High Elevation Fun: The Vail Wine Classic Returns August 7-10
Photo courtesy of Ryan Cox Photography
Experiences the best wines from around the world; Grand Tasting and Best of Fest tickets are on sale now
GOLDEN, Colo. (Feb. 6, 2025)- The Vail Wine Classic, an elevated wine festival that celebrates refined tastes and adventurous spirits during a multi-day immersive wine experience, returns August 7-10 in Colorado. Presented by Team Player Productions, the Vail Wine Classic is where master winemakers and wine enthusiasts come together to enjoy high-end wines and valley views, and experience events ranging from a mountainside grand tasting featuring 100+ wineries, a sunset showcase of 90+ rated wines at the Vail Nordic Club with stunning views of the Gore Range mountains, Somm-led paired lunches and dinners at Vail’s top restaurants, wine hikes, and more.
“Summertime in Vail is the high country’s best kept secret which is why the Vail Wine Classic is perfect for romantic getaways, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and friend trips,” says Vail Wine Classic Event Director Kristen Slater. “The crown jewel of the experience are the Grand Tastings where wine lovers can sample fine wines in a casual atmosphere. Then boost your wine weekend with Best of Fest, a more intimate and upscale showcase of top rated wines unique to the festival.”
A perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, tickets for the Grand Tastings (the first 100 tickets receive discounted pricing) and Best of Fest are on sale now. A portion of proceeds of all ticket sales will go to Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA) and its mission to build trails and conserve the natural environment of Eagle County and public lands.
Best of Fest (Friday, August 8)
Location: Vail Nordic Club (1775 Sunburst Dr. Vail, CO. 81657)
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $259.79 (includes fees)
Enjoy the sun setting over Vail Valley while sipping on the gem bottles of the Vail Wine Classic at The Best of Fest. This evening event features the high-end wines of the Classic during an all-inclusive tasting. Wineries select the finest reserve bottles to sip, swirl and savor. Wines that make the cut for this premier event average over $100 per bottle or are 90+ point rated. Paired with an exquisite menu, the Best of Fest wine tasting is the can’t miss event of the weekend for wine enthusiasts.
The Grand Tasting (Friday and Saturday, August 9 and 10)
Location: Ford Field (531 S Frontage Rd E, Vail, CO 81657)
Experience the best wines from around the world in a celebration of flavor and culture during a walk-around, outdoor wine tasting festival with live music. Sample over 300 wines that have been meticulously selected by winemasters and sommeliers and enjoy a selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and other gourmet snacks to complement your wine journey.
The Grand Tasting sessions and ticket types include:
Premier Access ($169 plus fees) from 2-5:30 p.m. Enjoy the first sips of wine and an extra hour at the Classic. Premier Access tickets allow guests to be the first to enter the event and imbibe with a limited number of other wine lovers.
Early Access ($139 plus fees) from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Select the perfect table by the band with this limited capacity ticket. Early Access tickets allow guests to get a head start on the tasting and enter the Classic before the crowd.
General Admission ($109 plus fees) from 3-5:30 p.m. This all-inclusive ticket allows guests to imbibe in two and half hours of mountainside wine sampling during the Grand Tasting event.
Note: Ticket pricing for the grand tasting sessions range from $129.38-$191.48 (includes fees) and will go up after the first 100 tickets sold. Check the website for more information.
“From picturesque mountain views to the quaint Bavarian-style villages that are within walking distance to the Vail Wine Classic, a wine weekend in Vail is the perfect outdoor adventure this summer!” says Slater.
Paired wine lunches and dinners, hikes, and other add-on experiences will be announced in April. Sign up for the Vail Wine Classic newsletter to be kept in the loop!
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. 7-10, 2025, in stunning Vail, Colo. 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 Boulder Creek Festival, Breckenridge Wine Classic, and Vail Craft Beer Classic, 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, Colo. 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 Discover 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 Colorado Rockies. 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.