Prepare your palate for an overload of aromas, tastes, and exotic flavors at the Taste of Vail. Each year, local restaurants and the nations top vineyards get together to showcase the best of the best in both food and drink in the Vail Valley.
This year is the 20th Annual Taste of Vail, and the festivities begin on Wednesday, April 7th at 9 AM. Later that afternoon from 3:30 to 6:30 PM, is the Lamb Cook-Off, featuring a sampling of some of the best lamb dishes the valley's chefs can dish out. In addition, there will be a heap of wineries offering the perfect complimentary wines to go along with each dish.
Thursday, April 8th, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM will be a series of various seminars open to guests. From 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, is the Apres Ski Tasting Party, featuring wine tasting from all points of the world, including Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Reisling, and Zinfandel.
On Friday, April 9th, a seminar opens the early morning, followed by the Mountain Top Picnic from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Some of Vail's finest restaurants will prepare an assortment of lunch menus served picnic style on top of the scenic 10,350 foot Eagles Nest gondola. Everything is served outdoors, so dress warm. There will also be a variety of wines on hand to wash down the meal and warm the belly.
Later Friday evening, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, is the Chef Showcase Dinner and Live Auction. The dinner includes a five course culinary spread, prepared by five of the evenings top chefs. As entertainment, a silent auction will offer everything from fine wines to lodging packages. The Taste of Vail Cigar Seminar is another optional event for those who'd prefer an evening of fine cigars to fine dining. The cigars light up from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Saturday, April 10th, offers a full day of seminars, concluded by the Grand Tasting and Dinner Dance from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM. This is the grand finale of the event, serving up a spectacle of flavor and color. Every single winery, restaurant, and chef will be there, serving up a no-holds-bar culinary delight that will ensure nobody goes home hungry. After the dinner, guests will be invited to hit the floor and dance the night away until midnight.
Throughout all four days of the Taste of Vail, the slopes will be open, offering the very best of springtime skiing. This will be one of your last chances to hit the Vail slopes before the Spring weather closes the lifts down for the season.
