On June 20, 2025, the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen will return for its 42nd edition. It will feature an array of cooking demos, educational seminars, wine tastings, exclusive parties, dinners and special events at venues throughout town. While the bacchanal is ostensibly centered around the multiple daily grand tastings in Wagner Park, each year sees the entire town transformed into a nearly endless celebration of the finest elements of food and drink culture. Padma Lakshmi, Ayesha Curry, Kristen Kish, Tyler Florence, Carla Hall, Stephanie Izard, Maneet Chauhan, Tiffany Derry, Claudette Zepeda, Martin Yan and Andrew Zimmern are set to headline this year’s experience.
READ: The 40 Year Feast – Industry Professionals Reflect on the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen
As with years past, this time will surely provide attendees an opportunity to rub shoulders with culinary icons in a remarkably intimate setting. “It’s where the who’s who appear and perform. It’s the best festival in the country,” said BRUTO Chef Byron Gomez, who has attended and hosted dinners at multiple previous incarnations of The Classic.
As the festival enters its fifth decade, it’s clear that organizers have left no stone unturned when it comes to giving guests a nearly labyrinthian assortment of pleasurable pursuits. “Since 1983, the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen has been at the epicenter of the culinary culture as a spot to discover new talent and trends, for the industry to gather and share insights, and for attendees to get a taste of what is happening in restaurants, at wineries and in travel destinations around the world. The event spawned an entire food festival category. It reflects the culinary industry, a moment to celebrate their achievements, and a barometer for what’s on the horizon,” said Food and Wine Editor Hunter Lewis. “There are people from all over the world that go to the Classic, and it’s an incredible way to gain some perspective on how this industry is simultaneously vast and small,” added Spencer Barnes, a longtime attendee and presenter.
While it may not be at the center of the bustle, attendees should consider staying at The Aspen Meadows Resort, a gorgeous property on the far end of town that, since 2022, has been hosting one of the best parties of the whole weekend, The Juneteenth Celebration. Acting as a capstone, the Sunday soiree celebrates black talent. It’s opening year was headlined by Kwame Onwuachi of Top Chef Season 13 fame. “At Salamander and the Aspen Meadows Resort, we value creating events that celebrate cultural diversity, which is part of the vision of our founder and CEO Sheila Johnson,” said The Salamander Collection‘s Vice President of Communications Matt Owen.
The Food and Wine Classic in Aspen takes place from June 20 – 22. Passes are going fast and can be purchased here.
Photos are from the 2024 Food and Wine Classic in Aspen. They are all courtesy of C2 Photography / Food and Wine.
