Carpe Wine: A Taste of Vail primer

Starting on Wednesday this week more than 45 wineries and 30 chefs — local, national and international — will descend on Vail to pour, cook and celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Taste of Vail. For three and a half decades, this four-day celebration has transformed Vail into a gathering place for curious palates, winemakers from around the world and some of today’s best chefs. 

With four days of tasting events, there’s plenty of time to sip, share and learn. And yes — learn. While the signature events like The Vail Pour, Debut of Rosé and Grand Gala Tasting are the main draw, there’s much more to Taste of Vail than a glass in hand. If there’s one thread that has defined the festival across its 35 years, it’s education — not the dry, textbook kind, but the kind that stays with you long after the last pour. One that’s sure to entice this year is the seminar, The Modern Indulgent: Wine, Whisky, and Cannabis in the Age of Connoisseurs. That said, the variety of seminars and intimate winemaker dinners are simply not to be missed.

Here’s what to expect this week and a few things to look — and plan — for. 

Sips to Seek Out

If you’re new to Colorado wines, this is your chance to explore what the region is producing. Make sure to seek out Carboy Winery, who is producing some amazing, award winning wines. Along with Maison La Belle Vie Winery and Restoration Vineyards. 

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Duckhorn Vineyards arrives as one of Napa Valley’s most storied names — a winery that helped define California Merlot and is known for its beautifully structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Their presence at the festival extends beyond the tasting floor: Wine Spectator contributor Don Gatterdam will lead a dedicated seminar exploring Duckhorn’s portfolio, touching on barrel aging, terroir, and the craftsmanship that has made the estate a benchmark for American fine wine.

Barnett Vineyards makes the case for Spring Mountain in the Napa highlands, where altitude and rocky soils push Cabernet Sauvignon to produce fruit of striking intensity. These are collector wines — structured, layered, built for the long haul. A few other Napa Valley favorites to seek out, Beaulieu Vineyard (BV), Frank Family Vineyards and ZD Wines.

From the rugged Sonoma Coast, Peay Vineyards brings a completely different kind of California story. Cool maritime air, dramatic elevation and a commitment to site expression define Peay’s Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Staying in Sonoma, Mon Premier, a boutique winery I discovered a few years ago at Taste of Vail, and their Chardonnay has had my attention ever since. Catch them pouring at one of the tasting events or join the seminar, Art of Making Low Production Wines with Mon Premier and Lussier Wineries.

Pax Wine Cellars has built a devoted following for Rhône-inspired wines that are distinctly, unapologetically Californian. Winemaker Pax Mahle sources Syrah from cool-climate sites across Northern California, producing wines with expressive aromatics and a vibrant, minimal-intervention approach that challenges what people expect from the state. He’ll also be leading one of the seminar series’ most anticipated sessions, Syrah Speaks: Place, Precision, and Patience.

Garden Creek Ranch Winery offers something rarer still: a multi-generational family story rooted in Alexander Valley, where Bordeaux-style blends and elegant whites are made with a commitment to sustainability that spans three generations. And ídola Wine Co. represents the festival’s knack for spotlighting what’s next — a winery gaining serious attention for its balance of elegance and vibrant fruit character. Catch them at one of the pouring events or at the seminar they’re hosting with Doctor’s Orders, Minimal Intervention, Maximum Expression: The Natural Wine Expression, where they explore the philosophy and flavor of natural wine.

The international presence at Taste of Vail is equally impressive as the domestic one. Domaine Gassier brings the bold Mediterranean character of the Southern Rhône Valley — wines rooted in rugged garrigue and sun-drenched limestone that still manage to feel fresh and alive. And for something from the other side of the world, America’s Newest Master Sommelier, David Reuss leads an immersive tasting journey through the Southern Hemisphere, spotlighting the dynamic Australian and South African estates of Jackson Family Wines.

Beyond the Tastings

Beyond the tastings and seminars, Taste of Vail also offers more intimate gatherings with local chefs and featured winemakers. Personally, these are some of my favorite events as you get to meet and chat with the winemakers and chefs to really learn about what they’re doing and understand both the wines and the foods. Highlights include an exclusive five-course wine pairing dinner hosted by La Tour Restaurant and Gemstone Vineyards, a four-course Innumero Wines dinner at Mirabelle Restaurant at Beaver Creek in collaboration with Belgian Master Chef Daniel Joly, and an intimate evening at Makoto Vail featuring Arietta Wines. 

Rounding out the dinner series, Tavernetta Vail brings together Executive Chef Ethan Diamant and acclaimed guest Chef Vinnie Cimino of Cleveland’s celebrated Cordelia for a one-night-only culinary experience.

The Taste of Vail runs Apr. 1-4. Go thirsty, go curious and plan to linger.