What: Steamboat Wine Festival
When: August 7-11, 2013
Where: Steamboat Springs, CO
Still looking for something to do this weekend? Head to the hills for the 10th annual Steamboat Wine Festival. The Yampa Valley is a gorgeous setting for a festival of spirits, cuisine, entertainment, and all things wine. Like most wine festivals, Steamboat offers enticing pairing classes like Friday’s Wine & Chocolate event, which pairs Quady Winery with Steamboat’s own Yepello Chocolates & Confections (2:00 pm, $55.00 per person). But what sets the Steamboat Wine Festival apart is the addition of outdoor activities. Festival attendees can sign up for guided hiking and biking trips that culminate in lunch and wine tasting. If you prefer something a little less active, there is also a Corks & Canvas class (Saturday, 10:00 am, $65.00 per person) that promises to awaken your inner artist with step-by-step instructions for painting a vineyard landscape.
Whether you opt for bikes or paintbrushes, you won’t want to miss the most popular events of the weekend. On Friday, the Stroll of Steamboat takes wine lovers on a tour down Main Street and along the Yampa River to sample wine, craft beer, and local food. The $80.00 ticket includes three hours of culinary fun beginning at 4:00 pm. The festival’s grand finale is on Saturday afternoon at Gondola Square. With over 500 different wines and more than 20 participating restaurants, the Toast of Steamboat is sure to impress (Saturday, 3:00 pm, $90.00 per person).
Tickets are still available for the Stroll of Steamboat, the grand tasting, and many other events. Please note that the festival is an adult-only, over 21 event, and pets are not allowed. To see a complete schedule and to buy tickets please visit steamboatwinefestival.com.