Schedule
August 11-13TH, 2022
The Vail Wine Classic is a premier destination event where master winemakers and enthusiasts gather to enjoy wine in beautiful Vail, CO. Join us August 11-13th for a mountainside tasting of hundreds of high end wines, spirits and food.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, including infants or children, and you must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
2022 Schedule of Events
Wine dinners, pairings & educational seminars released in June
Grand Tastings
Friday, August 12 & Saturday, August 13
VAIL ATHLETIC FIELDS
More Info: Age 21+ | Outdoor | Wine | Beer | Spirits | Small Bites
The Grand Tasting is the unparalleled wine adventure of the Vail Wine Classic, featuring a diverse and distinctive showcase of wines from around the world. Immerse yourself in the extravagant mountainside tasting while exploring everything from fruit-forward sauvignon blancs and pinots, to rich cabernets and zinfandels. In addition to an impressive, curated selection of domestic and international wines, the Grand Tasting has hand crafted cocktails and local beer. Your all-inclusive ticket includes a full size wine glass for you to take home, small bites, and live music at the event.
Premier Access Tickets 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Premier Access tickets allow you to be the first to enter the event and imbibe with a limited number of other enthusiasts. Enjoy the first sips of wine and an extra hour at the Classic.
Early Access Tickets 2:30 pm – 5:30: Early Access tickets allow you to get ahead of the tasting and enter the Classic before the big crowd. Select the perfect table by the band with this limited capacity ticket.
General Admission Tickets 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm: This all-inclusive ticket allows you to imbibe in two and half hours of mountainside wine sampling during the Grand Tasting event.
Location:
Vail Athletic Field
646 Vail Valley Dr, Vail, CO 81657
Best of Fest
Friday, August 12 – 7:00-9:30pm
VAIL NORDIC CLUB
More Info: Age 21+ | Indoor and Outdoor | High End Tasting | Wine Pairings | Small Plates | Master Sommeliers
Raise a glass at the Best of Fest as the sun sets over Vail Valley. The curated sampling selects the gems from exclusive winery portfolios for you to sip, swirl, and savor. Only 90+ point ratings, reserve bottles, and higher price points will make the cut in this unique tasting opportunity. Chefs at the Vail Nordic Club have prepared a menu of small plates with suggested pairings to perfectly compliment the wine collection.
Vail Nordic Center
1775 Sunburst Dr.
Vail, CO 81657
Live Music
Hardscrabble
Saturday Grand Tastings
Pure Colorado Blue Grass
Hardscrabble music can best be described as pure Colorado bluegrass. The band has made a name for itself by offering a unique blend of original songs mixed with traditional bluegrass anthems, and colorful renditions of crowd favorites. They deliver a lively show aimed at audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds.
Blue River Grass Band
Best of Fest
Blue Grass
Great wine and food is accompanied by great music at the Best of Fest on Friday night. Blue River Grass Band performs traditional BlueGrass with a string quartet.
Wine Dinners & Paired Lunches
More Info: Age 21+ | Wine Pairing | Full Meal | Sommelier | Winemaker
A celebration of local food and fine wine! The Vail Wine Classic is proud to kickoff a weekend of great wine and food with a series of wine dinners and paired lunches at local establishments in Vail.
Full schedule and tickets available in June.
Master Sommelier Reserve Dinner
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11th at 7:00pm
Master Sommelier Wine Pairing Dinner Hosted at Slope Room Restaurant in Gravity Haus
Age 21+ | Seated Dinner | Indoor | Pairings | Master Sommelier
Master Sommelier Sean Razee goes off the menu to take you on an exploration of food and wine at Vail’s Gravity Haus in-house restaurant Slope Room. Situated in the center of Vail Village, the culinary team at Slope Room provides a healthy balance of thoughtfully sourced proteins and accomaniments, making up exceptionally curated menus. Paired with Sean’s passion for exceptional wines, you’ve got a unique, dynamic duo.
Full menu to be released this summer.
Address: 352 E Meadow Dr, Vail, CO 81657
*Please note, the dinner is a fixed menu and we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests. Wines and courses are subject to change, but only for the better.
