2009 Taste of Vail pass packages unveiled

VAIL, Colorado — Taste of Vail, the annual food and wine festival in Vail, is gearing up for a new celebration of food, wine and skiing at the 19th annual festival in April 2009. The four-day festival runs from April 1-4 and will feature a variety of events from cooking seminars with guest chefs throughout the Vail community to a grand tasting dinner and dance. Taste of Vail will showcase more than 35 guest chefs, owners and winemakers from more than 50 wineries.

Festival passes

This year, Taste of Vail is offering an all-inclusive pass that will provide access to all Taste of Vail signature events in addition to a VIP gift bag and private parties.

All-Inclusive Pass — $995

Festival Pass — $600

*Access to all TOV events except the Showcase Dinners

Individual Events:

Après Ski Event — $120

Mountain Top Picnic — $145

Grand Tasting Dinner & Dance — $175

Seminars — $30 - $50

Events

The 5th Annual Colorado Lamb Cook-Off kicks off the festival in the heart of Vail Village. Guests are invited to sample an array of delicious lamb dishes prepared by Vail’s finest chefs and restaurants, guest chefs and the Colorado Lamb Board. The dishes range from classic lamb chops to exotic recipes and flavor combinations. The many preparations are complimented perfectly with wine selections by the top vineyards and winery owners in the world.

The Bar Chef Mix-Off is a Taste of Vail favorite as Vail’s bartenders square off to create the most unique and best tasting cocktail. The “bar chefs” utilize a selected liquor and fresh ingredients to impress a panel of judges and the many guests who come out to participate in this lively event.

Held on the third day of the festival, the Mountain Top Picnic takes guests 10,350 feet above sea level to the scenic Eagle’s Nest on Vail Mountain. A one-of-a-kind snow wall enclosed picnic completes the event.

That night, a chef’s showcase dinner tops off the day. Guest chefs this year include Marc Forgione, Enzo Fargione, Martin Rios and Giuseppe Tentori.

The most anticipated event of the festival marks the end of the four days of food and wine. The Grand Tasting Dinner & Dance, held at Vail Marriot Mountain Resort & Spa, overlooks the Vail Valley and Rocky Mountains. Epicureans will indulge in creative cuisine by renowned chefs and wine poured from the finest wineries in the world.

A variety of seminars are available for guests of Taste of Vail, including intimate cooking classes with renowned chefs, expert wine tastings and cigar tastings. Visit www.tasteofvail.com for updates.