Aspen 2023 Food and Wine Festival - Your Comprehensive Guide
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen, Colorado, is often noted as a beloved destination for skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts during the winter. However, for food and wine lovers, the Food and Wine Festival Aspen 2023 offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Heading to Aspen during the Food and Wine Festival gives visitors a chance to see the town unravel into a culinary mecca. Each year, the event brings together some of the world’s most renowned chefs, sommeliers, and winemakers to share their expertise and showcase their talents, from intimate seminars to grand tastings.
Whether you’re a curious wine enthusiast or an experienced foodie, the Aspen Food and Wine Festival is one you won’t want to miss.
What Is the Aspen Food and Wine Festival?
The Aspen Food and Wine Festival takes place in Aspen, Colorado, and delivers a celebration of food and wine that brings together some of the world’s greatest chefs, sommeliers, and winemakers from around the globe.
History and Founder
The Food and Wine Classic Aspen was founded in 1983 by Gary Plumly, the owner and operator of the iconic Of Grape and Grain Wine Shop.
Originally called the International Wine Festival, drawing in 300 attendees the first year, the festival has expanded into a thriving, three-day festival hosted by Food & Wine magazine led by some of the most celebrated world-class chefs and sommeliers.
When Is It?
The event kicks off during the summer from June 16-18, so you can expect average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s. The 2023 Aspen Food and Wine Festival may not have as many summer activities open if the region continues receiving heavy snowfall, such as the The Little Nell Jeep Tours.
Consider the weather ahead of time and bring cool clothes, especially for the evenings.
Highlights of the 2023 Festival
Culinary Workshops and Demonstrations
One of the major highlights of the Aspen Food and Wine Festival is the culinary workshops and demonstrations, where attendees can learn new cooking techniques and get hands-on experience in the kitchen.
These workshops are led by some of the world's most acclaimed chefs and cover a wide range of topics, from basic cooking skills to advanced techniques for preparing complex dishes.
You can sign up for two cooking demonstrations or beverage seminars on Friday and Saturday or one on Sunday when the Food and Wine Festival schedule is released.
Featured Wineries and Breweries
Each year, the Aspen Food and Wine Festival hosts an impressive lineup of wineries and breweries, featuring some of the world's most notable names in the industry.
Though they have yet to release a featured list for this year, some of the popular names in past festivals included:
Veuve Clicquot: This French champagne house is known for its high-quality, premium bubbly. In the past, guests at the festival have been able to sample a variety of Veuve Clicquot's signature champagnes and learn more about the art of champagne-making.
Silver Oak Cellars: Silver Oak is a California-based winery that specializes in producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests at past festivals have been able to taste some of their award-winning wines and learn more about their unique winemaking process.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery: Based in Delaware, Dogfish Head is known for its innovative and experimental approach to brewing. Beer lovers have enjoyed their creative offerings at past festivals, including their famous "Ancient Ales," what they refer to as ‘liquid time capsules.’
These are just a taste of what you might expect to see at theAspen Food and Wine Festival in 2023.
World-Class Chefs and Expert Seminars
The Aspen Food and Wine Festival is known for bringing together some of the world's top chefs and culinary experts for a weekend of culinary delight.
Here are some of the chefs and speakers that you can expect to see at the festival this year:
Gail Simmons: As a judge on Bravo's "Top Chef" and the host of "Top Chef: Just Desserts," Simmons is an expert in the culinary industry, with a wealth of knowledge and insights to share with visiting foodies.
Chef Marcus Samuelsson: This award-winning chef is known for his eclectic, globally-inspired cuisine and his commitment to using local, sustainable ingredients. At the Aspen Food and Wine Festival, he leads seminars on topics such as African-American cuisine and the future of food.
Guy Fieri - A man that needs no introduction, Guy Fieri is a well-known celebrity chef and television personality, best known for hosting the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and "Guy's Grocery Games." His past appearances at the festival included cooking demonstrations, panel discussions, and serving as a competition judge.
In addition to the culinary elite, the Aspen Food and Wine Festival also features expert seminars and panels covering a range of topics, from food trends and innovations to wine pairing and mixology.
If you haven’t had enough after a long day at the fest, you can discover some of Aspen’s best restaurants for a luxury dining experience.
Exciting Events
Though there are many notable affairs to attend during the festival, one of the main draws of the event is the Grand Tasting Pavilion, which takes place over two days.
Here, you’ll be able to sample wines from over 200 different wineries and savor dishes prepared by over 50 world-class chefs.
Attendee Recommendations
When to Purchase Tickets
As of today, passes for the Food and Wine Festival Aspen 2023l are sold out. Tickets went on sale January 18, 2023.
However, you can find information regarding the waitlist here, which will get you passes if they become available.
Where to Stay
There are many great places to stay in Aspen, from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts. Here are a few of our most highly recommended lodging options.
The Little Neil: This slice of Colorado paradise is Aspen’s sole five-star luxury hotel, which is located at the base of the mountain within walking distance of the festival. Here, you’ll find elegant rooms, a world-class dining experience, and a range of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and even a boutique in the lobby.
Hotel Jerome: This historic hotel has been a fixture in Aspen since 1889 and has recently undergone a major renovation. From sophisticated rooms to one of the most iconic cocktail bars in town, it’s a truly legendary place to spend a weekend.
The Limelight: This contemporary hotel lies in downtown Aspen, just a short walk from shopping spots and the festival grounds, it’s the perfect choice for those who want a slice of laidback luxury, offering more moderate rooms with many similar amenities!
Here at Aspen Luxury Concierge, we can also help you find a luxury vacation rental or a Aspen hotel. You can also explore our diverse list of group accommodations.
How Long to Stay
The Food and Wine Festival Aspen 2023 is a multi-day event, spanning from June 16-18, giving you an entire weekend to enjoy the festival’s many exciting exhibitions.
Whether you’re a foodie, or taking your first trip to Aspen, you may want to stay for the full duration of the festival to participate in the many tastings, seminars, cooking demonstrations, and other culinary experiences it has to offer.
Additionally, the longer you stay, the more time you’ll have to explore downtown Aspen, take in the stunning mountain scenery, and enjoy all the summer activities the area has to offer.
On the other hand, if you’re a local or attending the festival again, you may just snag a pass for the Grand Tasting Pavilion.
Celebrating 40 Years of Food and Wine
We hope we’ve inspired you to visit Aspen for this incredible upcoming festival.
Start planning your trip today and take advantage of our exclusive services here at Aspen Luxury Concierge to create long-lasting memories in one of the most beautiful cities on Earth.
BY: RACHEL NAIDUS
Rachel is the Principal & Founder of Aspen Luxury Concierge. For over a decade, she has cut her teeth in the luxury hospitality services business. Since 2019, she has led ALC’s premier staff in creating luxury, effortless experiences for its clients. With her ever growing network of partners, vendors, and clientele, Rachel leads the pack in providing expert services to Aspen luxury travelers and locals.