is highly recommended. Some pickleball experience is encouraged. ($115 plus fees)
Sunday, August 11:
Bubbles + Brunch: Wrap up your weekend with a relaxed Sunday brunch, showcasing a delightful array of dishes from Ludwig's at The Sonnenalp Hotel. Ludwig's is celebrated for its exceptional buffet brunch offerings. Indulge in a glass of sparkling wine from Gruet Winery as you savor delectable brunch delights at this must-attend event. With roots from Bethon, France, Gruet's New Mexico based sparkling wines will surely delight senses. There's no better way to conclude your weekend at the Vail Wine Classic! Fixed menu to be released this summer. ($95 plus fees)
Tickets for all of the hikes and paired dinners, including Best of Fest and Grand Tastings, can be purchased here.
For more information about the Vail Wine Classic, visit VailWineClassic.com
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About Vail Wine Classic:
Vail Wine Classic brings wine and adventure enthusiasts together for an unparalleled weekend of outdoor wine tasting and live music. The festival takes place from Aug. 8-11, 2024, in stunning Vail, CO. The event showcases wine from around the world during the Grand Tastings, educational seminars, paired wine dinners, and lifestyle wine events such as hikes followed by paired wine tastings. Vail Wine Classic is produced by Team Player Productions, the architects of Breckenridge Wine Classic, Vail Craft Beer Classic and Denver Burger Battle, among others. For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit www.vailwineclassic.com, or follow @vailwineclassic on Instagram and Facebook.
About Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance
The Vail Wine Classic partners with the nonprofit organization, Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance. The VVMTA is the leading advocate for soft surface trails in Eagle County, CO. Their vision is the creation of a sustainable multi-use soft surface trail network connecting communities and neighborhoods from Vail Pass to Basalt. They promote stewardship of our public lands, sustainable trail building practices and a balance between recreation and conservation. The VVMTA maintains that trails contribute to the quality of life and economic vitality of the community. To learn more, visit their website or follow @vailmta on Instagram and Facebook.
About Town of Vail
Discover Vail in the spring, summer and fall. There’s no place like Vail for year-round recreation, outdoor pursuits and cultural experiences in the heart of the ColoradoRockies. Nestled at the foot of Vail mountain just two hours west of Denver, Vail’s fresh air, rugged beauty and charming pedestrian villages await visitors. Discover quaint Bavarian villages where outdoor activities abound and the performing arts flourish. Matching the incredible winter mountain experience, Vail from May through October is characterized by a rich culinary scene, family activities, world-class events and everything in between.