Some events are so iconic that you wonder if they can live up to the hype. After spending last weekend at my first Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, I can confidently report that this one does.
For three days every June, Aspen transforms into a playground for food lovers. More than 60 culinary stars descend on the mountain town for 80+ cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, panel discussions, and spirits tastings — while five Grand Tastings bring together more than 150 chefs, wineries, distilleries, and food brands from around the world. It is one of the country’s most celebrated culinary events, and after finally experiencing it myself, I understand exactly why.
As someone who has spent the last 12 years exploring Colorado’s restaurant scene through my blog, Colorado Bites, attending the Classic had been on my wish list for a long time. This year, I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be there.
What struck me most wasn’t any single chef, wine, or dish. It was the energy. Everywhere you turned, people were talking about food. In seminar lines. At wine tastings. Walking down the street. Sitting on restaurant patios. The entire town seemed united by a shared enthusiasm for eating, drinking, learning, and celebrating hospitality.
Of course, the talent was extraordinary.
This year’s lineup included culinary stars such as Bobby Flay, Brooke Williamson, Adam Zimmern, Tyler Florence, Maneet Chauhan, Stephanie Izard, Nancy Silverton, Mei Lin, Tiffany Derry, and dozens more. One of my favorite seminars was Stories & Spice: A Journey Through Indian Cuisine with Maneet Chauhan, whose infectious enthusiasm and storytelling had the audience hanging on every word.
[image 2]
But there were also incredible sessions on Mexican cuisine, pairing Champagne with fried chicken, volcanic wines, katsu sandos, Japanese frying techniques, Southern cooking, steak mastery, and much more. Throughout the weekend, attendees had the opportunity to learn directly from some of the most respected names in the culinary world — and then meet them at book signings, photo sessions, and events around town.
Then there were the Grand Tastings.
Imagine hundreds of incredible wines, spirits, and culinary creations gathered under one tent, with the people behind them eager to share their stories. Every turn led to another discovery, another conversation, and another reason to linger. This author’s favorite bite from the weekend? A Cambodian crab curry from Food & Wine’s 2025 Best New Chef, Phila Lorn (above). Honestly unforgettable.
And then there is Aspen itself.
Aspen is breathtaking any time of year, but there is something especially magical about seeing the town during Food & Wine Classic weekend. The mountain backdrop, the walkability, the beautiful June weather, and the nonstop lineup of events create an atmosphere that feels equal parts festival, reunion, and celebration.
I arrived excited to finally experience the Food & Wine Classic for myself. I left inspired, overfed, and already hoping to return next year.
Now I understand why so many people make the pilgrimage to Aspen every June.
About Natalia Story
Natalia Story is the founder of Colorado Bites, a Denver-based food, wine, and travel publication dedicated to discovering and sharing Colorado’s best restaurants, culinary events, and hospitality experiences. Learn more at ColoradoBites.com and follow along on Instagram at @colorado_bites.