Red All About It Dinner
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11th at 7:00pm
Red Wine and Red Meat Pairing Dinner Hosted by Gessner Restaurant in Grand Hyatt, Vail
Age 21+ | Seated Dinner | Indoor | Wine | Sommelier
Calling all meat lovers! Savor the delicious pairing of red meat and red wine at this divine dinner. A local favorite for foodies, Gessner executes an upscale and signature dining experience, showcasing authentic flavors from the Colorado Rockies. Nestled at the base of Vail Mountain in the Grand Hyatt hotel, the Gessner culinary team creates a menu showcasing the very best offerings, featuring Colorado-inspired game entrées. Relish select red wines from Robert Craig Winery, one of the most prominent figures in Mountain Cabernet development and production in the history of Napa Valley. Craig was a pioneer with Planting Mountain vineyards on Howell Mountain. His legacy honors the past while continuing to press ahead with constant innovation in farming, winemaking and the warmth of experience.
Full menu to be released this summer. Extremely limited tickets.
Address: 1300 Westhaven Dr, Vail, CO 81657
*Please note, the dinner is a fixed menu and we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests. Wines and courses are subject to change, but only for the better.
Italian Dreams Dinner
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11th at 7:00pm
Italian Food & Red Wine Pairing, Hosted at Deca+ Bol Restaurant
Age 21+ | Seated Dinner | Indoor | Wine | Sommelier
Join us at Deca + Bol, Vail’s unique venue where city vibes meet mountain culture. It’s a surprising experience unlike anything in Vail Village! The culinary team at Deca + Bol presents an artfully crafted 5 course meal highlighting delectable food paired with Italian wines. You won’t want to miss this little piece of Italy at this divine dinner in the mountains.
Full menu to be released this summer. Extremely limited tickets.
Address: 141 E Meadow Dr #113, Vail, CO 81657
*Please note, the dinner is a fixed menu and we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests. Wines and courses are subject to change, but only for the better.
Winemaker Dinner
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11th at 7:00pm
Winemaker Dinner Pairing, Hosted at Ludwig’s in Sonnenalp Hotel, Vail
Age 21+ | Seated Dinner | Indoor | Wine | Sommelier
Address: 20 Vail Rd, Vail, CO 81657
*Please note, the dinner is a fixed menu and we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests. Wines and courses are subject to change, but only for the better.
Argentine Experiences Hike
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12th at 10:00am
Outdoor Hike and Paired Lunch, Hosted by Slope Room Restaurant at Gravity Haus
Age 21+ | Hike | Seated Lunch | Indoor/Outdoor | Wine | Sommelier
Enjoy scenic mountain trails in a guided hike that explores the breathtaking Gore Range in Vail. Following the hike, winemaker Alejandro Nesman of Piatelli Vineyards will take guests on a journey through Argentina. Without question, Argentina produces some of the best Malbecs in the world. Alejandro is an expert in taking advantage of the region’s unique climate to produce some of the best and most awarded high-altitude wines in Argentina. With his knowledge and expertise, this is an experience you don’t want to miss. While sipping, the culinary team at Gravity Haus’ Slope Room will present pairings that are always bright and fun, using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Please allow up to 90 minutes for the hike and 90 minutes for the lunch.
Full menu to be released this summer.
Address: 352 E Meadow Dr, Vail, CO 81657
Please note, the lunch is a fixed menu and we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests. Wines and courses are subject to change, but only for the better.
ABC - Anything But Cabs Lunch
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12th – 12pm
Wine Pairing Lunch Hosted by Vail Chophouse
Age 21+ | Seated Lunch | Indoor | Wine | Sommelier
Cabernets are a fan favorite with a big following, but there is a whole world of delicious options out there! This lunch is an invitation into the world of other fabulous varietals just waiting to be explored. Join us for pairings by Alexander Valley Vineyards alongside a delectiable 3-course lunch at Vail’s Chophouse, where delicious steak and seafood await. If you need someone to help you step outside the Cab lane, or really want to see some different options, this is the seminar for you.
Address: 675 Lionshead Pl, Vail, CO 81657
*Please note, the lunch is a fixed menu and we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests. Wines and courses are subject to change, but only for the better.
Nine And Wine
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th at 9:30 a.m.
9 Holes of Golf and Paired Wine Lunch, Hosted by Grill on the Gore at Vail Golf Club
Age 21+ | Seated Lunch | Outdoor | Wine | Sommelier
Spend the morning golfing in a setting that rivals the game itself. Vail Golf Club offers challenging and enjoyable golf characterized by memorable shots and dramatic views. After your nine holes, savor a delicious wine pairing with Grill on the Gore’s creative take on American comfort food. You’ll love this ápres golf pairing! Cart is provided. Golf clubs will not be provided. Lunch will take place after golf at the Grill on the Gore. Please allow ample time for this seminar, approximately 4 hours.
