Top chefs and vintners are preparing to gather in the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the 27th Annual Taste of Vail, taking place April 5–9. This year’s festival will host more than 30 guest chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers, plus over 55 wineries from around the globe. Recognized as one of the country’s premier food and wine events, Taste of Vail offers numerous opportunities for guests to meet and mingle with culinary and wine professionals.
Among the highlighted events is The Debut of 2016 Rosé on April 5, held in the Arrabelle Ballroom at Lionshead Village. Attendees can sample first releases of 2016 rosés from across the Northern Hemisphere, discovering a wide range of styles and producers in one elegant setting.
On April 6, the annual American Lamb Cook-Off & Après Ski Tasting brings local chefs together in friendly competition, each presenting their best lamb preparations. Judges and guests evaluate the dishes while sampling curated wine pairings provided by visiting vintners, making for a spirited culinary showcase.
The Mountain Top Tasting on Vail Mountain on April 7 offers a memorable dining experience at 10,350 feet above sea level. Set in a handcrafted snow arena with sweeping mountain views, this event features small plates from Vail’s top chefs alongside selections from prominent winemakers. Ticketholders can ski directly to the dinner or take the scenic Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead Village, combining alpine recreation with gourmet tasting.
The festival concludes on April 8 with the Grand Tasting & Silent Auction at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort. This culminating event brings together a menu created by local chefs and a diverse array of wines from across the country, paired with opportunities to bid on exclusive lots in the silent auction. The Grand Tasting is designed as a final chance to sample many of the festival’s highlights in one setting while supporting culinary and wine-focused initiatives.
Taste of Vail blends mountain culture with sophisticated food and wine experiences, attracting enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality ingredients, thoughtful pairings and the chance to interact directly with the makers behind the plates and bottles. From intimate chef-led tastings to large-scale events on the mountain and in resort ballrooms, the festival delivers varied programming that appeals to both casual attendees and serious oenophiles.
Whether you’re seeking new wine discoveries, regional lamb preparations, or an unforgettable alpine dinner, the 27th Annual Taste of Vail promises four days of memorable culinary events set against the stunning backdrop of the Colorado Rockies.