The Food & Wine Classic is more than one of the world’s premier culinary events. It’s where celebrated chefs, acclaimed winemakers, hospitality innovators, and curious travelers gather in Aspen to celebrate the art of living well.
There are food festivals.
There are wine festivals.
And then there is the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.
For three extraordinary days each June, the culinary world gathers at the foot of Aspen Mountain for one of the most celebrated lifestyle events anywhere in the world. Acclaimed chefs, legendary winemakers, master sommeliers, distillers, luxury hospitality brands, culinary innovators, and passionate travelers converge in one remarkable mountain town to celebrate the art of living well.
Since its debut in 1983, the Food & Wine Classic has become far more than a culinary festival. It has evolved into an international gathering where ideas are exchanged, new partnerships are formed, emerging trends are introduced, and unforgettable experiences unfold around every corner.
Whether you are attending your first Classic or returning as an annual tradition, the weekend offers something few events can replicate—a rare opportunity to learn directly from many of the industry’s most respected voices while experiencing one of America’s most beautiful mountain destinations.
The Grand Tasting Pavilion
The heart of the weekend is the Grand Tasting Pavilion.
Hundreds of exceptional wines, champagnes, premium spirits, craft cocktails, gourmet foods, luxury culinary products, and emerging brands are thoughtfully presented by the people who create them. Rather than simply sampling, guests have the opportunity to engage directly with vintners, distillers, chefs, artisans, and founders who generously share the stories behind their work.
It is a celebration of craftsmanship, discovery, and conversation as much as it is of exceptional food and wine.
Learn from the Best
Throughout the weekend, renowned chefs, award-winning authors, master sommeliers, wine producers, mixologists, and hospitality leaders host an impressive schedule of demonstrations, tastings, seminars, and panel discussions.
Guests gain insight into culinary techniques, regional wines, emerging destinations, sustainable hospitality, restaurant trends, food culture, and the stories that inspire some of the world’s finest dining experiences.
These sessions are intimate, educational, entertaining, and often surprisingly personal, offering access that is difficult to find anywhere else.
Aspen Becomes the Stage
One of the greatest pleasures of the Food & Wine Classic extends well beyond the official venues.
Restaurants debut exclusive tasting menus.
Luxury hotels host private receptions.
Wine estates present invitation-only dinners.
Brands unveil new products.
Chefs collaborate for one-night-only experiences.
Throughout Aspen, conversations continue over rooftop cocktails, fireside lounges, garden parties, and intimate dinners that stretch late into the evening.
For one remarkable weekend, the entire town becomes part of the celebration.
More Than Food and Wine
While extraordinary cuisine and exceptional wines are the foundation of the event, what truly distinguishes the Food & Wine Classic is the community it attracts.
Hospitality executives.
Luxury travel advisors.
Editors and media.
Hotel owners.
Destination marketers.
Chefs.
Collectors.
Entrepreneurs.
Passionate travelers who simply appreciate exceptional experiences.
It is one of the few places where the people creating tomorrow’s luxury travel experiences gather together in one destination.
The conversations happening over a glass of champagne often become tomorrow’s hotel openings, restaurant collaborations, culinary journeys, and travel partnerships.
Why We Love It
At Best Day Every Day, we believe travel is ultimately about connection.
Connection to people.
Connection to culture.
Connection to extraordinary experiences.
The Food & Wine Classic embodies all three.
Every seminar inspires curiosity.
Every tasting introduces a new discovery.
Every conversation has the potential to become a lasting friendship or unforgettable travel experience.
It reminds us that the very best journeys are not measured only by where we go, but by the remarkable people we meet along the way.
When to Go
The Food & Wine Classic takes place each June, when Aspen enjoys warm summer days, cool mountain evenings, wildflowers in bloom, and a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly complements the weekend’s celebrations.
The event regularly sells out months in advance, making early planning essential.
Best Day Every Day Recommendation
The Food & Wine Classic is far more than an event to attend.
It is an experience to savor.
Plan to arrive a day early and stay several days after the festival concludes. Explore Aspen’s world-class hiking trails, ride the Silver Queen Gondola, visit the Aspen Art Museum, enjoy its renowned dining scene, and allow yourself time to experience the mountain town that makes this extraordinary gathering possible.
Because while the Food & Wine Classic may bring you to Aspen, it is Aspen itself that will make you want to return.
