From Grand Tastings and seminars to outdoor adventures, it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew. Here’s how to navigate all that food and wine.
Every year, the Steamboat Wine Fest gets bigger and better. With more than 100 food artisans, wineries, breweries, distilleries, epicurean purveyors and locally made products descending on our little mountain town August 9th -13th, things can get a little overwhelming. We have some pro tips to navigating and making the most out of the festival.
We’ve come up with a few customized itineraries to make your wine festival experience even more enjoyable.
For the Foodie …
We understand that it is a wine festival, but what is wine without food? For some of us, food is the main attraction, especially at an event that attracts some of the region’s top chefs. Not only is there an opportunity to taste their food and to interact with these culinary geniuses in person, but hopefully you can learn a trick or two to bring home to your own kitchen.
Bubbles and Bites: Friday, August 11th, 2017
Kick off your weekend of culinary bliss with a real taste of Steamboat at Harwig’s, with owner Jamie Jenny and sommelier Mike Lang for this delectable wine tasting lunch. Harwig’s has Steamboat’s only wine cellar and has been serving French inspired cuisine for over 25 years. $85/12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Near & Far Lunchinar: Saturday, August 12th, 2017
Eat local, drink global! Your taste buds will travel down under for this Australian wine tasting with Valerie Shilgalis of Pernod Ricard. Paired with a 5-course lunch from Chef Patrick Ayres of Cloverdale Farm & Restaurant with dishes featuring local, seasonable ingredients. $80/11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
For the Adventurous …
One of the things that separate the Steamboat Wine Festival from other food and wine events around the country is its outdoor activities. For those of us who like to strike a balance between indulgence and wellness, there are plenty of events that combine hiking, yoga, and golf with wine tasting.
Wine on the Nine: Thursday August 10th, 2017
Tee up for a nine-hole round of golf followed by appetizers and a wine tasting on Haymaker’s stunning Clubhouse patio with Grant Jennings of Piatelli Vineyards. Please note: Drinking wine may not improve your golf swing, however it has been known to lift your spirits. $99/12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Trails and Tannins: Friday, August 11th, 2017
This is a perfect outing for the beginner hiker or anyone who wants to take in some epic scenery on a beautiful, one-mile stroll before you indulge in some wine. Start with a ride up the gondola to Thunderhead where a Steamboat Resort Ambassador will guide you on the Vista Nature Trail followed by lunch, and of course, more wine tasting. $100/10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (please meet at the gondola at 9:30). * If that date/time doesn’t work for you, the It’s a Mimosa Morning event will follow the same route on Sunday, August 13th followed by Mimosas and brunch at Hazie’s restaurant.
For the All Around Good Time …
Maybe it’s your wife who loves food and wine, and you’re just a beer with football kind of guy. Whatever your situation is, if you just want to get an overall taste of all this event has to offer, try one of these signature events.
Stroll of Steamboat: Friday, August 11th, 2017
One of the signature events of the Steamboat Wine Festival, the Stroll of Steamboat, takes you on a tour down Main Street and along the beautiful Yampa River to mingle, nibble, and sip wine, spirits and craft beers at the great restaurants and local retailers in Downtown Steamboat Springs. Each Stroll stop presents a different selection of wines, beers, or spirits and delicious culinary morsels, allowing patrons to acquaint themselves with the variety of enchanting establishments that Steamboat has to offer. $85/4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Toast of Steamboat: Saturday, August 12th, 2017
The grand finale of the weekend! The Toast of Steamboat hosts an impressive selection of domestic and international wines, premium craft beer and spirits, gourmet food purveyors, and live music. As the largest gathering of the Festival, this event features over 500 different wines and 20+ local restaurants. The Toast sits at the base of the mountain in Gondola Square providing a picture-perfect setting for the signature event of the weekend. $99/3:00-6:00 p.m.
For the full schedule of events click here.
Tips and tricks:
Purchase tickets early as many events sell out quickly!
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and remember, alcohol hits you harder at altitude.
Call The Porches shuttle 20-30 min ahead of your intended pick up time if you’re at an event.
Reserve your Porches shuttle transportation with as much notice as possible so we can get you there on time..
For ticket purchase, shuttle arrangements or any other questions about the festival, contact the Concierge Desk.