Taste of Vail’s Friday lineup offers sips, snacks, sights and seminars

Wine pairings and small bites have been coming with a side of powder at this year’s Taste of Vail.

Visitors and locals had some fresh snow to maneuver before heading to the Debut of Rosé on Wednesday and Après Tasting in the Streets on Thursday. Friday’s signature event, the Mountaintop Tasting, is also outdoors — but that’s what makes this food and wine festival unique.

Being out in the elements, enjoying nature while surrounded by people who love delicious food and great wine is why Taste of Vail has been ranked as one of the top food and wine festivals by Forbes, Travel and Leisure and USA Today.

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The Mountaintop Tasting, which is available as part of the Signature Pass or with an individual ticket, is located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola (No. 19). Guests will find over 50 wineries from around the world who will be pouring bubbles, red, white, beer and spirits up at 10,350 feet.

Several restaurants will be moving their kitchens uphill to create some amazing dishes. Look for staples like Moe’s Original BBQ, Russell’s Steakhouse and Grill on the Gore. Bistro 14 didn’t have to move too far since the restaurant is already located at Eagle’s Nest. Newer eateries include Glo Noodle House from Avanti Food & Beverage and Makoto Vail.

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The event runs from noon until 2:30 p.m. and although there are tents, you want to be prepared for cooler temperatures at that altitude and wind. Even if you’re not skiing or snowboarding to the venue, snow pants and a jacket may be your best bet. For those not skiing into the Mountaintop Tasting, the Eagle Bahn Gondola (No. 19) gets you up to the fun. If you have a ski pass, please use it for mountain access. Foot passes will be provided for those without ski passes.

In addition to the Mountaintop Tasting, there are a few seminars offered, and this is a great way to learn about wine while sipping and asking questions along the way. Education has never been so much fun.

“This year’s Blind Tasting seminar on Friday is a true standout — featuring world-renowned wines tasted side-by-side with the winemakers themselves. You can really dive into the nuances, compare notes and discover hidden gems in an intimate, engaging setting,” said Angela Mueller, executive director of the Taste of Vail.

“Also, on Friday, we’re thrilled to present the Robert Mondavi Seminar and learn about the global influence of this winery while tasting some very special wines from the To Kalon vineyard,” Mueller said.

Friday:

• Behind the Blind: A Tasting of Skill & Discovery – 10:30-11:30 a.m. Grand View Room, Lionshead
• The Art of Chardonnay by Ruinart – 3 p.m. at Root and Flower, Vail Village
• Pinea & Hall: A Comparative Tasting of Fine Wines: Gems of the World – 3-4 p.m. Grand View Room, Lionshead
• From Vision to Napa Grand Cru. The Enduring Impact of Robert Mondavi Winery – 5:30-6:30 p.m. Grand View Room, Lionshead

For tickets and more information, go to TasteOfVail.com.