Fall is a great time to enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountains - sun filled days, golden aspen hills and cool evenings by the fire pit. And the Breckenridge Wine Classic offers the perfect way to celebrate the bounty of fall in this beautiful setting. Held September 15 through 18, this festival is an extravagant celebration of fall harvest featuring more than 100 food artisans, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and locally-made products. The festival offers a variety of experiences on the mountain, in restaurants, classrooms, and around town, aiming to increase visitors knowledge, and enjoyment of food and wine as well as the experiences Breckenridge has to offer. Here is a list of the key events no to be missed:
Farm To Mountain Wine Dinner - September 15, 6:30-9:30
The Mountain Wine Dinner features an artfully crafted five course meal and wine pairing in a breathtaking mountainside setting. Each course is thoughtfully prepared by the talented culinary imagination of acclaimed Sevens Executive Chef and the expert wine selections of Master Sommeliers Sean Razee and Damon Ornowski.
The Walk Of Wine September 16, 10am - 1pm
This event perfectly describes the spirit of Breckenride Wine Classic. Visitors are invited to take a guided tour up Carter Park trailhead and take in the panoramic views of the Tenmile Range and Breckenridge Ski Resort Work up an appetite as you follow. After working up an appetite the hikers will enjoy a specially crafted lunch at Taddeo’s Italian restaurant, paired perfectly with selected wines from Old Bridge Cellars. Chris Rowe will guide guests through a tasting and sensory experience not to be missed.
Somm Slamm – Cab Vs Merlot September 16, 1pm-2pm
This great event allows guests to participate alongside a panel of Somm’s as they blind taste through a selection of Cabernet and Merlot. Patrons will learn how good their palettes are at determining the difference between Cab and Merlot. Jennifer Burke of Duckhorn Wine Company will lead the discussion with the Somms and teach the participants how to distinguish between them like a pro.
Wine On The Mountain Grand Tasting September 16 6-8:30
The inaugural Breckenridge Wine Classic will take place at the beautiful and cozy TenMile Station at Breckenridge Restaurant, where guests will be surrounded by artifacts from our mining history and gorgeous views. The Executive Chef Steve Arndt and his culinary team will serve an array of delectable creations throughout the evening. This intimate setting provides an exclusive opportunity to spend one-on-one time with wine experts, listen to live music, all while taking in serene views of the White River National Forest. Guests will enjoy an excellent selection of international and domestic wines as well as beers and fine spirits.
Hike & Hops September 17 10am-1pm
Guests are invited to hit the trails with this energizing and enjoyable hike, offering gorgeous fall views of the Rocky Mountains. Upon return, patrons will enjoy a delicious lunch at Breckenridge Brewery paired with frosty samples of beers, compliments of their Executive Chef – a refreshing way to end a great day on the trails!
Breaking The Bottle September 17 11-12:30
This is one of the most unique events of the festival it is an educational and interactive tasting that explore the modern winemaking and production landscape and the female pioneer who are shaping it. With women accounting for more then a half of wine volume in the U.S. their opinions and tastes are becoming more influential in the marketplace and helping evolve a traditionally male-dominated industry.Join Shelley Sale, CSW, CSP, CSS with Southern Wine & Spirits as she discusses first-hand experiences with over 20 years in the business while you sip on a selection of wines from the best in the industry paired with delicious small plates.
The Taste Of Music September 17 1pm-2:30
Musicians from the National Repertory Orchestra will perform a musical number influenced by the style of the wine selected by Sommelier Jim Santangelo. A small food plate will follow to match the music and wine. Following each course, it will be discussed and revealed why the music, wine and food has been paired and selected.
Toast Of Breckenridge Grand Tasting September 17 3pm-6pm
The Toast of Breckenridge culminates with an impressive selection of hundreds of domestic and international wines, premium craft beer and spirits, gourmet local food purveyors, and live music. Located in the heart of Breckenridge’s new Arts District, prepare for a unique sensory immersion of creativity, studios, galleries, performance spaces, historic landmarks, public art, and more.
Hair Of The Dog Brunch September 18 10am-12pm
Wrap up the Classic after a fun and festive weekend by attending this traditional pancake brunch at one of the oldest bars in Breckenridge. Established in 1861 with a tent structure and pushing White Lightning, the Golden Pan is a welcoming and traditional piece of Colorado’s history. Keep the party going with a Breckenridge Distillery cocktail and Breckenridge Brewery beer, and a pancake and bacon brunch. Swap a few stories and surround yourself with Gold Mining lore as your weekend comes to a bittersweet but grand finale.
