Sip, Swirl, Summit: The Vail Wine Classic Returns to Colorado's High Country August 6-8, 2026
Photo courtesy of Ryan Cox Photography
Tickets now available for premier Grand Tastings and exclusive Best of Fest sunset soirée
VAIL, Colo. (February 12, 2026) - Where mountain majesty meets vinicultural excellence, the sixth annual Vail Wine Classic announces its triumphant return for a three-day celebration of world-class wines set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Colorado Rockies, August 6-8, 2026 in Vail Valley.
Presented by Team Player Productions, this year’s festival delivers an unparalleled fusion of nature and vino, bringing together master winemakers and wine enthusiasts to experience the ultimate alpine wine adventure. Featuring over 300 wines, brews, and distilled spirits throughout the weekend spanning from California's sun-drenched valleys to the storied hillsides of France, the festival offers everything from open mountain air Grand Tastings to sommelier-led wine hikes, paired lunches and dinners at Vail's top restaurants, and an exclusive sunset showcase at Best of Fest with 90+ rated wines overlooking the Gore Range. Tickets for both the Grand Tastings and Best of Fest can be purchased here.
"The Vail Wine Classic represents the perfect combination of Colorado's outdoor lifestyle with the art of winemaking," says Vail Wine Classic Event Director Kristen Slater. "Whether you're hiking through wildflower meadows with a sommelier or toasting the sunset with a 90+ point Cabernet, this is where wine country comes to the mountains."
Best of Fest (Friday, August 7)
Location: Vail Nordic Club (1775 Sunburst Dr. Vail, CO. 81657)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Best of Fest transforms the Vail Nordic Club into an intimate wine sanctuary as the golden hour bathes the Gore Range with a stunning sunset. Guests will be able to savor the festival's most coveted bottles—reserve selections averaging over $100 and wines rated 90+ points. Paired with an exquisite culinary program, this all-inclusive tasting showcases only the finest gems from participating wineries.
The Grand Tasting (Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8)
Location: TBD
The crown jewel of the weekend invites oenophiles and casual sippers alike to embark on a global wine journey without ever leaving Vail's spectacular mountain setting. This walk-around, open-air celebration features live music, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet accompaniments from local restaurants designed to elevate every tasting. From bold, fruit-forward reds to crisp, mineral-driven whites, the carefully curated selection ensures something extraordinary for every preference. Guests can also shop from local artisans such as Monida Fine Art and Judy Brandon Jewelry and participate in activations such as “Two Truths and a Wine.”
The Grand Tastings offer three distinctive entry options for wine lovers:
Premier Access (2-5:30 p.m.): First sips, finest pours, and an exclusive extra hour
Early Access (2:30-5:30 p.m.): Beat the crowds and claim your spot by the stage
General Admission (3-5:30 p.m.): Indulge in 300+ wines, brews, and distilled spirits
The Vail Wine Classic extends far beyond traditional “sip and spit” tastings. Sommelier-led wine hikes blend alpine adventure with education, while intimate seminars with acclaimed winemakers offer deep dives into viticulture and craft. Coursed wine-paired lunches and dinners at Vail's premier restaurants round out the experience, with details on these add-on adventures to be announced in April along with tickets.
"We've assembled an incredible lineup of wineries ranging from boutique producers you won't find anywhere else to celebrated names that wine lovers travel the world to visit," says Slater "With over 300 samples to discover across the Grand Tastings, guests will leave with new favorites and memories that last far beyond the final pour."
For more information about the Vail Wine Classic, visit VailWineClassic.com. Sign up for the Vail Wine Classic newsletter to be kept in the loop!
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About Vail Wine Classic:
The sixth annual Vail Wine Classic brings wine and adventure enthusiasts together for an unparalleled weekend of outdoor wine tasting and live music. The festival takes place from August 6-8, 2026 in stunning Vail, Colo. The event showcases wine from around the world during the Grand Tastings, educational seminars, paired wine dinners, and lifestyle wine events such as hikes followed by paired wine tastings. Vail Wine Classic is produced by Team Player Productions, the architects of Boulder Creek Festival, Breckenridge Wine Classic, and Vail Craft Beer Classic, among others. For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit www.vailwineclassic.com, or follow @vailwineclassic on Instagram and Facebook.
About Discover Vail
Discover Vail in the spring, summer and fall. There’s no place like Vail for year-round recreation, outdoor pursuits and cultural experiences in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Nestled at the foot of Vail mountain just two hours west of Denver, Vail’s fresh air, rugged beauty and charming pedestrian villages await visitors. Discover quaint Bavarian villages where outdoor activities abound and the performing arts flourish. Matching the incredible winter mountain experience, Vail from May through October is characterized by a rich culinary scene, family activities, world-class events and everything in between.