Here’s everything you need to know before you go to the 2026 Vail Wine Classic, brought to you by the sponsors of this article, Team Player Productions, the people behind the Park City Wine event, Breckenridge Wine Classic and other events. Don’t miss our EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE BELOW to apply when purchasing your tickets to this very Colorado event.
Get to Know the Vail Wine Classic
THE PERFECT PLAN FOR SUMMER IN COLORADO:
- The mountain town of Vail, Colorado
- Summer days and nights enjoying nature all around
- Gorgeous views
- A bounty of wines to discover and enjoy
- Delicious food from Vail’s celebrated culinary scene
- Live music, art and shopping
- The makings of great memories for a quintessential mountain getaway
WHEN IS THE VAIL WINE CLASSIC? August 6-8, 2026
WHERE IS IT HELD? Various locations in Vail, Colorado
WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS OF THE EVENT?
Grand Tasting (Aug. 7 & 8)
Held outdoors with expansive Vail Valley Views, sip from more than 300 wines and spirits, enjoy local gourmet food, live music and curated shopping.
Tickets for the Grand Tastings come in three levels (NOTE: Pricing is in tiers and goes up as the event approaches – purchase sooner rather than later!):
General Admission runs 3-5:30pm both days.
Early Access runs 2:30-5:30pm both days. (Early access means only 50% of attendees will be in the event).
Premium Access runs 2-5:30pm both days. (Even earlier access means only 15% of attendees will be in the event. Taste without the lines!)
Best of Fest (Aug. 7)
With a magnificent Colorado sunset as a backdrop, enjoy this special, intimate tasting event featuring a curated wine list made up of wines that would normally cost more than $100/bottle or are rated 90 points or higher. In addition to tasting these fine, reserve bottles, enjoy delicious food that pairs perfectly. There will also be live music for this indoor event that has a patio offering panoramic views.
Tickets for Best of the Fest are $235/person (plus $24.79 in fees). Payment plans are available.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Paired Wine Dinners (Aug. 6)
These special meals take place in some of Vail’s top restaurants where wineries, master sommeliers and chefs work their magic to create amazing food and wine tasting meals. Enjoy A Taste of Alexander Valley Wine Dinner with the culinary team at Ridge + River by Manor Vail, paired with wines from Alexander Valley Vineyards and a Chasing Cab Wine Dinner at Chasing Rabbits paired with wines from Stressed Vines Cellars.
Paired Wine Lunches (Aug. 7 & 8)
Enjoy sunny days and lunchtime at select Vail restaurants with food and wine pairings created by wineries, master sommeliers and local chefs at their restaurants. Events include a Pigs & Pinots Wine Lunch and Blush & Bubbles Brunch.
Paired Wine Adventures (Aug. 7 & 8)
How very “Vail” to combine a wine-pairing lunch with scenic hikes and other adventures on and off the mountain. Everything tastes better with fresh mountain air and fantastic views. Enjoy the Trail to Tasting Wine Hike & Lunch and Wines & Wildflowers Hike and Lunch both led by Kylie Bearse.
SommSchool Wine Event Guide
Sign up to receive a free wine guide for the event that includes tips for winning “Two Truths and a Wine.”
WHO ARE SOME OF THE WINE, SPIRITS AND BEER PURVEYORS WHO’LL BE THERE?
Blue Beryl
Dilécta Wines
Piattelli Vineyards
Outer Range Brewing
Michael David Winery
Woody Creek Distillers
QUICK TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF THE VAIL WINE CLASSIC (AND ABOUT THAT DISCOUNT CODE…)
1. Purchase tickets for each event early because prices go up in tiers.
2. Take advantage of our exclusive discount promo code “ingoodtaste” to receive $10 off any event ticket as events go live.
3. Make the most of Premium Access and Early Access tickets which give you more opportunity to speak to the wine, beer and spirits representatives. Ask questions, get to know them and their products.
4. Take pictures of the beverages you particularly enjoy so you can purchase them at home and/or ask for them in restaurants and bars. To make it even easier, the wineries, and what they are pouring, will be featured on the Vail Wine Classic website under the “Wineries” page for reference.
5. Use the free SommSchool Wine Event Guide to get tasting tips and more.
6. Get great deals on lodging with the Vail Wine Classic link.
7. Wear plenty of sunscreen and drink plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated.
Get all the details of the Vail Wine Classic on their website. And stay apprised of the latest news on their social media on Facebook and Instagram.
-By Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher & Managing Editor, InGoodTasteDenver.com
Comments are closed.