The 12th annual Denver Food + Wine Festival kicks off today with plenty of gastronomic events to enjoy. The six-day festival features a dinner under the stars, wine seminars, tastes of the best dishes Denver’s chefs have to offer and a weekend brunch in pajamas. Read on for all events and more details about the festival.

Tuesday, September 6: Culinary Cinema Night

Photo courtesy of Grupo Daní García.

Photo courtesy of Grupo Daní García.

Where: SIE FilmCenter 2510 E Colfax, Denver

When:  7 p.m. film screening, 8:15 p.m. reception in Henderson’s Lounge.

Cost: $50 per person

Low Down: The Culinary Cinema Series kicks off the Denver Food + Wine Festival with a showing of the film “Deconstructing Dani Garcia” in partnership with the Colorado Restaurant Association and the Denver Film Society. Following the movie screening, guests will snack on small appetizers and sip on wine and spirits provided by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

 

Wednesday, September 7: Dinner Under the Stars

Photo courtesy of Blanc.

Photo courtesy of Blanc.

Where: Blanc, 3150 Walnut St

When: 7-10 p.m.

Cost: $200

Low Down: Spend your evening dining on dishes from a star-studded lineup of Denver chefs. The six-course dinner features Kelly Whitaker of Basta, Dana Rodriguez of Work & Class, Paul Reilly of Beast & Bottle, Alex Seidel of Mercantile Dining & Provision, Justin Brunson of Old Major and Mark Metzger, executive pastry chef of Jill’s Restaurant and the St Julien Hotel & Spa. Each course is paired with wines selected by Master Sommeliers Jay Fletcher and Damon Ornowski. 

Friday, September 9: Riedel Wine Glass Seminar

Denver Food + Wine. Photo courtesy of Juliette Coughlin.

Denver Food + Wine. Photo courtesy of Juliette Coughlin.

Where: 1190 Auraria Parkway by SpringHill Suites

When: 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Cost: $75

Low Down: The Riedel Wine Glass Seminar will enhance your appreciation of wine, and is perfect for all wine lovers. Guests participate in a tasting with Doug Reed — Riedel glassware ambassador — will also show how the shape of a wine glass correlates with each varietal and how stems affect our senses of the balance, taste and finish of wines. Guests will take home their own four-glass set.

 

Friday, September 9: The Shakedown

Photo by Nick Adorni.

Photo by Nick Adorni.

Where: 7th & Auraria Parkway

When: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Cost: $55

Low Down: Enjoy an evening of jazz music and Southern-inspired appetizers and cocktails from 12 of Denver’s best restaurants. Bartenders from Colorado Bartenders Guild will compete for the title of Denver’s “Best Cocktail.” Guests can try each cocktail and vote for their favorite. The competition includes bartenders from RiNo Yacht Club, Terminal Bar, Ted’s Montana Grill and more.

 

Saturday, September 10: Grand Tasting

Denver Food + Wine Festival's Grand Tasting. Photo by Nick Adorni.

Denver Food + Wine Festival’s Grand Tasting. Photo by Nick Adorni.

Where: 7th and Auraria Parkway

When: Early Admission/VIP 12-4 p.m., General Admission 1-4p.m.

Cost: General Admission $125, First tasting $165, VIP Tasting/Lounge $250

Low Down: The tasting tents will include award-winning chefs, wine professionals and mixologists. Guests can indulge in bites from more than 40 top restaurants and can choose from 700 wine and spirit selections. Some participating restaurants include The Fort and Bistro Colorado. The Grand Tasting features the Heaven Hill Bourbon + Bluegrass Lounge along with Weber Mobile Grill Academy, in which guests can learn pizza grilling techniques and much more. All festival guests can take home a Riedel wine glass. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, click here.

 

Sunday, September 11: Rise + Dine

Build your own Bloody Mary. Photo courtesy of The Nickel.

Build your own Bloody Mary. Photo courtesy of The Nickel.

Where: Curtis Hotel Ballroom, 1405 Curtis St

When: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Cost: $55

Low Down: Bid adieu to the Denver Food + Wine Festival with mimosas and cuisine from some of Denver’s best brunch spots and make your own epic Bloody Mary in your pajamas. Participating brunch restaurants include Snooze, The Nickel and The Squeaky Bean. Pajamas are optional.