Full menu to be released this summer.
Address: 1775 Sunburst Dr, Vail, CO 81657
Please note, the lunch is a fixed menu and we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests. Wines and courses are subject to change, but only for the better.
Wine & Wildflowers Hike
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th at 10:00am
Outdoor Hike & Paired Lunch Hosted by Gessner Restaurant in Grand Hyatt, Vail with winery owner David Phillips
Age 21+ | Hike | Seated Lunch | Indoor/Outdoor | Wine | Sommelier
Enjoy scenic mountain trails on a 3 mile, guided hike that explores the breathtaking Gore Range in Vail, led by owner of Michael David Winery, David Phillips. After you take in the panoramic views of the hike, enjoy a delicious paired lunch at the Grand Hyatt’s Gessner restaurant featuring wines from Michael David Winery. While taking in the idyllic mountain and creek-side views from Gessner, the culinary team will showcase authentic flavors from the Rocky Mountain inspired cuisine. This pairing will explore the Lodi region with this family gem winery.
Please allow up to 90 minutes for the hike and 90 minutes for the lunch.
Full menu to be released this summer.
Address: 1300 Westhaven Dr, Vail, CO 81657
Please note, the lunch is a fixed menu and we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests. Wines and courses are subject to change, but only for the better.
Rosé All Day
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th at 12:00pm
Rosé Paired Lunch Hosted by Gravity Haus Vail
Age 21+ | Seated Lunch | Indoor | Wine | Sommelier
Like an old friend welcoming you home, we invite you to our Rosé All Day lunch. Rosé has taken over the US market in recent years, exploding in popularity. In France, it now surpasses the sale of white wines and, coincidentally, happens to be the perfect wine for sipping in the warmer months. Despite its adoration, most of us don’t know how rosé is made or where some of the most consistent rosés are created. Join us for lunch at Gravity Haus for an artfully crafted 3-course menu paired with rosés from around the world, including France’s Le Charmel’s Cotes de Provence Rosé and Mont Gravet Rosé and Argentina’s Santa Julia Rose of Malbec. Come enjoy your day with a few glasses of Rosé!
Address: 352 E Meadow Dr, Vail, CO 81657
*Please note, the charcuterie is a fixed menu and we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests. Wines and courses are subject to change, but only for the better.
Lifestyle & Classroom Seminars
More Info: Age 21+ | Educational | Experiential | Winemaker
Seminars play into a variety of interests and activities. You could take a hike with a winemaker followed by a paired lunch; learn the basics of wine pairing at home; or taste why the wine glass really does make all the difference.
Full schedule and tickets available in June.
Class on Glass - Riedel Workshop
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th at 1:00 p.m.
Wine Class with Take-Home Tasting Kit
Age 21+ | Classroom Seminar | Wine | Sommelier | Keep the Glasses
Riedel’s varietal-specific glasses enhance the aromas and taste components, to showcase each style in its finest form. Discover the effect of shape and size on the perception of wine in a glass & wine tasting tutorial. In a unique and fascinating wine glass tasting, Shelley Sale will demonstrate the relationship between the shape of a glass and our perception and enjoyment of wines. Guests will enjoy tasting a variety of wines in the stemware best suited for Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. If you love wine, this seminar will change your wine life forever! Guests who attend this seminar receive a clean Riedel Performance Tasting Kit with four glasses to take home (retails for $119). This is an experience that a true wine lover should not miss!
Please allow up to 75 minutes for the seminar.
Wine vs Whiskey
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th
Wine and Whiskey Pairing, Hosted by Root & Flower Restaurant
Age 21+ | Seated Lunch | Indoor | Wine | Sommelier
Why should wine have all the fun when everything goes well with whiskey, especially when it’s from DISTILLERY? Come enjoy top shelf whiskeys paired with a fabulous selection of wines and eats that only the team at Root + Flower can dream up. SOMM NAME & DISILLERY will lead guests through this pairing, offering a full range of tastes and sensory experience sure to increase your appreciation and knowledge of whiskeys with wine and food pairings. This lunch will surely be the talk of the fest!
Full menu to be released this summer.
Address: 288 Bridge St C4, Vail, CO 81657
