As the snow melts to reveal Aspen’s bright greenery, the popular ski resort transforms into a haven for food connoisseurs and sommeliers. This is not new, of course. The Food & Wine Classic is now entering its 40th year and, as usual, it will spread across the town’s parks in crisp white tents, welcoming an enviable lineup of celebrity chefs and industry experts from around the world.
This year, the Food & Wine Classic will host Bobby Flay, Marcus Samuelsson and Carla Hall for its lineup of cooking demonstrations, tastings and seminars. Some of the dishes showcased at 2022’s iteration includes tahini-tofu dip with chili crunch, spicy shrimp toast and turmeric-poached eggs with chive biscuits. Though much of the weekend involves tasting and sipping, the Food & Wine Classic also brings the party, from tequila socials with Casa Dragones to Spanish wine fiestas.
Capping festival attendance at 5,000 and attaching a steep price tag, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen prides itself on exclusivity. With a standard consumer pass, you get access to the 5 Grand Tastings at the center of Aspen, as well as various seminars throughout the weekend. By upgrading to a VIP pass, you can also engage in special tastings, private parties and a cookout on the top of Aspen Mountain. However, the festival also has a volunteer program that grants individuals free access to events when they’re not assigned to work.
The Specs
- The Classic caps the event at 5,000 people each year
- Tickets start at $1,950 for a consumer pass and $4,450 for a VIP pass. At the time of this article, passes are sold out, but you can join the waitlist here.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s Guide to Aspen.
FAQs
Does the festival have a cancellation policy? The Food & Wine Classic has a $100 cancellation fee for each pass. However, no refunds are available within 60 days of the event.
What is the smoking policy? No smoking, including vaping and electronic cigarettes, is permitted at any Food & Wine Classic event.
Is there an age limit?All attendees must be at least 21 years old.
