Enrich Your Vail Wine Classic Experience with Expert-Led Hikes, Somm-Paired Lunches, Five-Course Dinners, and more
Photo courtesy of Ryan Cox Photography.
Tickets for the paired experiences are on sale now; festival takes place August 6–8, 2026
VAIL, Colo. (April 23, 2026) —The sixth annual Vail Wine Classic returns to the Colorado Rockies August 6–8, 2026—and the full experience just leveled up. Produced by Team Player Productions, the festival brings together master winemakers and wine enthusiasts for a weekend of world-class wine against the backdrop of Vail Valley. Now, organizers have announced a full slate of immersive add-on paired experiences, including five-course dinners at Vail's top restaurants, expert-led mountain hikes followed by paired lunches, and a sparkling brunch.
Tickets for all paired experiences are on sale now.
At the heart of the weekend are the August 7 and 8 Grand Tastings at the Vail Athletic Fields—open-air, walk-around events featuring over 300 wines, brews, and distilled spirits from around the world, set to live music with artisanal bites from local restaurants. On the evening of August 7, Best of Fest transforms the Vail Nordic Club into an intimate sunset showcase of reserve selections and wines rated 90+ points, with sweeping views of the Gore Range.
"While the Grand Tastings and Best of Fest are the crown jewels of the Vail Wine Classic, the paired experiences are where guests can truly slow down and go deeper," says Vail Wine Classic Event Director Kristen Slater. "From a wildflower hike on Vail Mountain to a five-course dinner in an Alice in Wonderland-like Vail Village venue, these add-ons are thoughtfully curated to expand your palate and your sense of adventure."
Paired experiences for the 2026 Vail Wine Classic are as follows. Fixed menus will be released this summer. All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates, and times are subject to change with reasonable notice.
Thursday, August 6 - The Vail Wine Classic Dinners Series from 7-9 p.m.
A Taste of Alexander Valley Wine Dinner
Indulge in a five-course dinner prepared by the culinary team at Ridge + River by Manor Vail, with each course expertly paired with a wine from Alexander Valley Vineyards. Executive Chef Stu Turner blends French techniques with an American twist, showcasing Colorado's finest ingredients. The evening will spotlight CYRUS, Alexander Valley Vineyards' flagship wine, which has consistently earned 90+ points from Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling for its 2019–2021 vintages. Ridge + River's exceptional mountain views provide a backdrop befitting these wines. Alexander Valley Vineyards is also a platinum medalist at the International Award of Excellence in Sustainable Wine Growing.
Chasing Cab Wine Dinner
Settle into the Library Lounge of Chasing Rabbits, nestled in the heart of Vail Village, for a five-course dinner by the Chasing Rabbits culinary team, paired with an outstanding California wine lineup from Stressed Vines Cellars. Founder Rob Barney will present the wines personally. Stressed Vines Cellars is devoted to old vines, dry-farmed vines, and high-elevation vineyards, each contributing unique qualities to their meticulously crafted collection.
Friday, August 7
Trail to Tasting Wine Hike & Lunch
10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Embark on a wine-enhanced adventure through the mountains of Vail Valley on a guided 3-mile hike led by Kylie Bearse, Fox31 meteorologist and founder of The Approachable Outdoors, before settling in for a three-course paired lunch at Root & Flower. Jeremy Campbell, co-owner of Root & Flower and Advanced Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and Pamola Bilson of Dilécta Wines, will guide the entire experience. Each course will be paired with wines from Dilécta Wines, a boutique Paso Robles winery known for elegant Rhône- and Bordeaux-inspired wines. Please allow up to 90 minutes for the hike and an additional 90 minutes for lunch.
Saturday, August 8
Blush & Bubbles Brunch
10-11:30 a.m.
Indulge in a three-course European-style brunch buffet prepared with healthy, organic, and locally grown ingredients by the culinary team at Ludwig's Stüberl Room at the Sonnenalp Hotel, Vail. Each course will be paired with wines from Acquiesce Winery and guided by Kellie Martin, Founder and Chief Sommelier of SommSchool and one of the country's leading wine education specialists.
Wines & Wildflowers Hike and Lunch
10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Traverse the beautiful mountains of Vail Valley on a guided 3-mile hike led by Kylie Bearse before sitting down to a three-course lunch prepared by Avanti Food & Beverage: Vail. Each course will be paired with wines from Piattelli Vineyards, whose wines have appeared on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wine List more than 24,000 times. Please allow up to 90 minutes for the hike and an additional 90 minutes for lunch.
Pigs and Pinots Wine Lunch
12-1:30 p.m.
Indulge in a three-course, pork-forward lunch prepared by the culinary team at Deca + Bol, known for its chef-driven American menu that blends elevated metropolitan dining with Vail's mountain culture. Each course will be paired with an award-winning Pinot lineup from Foley Family Wines, featured in Wine Spectator's Top 100 and consistently earning 90+ point scores. Founder William Foley is the recipient of Wine Enthusiast's Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just beginning to explore wine, there is an experience this year built for you," adds Slater. "We've put together a lineup that pairs Vail's natural beauty with remarkable winemakers and top culinary talent — it's the kind of weekend that stays with you long after the last pour."
A portion of proceeds from all ticket sales benefits the Vail Chamber and Business Association and their mission to responsibly and professionally advocate for economic development and communication for the Vail merchant community that will foster collaborative relationships and revenue development opportunities for its members.
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.